Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece

1. Gods and GoddessesofAncient Greece A Mythology Webquest Adapted from Mythology Webquest by Miss Albert http://teacherweb.com/WQ/MiddleSchool/TheLightningThief/apt1.aspx

2. Introduction • Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a superpower? To fly through the air or leap tall buildings in a single bound? Well, the Greek gods and goddesses of Olympus had it all: power over the earth, sky, sea, and underworld, lightning bolts, skills on the battlefield and in the hunt, athleticism, beauty, and superior intelligence. Unfortunately, they also had their faults: vanity, jealousy, and greed, to name a few.

3. Many cultures have created stories to understand the world around them. These myths or legends were used to explain forces of nature, weather, animals, and even the creation of humans. In Greek mythology, the lives, choices, and actions of the Olympians helped the Greeks make sense of their world.

4. In this webquest, you will: • become familiar with Greek gods and goddesses and understand what traits and characteristics were valued in Greek culture • gain an appreciation for the lasting impact of this culture as you examine advertising campaigns that contain Greek gods and symbols • compare and contrast the ancient Greek culture and our own society • create a “modern god or goddess” that represents a positive or negative aspect of our world today • write and give a speech campaigning for Zeus's job as head of the Olympians

5. Activity 1 • (Use Activity 1 packet Page) • The first task will introduce you to the twelve Olympians and other mythological creatures. • Use the links below to complete Activity 1. • Remember, some sites are more helpful than others and some have more complete information. Don’t rely on just one! • Greek Lineage and Descriptions: • http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Mythology/ • Greek Encyclopedia:   • http://www.mythweb.com/encyc/contents.html • Greek God/Goddess Bios: http://www.desy.de/gna/interpedia/greek_myth/gods.html#GreekGods • Encyclopedia Mythica: http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/greek/articles.html • Examples of Student-Made Trading Cards: • http://teachingwithblondeambition.blogspot.com/2012/04/more-greek-mythology-fun.html

6. Activity 2 (Use Activity 2 Packet Page) There are hundreds of companies that use mythological names, symbols or figures in their logos or advertising campaigns. Some of them, like Nike or Amazon, are very familiar to you. Use this link to complete the second packet page and discover other mythological connections. Greek Mythology in Modern Slogans/Logos: http://thanasis.com/modern/biz.htm

7. Activity 3 (Use Activity 3 Packet Page)  In the last part of your quest, you will need to examine ancient Greek myths and culture and compare them to our own modern day world. The ideas and skills that were valued in the time of the immortals may not be what 21st century men and women consider important! Greek Culture: http://www.crystalinks.com/greekculture.html The Greek Explanation of the Creation of Man: http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths Ancient Greece: http://greece.mrdonn.org/

8. Activity 4 • (Use Activity 4 Packet Page) • Creativity Time! • The gods and goddesses of ancient Greece were made up heroes, created by the Greeks to help them explain and understand the forces of Earth’s nature as well as human nature. • Now, you will create your OWN modern-day god or goddess, based on your interpretation of what is important to us today. • Use the Activity 4 organizer to plan your hero, then explain why you chose to create this particular one and why he or she is significant in our society today. • Finally, create an illustration of your god or goddess!