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TO THE TEACHER

Enclosed is your Olympian Gods Teaching Packet. It replaces the Intermediate/Middle School
Teaching Packet and the Primary Readiness Packet. The overall theme of this packet is the
Greek pantheon: Zeus, Hera, Hestia, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Ares, Athena, Poseidon, Apollo,
Artemis, Hermes, Hades, Demeter, and Dionysus.

Although some material is reprinted from the previous packets, many of the activities in this packet
are new. Some of the new activities are specifically keyed by page number to d’Aulaires’ Book of
Greek Myths in order to help teachers prepare their students for the National Mythology Exam.
Other activities and informational pages are included for enrichment or extension. All materials
are geared toward children in grades three and above, and they include a variety of activities for
different levels of mythological expertise. The stories and activities supplement and complement
myths found in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths.

Additional packets are available from the Excellence Through Classics Committee. They focus on
the current theme of the National Mythology Exam and provide activities which reinforce and
enrich that theme. These thematic materials are also appropriate for children in grades three and
above. The thematic teaching packets currently available are Perseus and Mythological Monsters,
The Underworld, Ancient Beginnings, Heracles, Jason, Theseus, and Transformations.

The rewards of studying mythology are many. Knowledge of mythology increases the
appreciation of literary reference, provides a basis for the understanding of art, aids in the
acquisition of vocabulary, and helps to create historical perspective. An interest in mythology can
be a springboard to the study of foreign language, comparative mythology, anthropology,
literature, art history, and world history.

As you invite mythology into your classroom, it is our hope that you and your children will find
these packets enjoyable and useful.
THE OLYMPIAN GODS
TABLE OF CONTENTS*

Olympian Overview

The Olympians: A Brief Introduction or Review ........................................................................ 1


Pronunciation Guide ................................................................................................................. 4
The Olympians: Appearance and Attributes ............................................................................. 5
Family Tree ............................................................................................................................... 7
Naming the Planets ................................................................................................................. 10
Plan a Planet ........................................................................................................................... 12
Make a Planet Mobile .............................................................................................................. 13
A Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses ...................................................................................... 14
The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece and Rome ....................................................... 15
Greek Name / Roman Name Matching .................................................................................... 21
Symbols of the Gods and Goddesses ..................................................................................... 22

In the Beginning / Zeus / Hestia

In the Beginning Matching ....................................................................................................... 24


Three Puzzles About the War .................................................................................................. 25
In the Beginning Crossword Puzzle ......................................................................................... 28
Out of Chaos Crossword Puzzle .............................................................................................. 31
In the Beginning Word Search ................................................................................................. 33
The End of the War Word Search ............................................................................................ 35
Gaea and Uranus Picture ........................................................................................................ 37
Titanomachy ............................................................................................................................ 38
Musical Mythology: Zeus ........................................................................................................ 48
Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth ................................................................................................ 49
Musical Mythology: Vesta ....................................................................................................... 50
Review #1 ................................................................................................................................ 51

Hera
Hera Crossword Puzzle ........................................................................................................... 54
Transformations ...................................................................................................................... 56
Musical Mythology: Juno ........................................................................................................ 58

Hephaestus
Musical Mythology: Hephaestus ............................................................................................. 59
Hephaestus Activity ................................................................................................................. 60
More Hephaestus Activities ..................................................................................................... 62
Where is Lemnos? .................................................................................................................. 63
Hephaestus Picture ................................................................................................................. 65

Aphrodite

Animals and Monsters ............................................................................................................. 66


More Detailed Information About Aphrodite ............................................................................. 68
More Myths About Aphrodite ................................................................................................... 69
Musical Mythology: Venus....................................................................................................... 70
Aphrodite Picture ..................................................................................................................... 71
*NOTE: Answer Keys follow most activities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS* (continued)
Ares
All of Zeus’ Relatives ............................................................................................................... 72
Who Could I Be? #1 ................................................................................................................. 73
Hephaestus / Aphrodite / Ares Crossword Puzzle ................................................................... 75
Hera / Hephaestus / Aphrodite / Ares Word Search ................................................................. 77
Bingo Game #1 ....................................................................................................................... 79
Musical Mythology: Mars ........................................................................................................ 83
The Wounding of Ares ............................................................................................................. 84

