Border Legends, Myth, & Folklore

Students identify and describe the types of narratives that made Tolkien the writer he was. In groups, they examine different myths and folktale motifs. They discuss what Tolkien meant by "faerie" and "eucatastrophe." As a class, they...

Are you are considering a unit on Beowulf or Superman, on myths, or tricksters? Here's a great overview you can use to launch a study of universal themes and archetypes. The focus here is on the oral tradition, but the concepts apply to...

Young scholars use the internet to track the growth of the King Arthur legend from the Dark Ages to its arrival on the silver screen.

Was there really a guy named Homer? Was the Odyssey written by one man or many? Are the stories original or a retelling of well-known myths? It may not contain all the information that viewers need to know about The Odyssey but this...

Students examine all types of tales in an effort to better explain the relationships between humans and animals. They see how one culture may value an animal and another find the same animal a revolting beast.

Origin stories aren't just for comic books. Learners explore the Inca origin story and compare it to other familiar creation myths with an installment of the Native American Stories series. An easy-to-use lesson plan includes an...

Pupils examine why certain historical figures get credit for their accomplishments and others are forgotten. The importance and the need for historical accuracy form the focus of this instructional activity.

Young scholars read legends about volcanoes. They develop their own legend and shares them with the class. They practice their writing skills as well.

Students listen to or read a variety of stories and then work individually or in groups to complete graphic organizers that will help them focus on elements within different types of stories. They write definitions for a variety of story...

Students analyze the Greek Amphora figure in Greek art and complete related activities. In this Greek art lesson plan, students analyze the Greek vase art and the Antimenes painter style. Students research mythology sections for stories...