Preparing for Workshop Wednesday; Mythology; The Epic of Gilgamesh

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LAB:

Please work on your portfolio pieces (or your summary paper). See previous posts for specific details.

At the end of the period, we will pick up The Epic of Gilgamesh from the library.

CLASSROOM:

Mythology comes from the Greek 'mythos' for story or speech of the people, and 'logos' for reason or word.

Myths are closely linked to religion and folklore. They usually include divine beings, supernatural events, and allegorical meanings. Myths that deal with the creation of the universe (or aspects of it) are cosmologies or creation myths. Myths that deal with heroes or historical figures that take on a "superhuman" quality are legends. While myths that tell stories about animals or inanimate objects are fables.

A word about myths:
  • Myths usually run along cultural lines--embodying a specific world view or belief of that culture. They are often the basis of religion or religious belief.
  • Myths often explain origins, natural phenomena, or aspects of our 4 major themes in literature: life, death, nature, or love. Myths often touch upon these themes.
  • Myths name or describe the supernatural or divine world of beings beyond our human comprehension. They may include legends and are closely related to fairy tales and folklore. Hero myths or legends are used as role models for behavior or cultural taboos and mores. They exemplify what a culture deems important or essential to their group or way of living.
  • Myths attempt to explain the connection between the divine and human existence, or to answer: Who am I and how do I fit in to the natural order? They often concern themselves with humans and their place in the natural order of the universe.
  • Creation myths explain how a person or world came to be. There are a variety of creation myth types. 
Let's get cracking. Today, with whatever time we have during period 2, we will begin our encounter with The Epic of Gilgamesh. Occasionally, we will stop and play around with the text a bit.


HOMEWORK: Please continue to read the Epic of Gilgamesh in its entirety. Aim to complete your reading by Friday, Oct. 28. To help prepare and assist you, please check this link and read the background material/context for the epic. Please bring your books back with you FRIDAY. Wednesday we will be holding a writer's workshop for your portfolio. 

Portfolios for the marking period are due Tuesday, Nov. 1.

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