Athena
Musical Mythology: Athena...................................................................................................... 85
Think About Athena ................................................................................................................. 86
Arachne the Weaver ................................................................................................................ 87
Hanging By a Thread ............................................................................................................... 88
Athena Double Puzzle ............................................................................................................. 89
Musical Mythology: Arachne ................................................................................................... 91
Derivatives from “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider” .................................................................................. 92
Name That Spider ................................................................................................................... 93
Pom-Pom Spiders ................................................................................................................... 94

Poseidon
Athena / Poseidon Crossword Puzzle ..................................................................................... 95
Relationships ........................................................................................................................... 98
Athena / Poseidon Word Search ........................................................................................... 100
Who Could I Be? #2 .............................................................................................................. 102
Analogies .............................................................................................................................. 103
Musical Mythology: Neptune ................................................................................................ 105
The Contest for Athens – A Retelling .................................................................................... 106
Why Was it Better? ................................................................................................................ 107
Water, Water, Everywhere .................................................................................................... 108
Some Facts About Water ...................................................................................................... 109
Oil or Water? ......................................................................................................................... 110
Poseidon Picture ................................................................................................................... 111
Review #2 ............................................................................................................................. 112

Apollo / Artemis
Apollo / Artemis Crossword Puzzle ........................................................................................ 116
Apollo Word Pieces ............................................................................................................... 118
Artemis Word Pieces ............................................................................................................. 119
True Statements Apollo / Artemis ........................................................................................... 120
Bingo Game #2 ..................................................................................................................... 123
Musical Mythology: Apollo .................................................................................................... 126
Musical Mythology: Artemis.................................................................................................... 127
Artemis and Actaeon: Write Your Own Ending ..................................................................... 128
Make Artemis’ Stag and Quiver ............................................................................................. 129
Artemis and Actaeon Maze ................................................................................................... 130
Artemis and Actaeon Picture ................................................................................................. 131
Daphne and Apollo: A Retelling ............................................................................................ 132
Musical Mythology: Apollo and Daphne ................................................................................ 134
Apollo and Daphne Puppets................................................................................................... 135
*NOTE: Answer Keys follow most activities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS* (continued)

Hermes

Word Search – Hermes ......................................................................................................... 137


Hermes Crossword ................................................................................................................ 139
Hermes Double Puzzle .......................................................................................................... 141
Mythological Names Rebus ................................................................................................... 142
Musical Mythology: Mercury ................................................................................................. 144
The Caduceus ....................................................................................................................... 145
Activities for Hermes and Apollo ............................................................................................ 146
Apollo and Hermes Picture .................................................................................................... 147

Hades / Demeter

The Underworld Double Puzzle ............................................................................................. 148


Who Could I Be? #3 ............................................................................................................... 149
Demeter / Hades Crossword ................................................................................................. 151
Hermes / Hades / Demeter Cloze Exercise ........................................................................... 153
Musical Mythology: Ceres .................................................................................................... 157
Musical Mythology: Hades and Persephone.......................................................................... 158
Home Sweet Home ................................................................................................................ 159
Write About Cerberus ............................................................................................................ 161
Constellations ........................................................................................................................ 162
Demeter Activities ................................................................................................................. 164
Demeter and Triptolemus Picture .......................................................................................... 165
Review #3 ............................................................................................................................. 166

General Mythology

Mythology Rap ...................................................................................................................... 170


Mythology Project: Teacher Information ............................................................................... 171
Mythology Project: Student Information ................................................................................ 172
Special Section on Cooperative Work ................................................................................... 176
Why Do We Say That? .......................................................................................................... 185
Words from the Gods: A Dictionary and Research Skills Activity ........................................... 187
General Bibliography For Classical Mythology ...................................................................... 190

* NOTE: Answer Keys follow most activities.

Illustrations on the cover sheet and pages 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 21, 22, 24, 28, 33, 35, 38, 48, 49, 50, 54, 56, 58,
59, 60, 62, 66, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 75, 77, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 89, 91, 93, 95, 100, 102, 105, 109, 110, 116,
118, 119, 126, 127, 128, 133, 134, 137, 139, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 148, 149, 151, 154, 155, 157, 158,
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The use of these pictures is authorized by the agreement between the subscriber and
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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

The Olympians: A Brief Introduction or Review


THE CHILDREN OF THE TITANS, CRONUS AND RHEA
ZEUS Roman Name: Jupiter or Jove
Zeus became the king of the Olympian gods after the battle with the Titans. He
rules the upper air, and he uses thunder and lightning as weapons. He has
power over humans (mortals) and often goes among them in disguise. He
especially likes young ladies, and he has had many children, both mortal and
immortal. His symbols are lightning, the eagle, the oak, and a crown and
scepter.

HERA Roman Name: Juno


Hera was Zeus’ sister and wife. Hera is considered the Queen of Mount Olympus,
beautiful in a mature way. She is also very jealous of Zeus’ affairs with mortal women,
and she does spiteful things to them, like turn them into a cow or an echo. Her symbol
is the peacock, from the story of Io. She is considered the goddess of women,
marriage, and childbirth.

POSEIDON Roman Name: Neptune

Poseidon was the god of the sea, and he has the power to cause storms, tidal waves,
and earthquakes when he strikes his trident on the water or the land. He is the brother
of Zeus. He became the father of many children including the Cyclopes in The
Odyssey. You can recognize him by the trident, sea symbols, his long beard, and his
chariot coming out of the waves which is usually pulled by four white horses.

HADES Roman Name: Pluto or Dis

Hades was the gloomy god of the underworld, guardian of all the dead people,
both good and bad. Since he does not like the light, he does not live on Mount
Olympus. One day, however, he did go up on earth to steal Persephone for his
wife. His symbols are a two-pronged scepter, four black horses that pull his
chariot, and the three-headed dog, Cerberus. Sometimes the underworld itself
is called Hades.

DEMETER Roman Name: Ceres


Demeter was the goddess of grain and the harvest. If she was not happy, things
would not grow. After Hades took her daughter, Persephone, the earth was frozen
and bare for a long time. Zeus became upset and made the girl come back to earth
for part of the year. Her symbols are sheaves of grain or baskets of fruit. Do you eat
anything that sounds like her Roman name?

HESTIA Roman Name: Vesta


Hestia was the first child of Cronus and Rhea. She is a goddess of the hearth and its
sacred fire. Fire was very important to ancient people so they prayed to Hestia to
keep it burning. Her symbol is the hearth. There are not many stories about her, and
she did not have a throne with the others but rather sat on the floor near the fire.

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

The Olympians: A Brief Introduction or Review (continued)

THE CHILDREN OF ZEUS AND HERA

HEPHAESTUS Roman Name: Vulcan

Hephaestus was the god of the forge. He was an excellent blacksmith. He


made Zeus’ lightning bolts, and he fashioned armor for both gods and mortals.
He is said to be ugly and deformed with thin, weak legs because Zeus threw
him from Mount Olympus. He is usually pictured at his forge or anvil,
sometimes being helped by three Cyclopes, the one-eyed sons of Gaea (the
earth) and Uranus (the sky). He married Aphrodite, goddess of love and
beauty, but she was not faithful to him.

ARES Roman Name: Mars

Ares was the tall, handsome god of war. He was vain and cruel, and he did not have
respect from the other Olympians. The spirit of Strife, called Eris, went with him.
She threw down her golden apple of discord which made people fight. Then Ares
would jump into battle just for blood. He was loved by Aphrodite, and their son is
Eros. Ares’ symbols are armor, a war-chariot, vultures, and dogs.

THE CHILDREN OF ZEUS AND LETO (Latona)

APOLLO Roman Name: Apollo

Apollo was sometimes called Phoebus. He was the god of music and poetry, and he was
often pictured with long golden hair, a lyre, and a bow and arrows. Apollo is associated
with the sun. He was very important to Greeks and others who often went to his temple
at Delphi to get advice for their future from the Oracle. Apollo and the nine Muses,
goddesses of the arts, are often shown together dancing. Apollo is also known as a
handsome lover, especially in the story of Daphne in Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

ARTEMIS Roman Name: Diana

Artemis was the goddess of the hunt and the moon. She is often pictured with a short
dress, a bow and arrows, and a crescent moon on her head. She is the twin sister of
Apollo. Artemis never married but spent her life hunting in the woods with her
hounds.

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The Olympians: A Brief Introduction or Review (continued)

OTHER OLYMPIANS

ATHENA Roman Name: Minerva

Athena was sometimes called Pallas. She was the goddess of wisdom and useful
arts. Fully formed and wearing armor, she was born out of Zeus’ head. She is
usually pictured with her armor, often with the head of Medusa on her shield or
aegis. Other symbols are an owl and an olive tree or branch. The city of Athens
was named for her, and her temple, the Parthenon, is still there. She was Zeus’
favorite daughter. Her most famous story is about Arachne, the weaver.

APHRODITE Roman Name: Venus

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, born fully grown out of the sea on a
cushion of foam. She was so beautiful almost no man could resist her. Zeus had
her marry Hephaestus so the gods would not fight over her. She often had other
lovers. Her symbols are seashells, a chariot pulled by doves, and a mirror.

HERMES Roman Name: Mercury

Hermes was the messenger of the gods and the protector of travelers. He led dead souls
to the Underworld. Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, a Titan’s daughter. From the
day of his birth, he was tricky and strong. He invented the lyre from a turtle shell, stole the
cattle of Apollo, and then traded them for the lyre. His symbols are winged sandals and
hat, a wand with snakes on it, a traveling hat, and a cloak.

DIONYSUS Roman Name: Bacchus

Dionysus was the god of grapes, wine, and revelry. Zeus was his father. He had
a mortal mother, Semele, but was born out of Zeus’ thigh. His worshippers
danced around the hills until they worked themselves into an ecstatic frenzy.

Submitted by Susan Hengelsberg


Perry, NY

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
These pronunciations are taken from Morford and Lenardon’s Classical Mythology.

Accented syllables are in bold type.

Values of the long vowels are as follows:

ā as in cape
ē as in bee
ī as in ice
ō as in boat
ū as in too

aegis ē - jis
Aphrodite af - rō- dī - tē
Apollo a - pol - lō
Ares ar - ēz
Artemis ar - te - mis
Athena a - thē - na
Bacchus bak - kus
Ceres sē - rēs
Cyclopes sī - klō - pēs
Delphi del - fī
Demeter de - mē - ter
Dionysus dī - ō - nī - sus
Gaea jē -a
Hades hā - dēs
Hephaestus he - fes - tus
Hera he - ra
Hermes her - mēs
Hestia hes - ti- a
Maia mā - ya
Persephone per - sef - ō - nē
Phoebus fē - bus
Poseidon po - sī - don
Semele sem - e - lē
Zeus zus

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

THE OLYMPIANS: APPEARANCE AND ATTRIBUTES


1. ZEUS: king of the gods, brother and husband of Hera
A. God of the sky and weather, ruler of gods and men
B. Appearance: mature, bearded, clothed
C. Attributes: eagle, oak tree, scepter, thunderbolt
D. Important representation: “Olympian Zeus” by Phidias

2. HERA: queen of the gods, sister and wife of Zeus


A. Goddess of women, marriage, childbirth
B. Appearance: ladylike, mature, fully clothed, often veiled
C. Attributes: crown, scepter, cuckoo, peacock, fleur-de-lis

3. POSEIDON: brother of Zeus


A. God of the sea, horses, earthquakes
B. Appearance: resembles Zeus
C. Attributes: trident, horse, bull, dolphin, entourage of sea nymphs,
sea monsters, and other creatures of the sea.

4. HADES: brother of Zeus, husband of Persephone


A. God of death and the underworld
B. Appearance: seldom depicted, but resembles Zeus
C. Attributes: two-pronged scepter, Cerberus

5. DEMETER: sister of Zeus, mother of Persephone


A. Goddess of the crops
B. Appearance: resembles Hera
C. Attributes: torches, stalk or sheaf of grain
D. Object of a mystery cult at Eleusis near Athens
since the yearly cycle of the crops is an intimation of immortality

6. HESTIA: sister of Zeus


A. Goddess of the hearth
B. Appearance: resembles Hera,
always depicted in an attitude of immobility
C. Attributes: hearth, fire, home
D. Displaced from her throne by Dionysus prior to 432 BCE

7. HEPHAESTUS: son of Zeus and Hera, husband of Aphrodite


A. Lame god of fire and the forge, divine handyman or artisan
B. Appearance: bearded, serious, usually at his forge,
often wears a skull cap
C. Attributes: hammer, anvil, bellows, fire, forge

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

THE OLYMPIANS: APPEARANCE AND ATTRIBUTES (continued)


8. ARES: son of Zeus and Hera
A. God of violence and ugly passions of war, divine swashbuckler
B. Appearance: unpopular so seldom depicted,
but appears as a handsome young man in armor
C. Attributes: armor, vulture, dog, war-chariot, Eris

9. APOLLO: son of Zeus and Leto, twin brother of Artemis


A. God of light, prophecy, archery, music, fine arts, medicine, law
B. Appearance: young handsome male with long hair
C. Attributes: lyre, bow and arrows, laurel wreath, oracle at Delphi
D. Apollo became the embodiment of the Hellenic spirit

10. ARTEMIS: daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin sister of Apollo


A. Virgin goddess of the woods and hunt, cares for wild beasts
B. Appearance: young attractive female dressed for the hunt
C. Attributes: bow and arrows, small animals nearby, stags, palm tree

11. ATHENA: daughter of Zeus and Metis


A. Virgin goddess of wisdom, arts and crafts,
the honorable aspects of warfare, protector of Athens
B. Appearance: young, beautiful, serious, clothed in armor
C. Attributes: shield, aegis, snake, owl, lamp, helmet, Nike, olive
D. Important representation: cult figure in the Parthenon by Phidias

12. APHRODITE: rose from sea foam, wife of Hephaestus, mother of Eros (her son by Ares)
A. Goddess of love and beauty
B. Appearance: originally draped and stiff, later more sensual
C. Attributes: doves, mirror, flowers, blossoms, The Graces, Eros
D. Important representations: Aphrodite of Cnidus by Praxiteles, Venus de Milo

13. HERMES: son of Zeus and Maia


A. Divine messenger, god of travelers, merchants and thieves, leads the dead to Hades
B. Appearance: young man, sometimes bearded
C. Attributes: broad brimmed traveler’s hat, snake-wound
herald’s staff called the caduceus, winged hat and sandals
D. Important representation: Hermes by Praxiteles

14. DIONYSUS: son of Zeus and Semele


A. God of the energy of nature and of wine, patron of poetry, drama, and song
B. Appearance: young, sensual, sometimes bearded, often drunk
C. Attributes: a rout of Maenads, satyrs, vines, grapes
D. Worshipped as an object of a mystery cult

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

FAMILY TREE
Each child can create a family tree. You might want to use the reduced pictures instead of writing the
names of the gods, goddesses, and their parents. The configuration is visually understandable
although logically the “roots” of the tree should be the ancestors.

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Teacher’s Key
FAMILY TREE

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

FAMILY TREE PICTURES

Janeene Blank
Birmingham, MI

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Naming the Planets


The ancient Greeks noticed that there were a few “stars” that moved among the other stars. They
did not twinkle, but glowed steadily, and they had a different position every night. They called these
heavenly bodies “planets” which means “wanderer” in Greek. People long ago could see five of the planets
clearly. Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can easily be seen with the naked eye. Mercury lies so near the
sun that it can seldom be seen because it sinks below the horizon before it is completely dark at night.
The planets were named for Roman gods and goddesses because of some characteristic that
reminded ancient astronomers of that mythical persona.

MERCURY This small planet speeds around the sun in only 88 days. It is easy to see why it was
named for the messenger god who could travel between Earth and Mount Olympus in the
twinkling of an eye.

VENUS Beautiful and serene, this planet is often called the morning star or the evening star. It is the
third brightest body in the heavens. It was named for the goddess of love and beauty.

EARTH The name for our home planet comes not from Greek or Roman mythology, but from the
German word “erde.” However, other words that refer to Earth do come from mythology.
Gaea, the name for Mother Earth, is used when we talk about places (geography), and
mineral structure (geology). It is used to begin many words (geo-). The word “terra” is a
Latin word for the earth, and it gives us terrestrial, terra firma, and territory.

MARS This red planet is named for the god of war. Perhaps its red color reminded the ancient
astronomers of blood or of anger. The two satellites, Phobos and Deimos, are named for
the dogs of war that followed Mars, and they mean “fear” and “evil spirits.”

THE ASTEROID BELT These oddly shaped pieces of matter have an orbit between Mars and
Jupiter. Some of them are almost large enough to be small planets, and
some have names. Can you find out the names of two very large ones?

JUPITER The king of the Olympian gods had several names. Among them was the Roman name,
Jupiter. The largest of the planets is named for him. The many satellites of Jupiter are
named for people with whom he had some connection. Two large ones are Ganymede and
Io. Can you discover the names of others? Can you find out who they were in mythology?

SATURN Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture, but he was often identified with the Greek god,
Cronus, who was the son of the earth mother, Gaea, and who became the father of the king
of the gods. Saturn was a Titan which means he was huge. The planet Saturn is a gas
giant, second only to Jupiter in size. The rings of Saturn are clearly visible from earth. It
was the first planet known to have rings, although we have since discovered that other
planets do have them.

URANUS Uranus was the god who was the personification of the heavens, and he was married to
Gaea. This is another of the gas giants. Perhaps it was named Uranus because of its size.
Can you discover the number of satellites and their names?

NEPTUNE Neptune is sometimes the eighth planet from the sun, sometimes the ninth. It is ninth when
Pluto’s orbit carries it inside Neptune’s. The Roman god, Neptune, was the god of the sea
and the god of earthquakes. Perhaps the color the planet glows accounts for its name. It
was located by mathematics in 1846.
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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Naming the Planets (continued)


PLUTO Is it any wonder the most distant, tiny planet was named for the cold lord of the underworld?
Dark and secretive, Pluto, the planet, seems a little like Pluto, the Roman god. The one
satellite of Pluto is almost as large as the planet itself, and it is called Charon. Why is that a
good name for a satellite of Pluto?

10th Planet I think it should be called by a name from mythology like the others, don’t you?

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

PLAN A PLANET
You have just discovered another planet in our solar system. You must look at its characteristics and then
decide what name you will give it, following the tradition of naming the planets after characters from Roman
mythology.

1. Where does your planet lie? How many other planets are between it and the sun? Draw a diagram
below to show the orbit of your new planet.

2. How big is your planet? Compare it in size to one of the other planets. _________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. What is your planet made of? Is it a gas giant? Does it have water? What kinds of rocks and minerals

are found there? Does it have an atmosphere? ________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. If you look at the planet from Earth, what color does it appear? ________________________________

5. How many satellites does your planet have? _______________

6. Would it be possible for people from Earth to colonize your planet? ____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

7. What else is special about your planet? __________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

The name of this newly discovered planet is __________________________

Discovered by ____________________________________________ Date _____________________

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Make a Planet Mobile


Materials

1 clothes hanger per child


newspaper
heavy string or yarn
tempera paint
clay-dough*

Instructions

Step 1: Make a wad of paper for each


planet, then tie a string around it.
Vary the size of the ball of paper
and the length of string to the size
and orbit of the planet. Note: the
tighter the paper wad, the better
the planet.

Step 2: Cover each paper wad with clay-


dough, carefully covering all paper
surfaces.

Step 3: Allow to dry.

Step 4: Paint the proper color and hang.

Step 5: Make a cardboard ring for Saturn

*Clay-dough recipe

2 c. flour
1 c. salt
1 tsp. oil
water to make pie-dough consistency

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

A Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses


As you continue to gather information about gods and goddesses, you may want to keep a record in
dictionary form. Prepare one page for each deity. Use the following form to record your information.

Greek Name ____________________________________________

Roman Name ____________________________________________

God/Goddess of ____________________________________________

Symbols ____________________________________________

Information and/or stories about this god or goddess

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Picture or drawing of this god

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

The Gods and Goddesses


of Ancient Greece and Rome
Title or
Greek Name The God or Goddess of . . . Roman Name Symbol

ZEUS KING JUPITER/JOVE EAGLE / OAK

HERA QUEEN JUNO PEACOCK

DEMETER GRAIN CERES WHEAT

HESTIA HEARTH VESTA HOME / FIRE

POSEIDON SEA NEPTUNE TRIDENT / DOLPHIN

HADES UNDERWORLD PLUTO CERBERUS

HERMES MESSENGER MERCURY WINGED HAT / SANDALS

ARTEMIS HUNT DIANA MOON / DEER

APOLLO SUN APOLLO LYRE

ARES WAR MARS VULTURE

HEPHAESTUS FIRE / FORGE VULCAN ANVIL

APHRODITE LOVE VENUS CUPID / DOVE

ATHENA WISDOM / WAR MINERVA OLIVES / OWL


WEAVING

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

I Know All About the Gods and Goddesses


of Ancient Greece and Rome
Quiz: Version I
Complete the chart below by filling in the missing terms or names.

Greek Name Title or Roman Name Symbol


God/Goddess of . . .

1. _________________ _______________ _______________ TRIDENT

2. _________________ UNDERWORLD _______________ _______________

3. ZEUS _______________ _______________ _______________

4. _________________ QUEEN _______________ _______________

5. DEMETER _______________ _______________ _______________

6. _______________ HEARTH _______________ _______________

7. HEPHAESTUS _______________ _______________ _______________

8. APHRODITE _______________ _______________ _______________

9. _______________ _______________ MARS _______________

10. _______________ WISDOM / WAR _______________ OLIVES / OWL


WEAVING

11. ______________ _______________ DIANA _______________

12. _______________ SUN _______________ _______________

13. _______________ _______________ MERCURY _______________

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

I Know All About the Gods and Goddesses


of Ancient Greece and Rome
Quiz: Version 2
Complete the chart below by filling in the missing terms or names.

Greek Name Title or Roman Name Symbol


God/Goddess of . . .

1. POSEIDON _______________ _______________ _______________

2. _________________ _______________ PLUTO _______________

3. _______________ _______________ _______________ EAGLE / OAK

4. HERA _______________ _______________ _______________

5. _______________ HARVEST _______________ _______________

6. _______________ _______________ _______________ HOME / FIRE

7. _______________ BLACKSMITH _______________ _______________

8. _______________ _______________ _______________ DOVE / CUPID

9. _______________ _______________ _______________ VULTURE

10. _______________ _______________ MINERVA _______________

11. ARTEMIS _______________ _______________ _______________

12. _______________ _______________ _______________ LYRE / MUSIC

13. HERMES _______________ _______________ _______________

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Teacher’s Key
I Know All About the Gods and Goddesses
of Ancient Greece and Rome
Quiz 1 and Quiz 2

Greek Name Title or Roman Name Symbol


God/Goddess of . . .

1. POSEIDON SEA NEPTUNE TRIDENT / DOLPHIN

2. HADES UNDERWORLD PLUTO CERBERUS

3. ZEUS KING JUPITER / JOVE EAGLE / OAK

4. HERA QUEEN JUNO PEACOCK

5. DEMETER GRAIN CERES WHEAT

6. HESTIA HEARTH VESTA HOME / FIRE

7. HEPHAESTUS FIRE / FORGE VULCAN ANVIL

8. APHRODITE LOVE VENUS CUPID / DOVE

9. ARES WAR MARS VULTURE

10. ATHENA WISDOM / WAR MINERVA OLIVES / OWL


WEAVING

11. ARTEMIS HUNT DIANA MOON / DEER

12. APOLLO SUN APOLLO LYRE

13. HERMES MESSENGER MERCURY WINGED HAT / SANDALS

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

I Know All About the Gods and Goddesses


of Ancient Greece and Rome
Quiz: Version III

Complete the chart below by filling in the missing terms or names.

Greek Name Title or Roman Name Symbol


God/Goddess of . . .

1. _______________ WAR _______________ _______________

2. _______________ _______________ _______________ CERBERUS

3. _______________ HUNTING _______________ _______________

4. _______________ _______________ JUPITER / JOVE _______________

5. _______________ QUEEN _______________ _______________

6. _______________ _______________ CERES _______________

7. _______________ SEA _______________ _______________

8. HESTIA _______________ _______________ HOME / FIRE

9. _______________ _______________ _______________ ANVIL

10. APHRODITE _______________ _______________ _______________

11. _______________ WISDOM / WAR _______________ _______________


WEAVING

12. _______________ SUN _______________ _______________

13. _______________ _______________ _______________ WINGED HAT


SANDALS

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Teacher’s Key
I Know All About the Gods and Goddesses
of Ancient Greece and Rome
Quiz III

Greek Name Title or Roman Name Symbol


God/Goddess of . . .

1. ARES WAR MARS VULTURE

2. HADES UNDERWORLD PLUTO CERBERUS

3. ARTEMIS HUNTING DIANA MOON / DEER

4. ZEUS KING JUPITER / JOVE EAGLE / OAK

5. HERA QUEEN JUNO PEACOCK

6. DEMETER GRAIN CERES WHEAT

7. POSEIDON SEA NEPTUNE TRIDENT / DOLPHIN

8. HESTIA HEARTH VESTA HOME / FIRE

9. HEPHAESTUS FIRE / FORGE VULCAN ANVIL

10. APHRODITE LOVE VENUS CUPID / DOVE

11. ATHENA WISDOM / WAR MINERVA OLIVES / OWL


WEAVING

12. APOLLO SUN APOLLO LYRE

13. HERMES MESSENGER MERCURY WINGED HAT / SANDALS

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Greek Name / Roman Name


Matching
Write the letter of the Roman name in the blank next to the Greek name of the same god or goddess.

Greek Names Roman Names

_____ 1. Zeus A. Apollo

_____ 2. Hera B. Ceres

_____ 3. Athena C. Juno

_____ 4. Hades D. Neptune

_____ 5. Demeter E. Pluto

_____ 6. Artemis F. Minerva

_____ 7. Apollo G. Jupiter

_____ 8. Hermes H. Mercury

_____ 9. Hephaestus I. Diana

_____ 10. Aphrodite J. Vulcan

_____ 11. Hestia K. Mars

_____ 12. Poseidon L. Venus

_____ 13. Ares M. Vesta

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Symbols of the Gods and Goddesses


Match the following gods and goddesses with their symbols.

_____ 1. Zeus A. Helmet of invisibility, two-pronged scepter

_____ 2. Poseidon B. Owl, shield, breastplate, and olive branch

_____ 3. Hades C. Dove and Cupid

_____ 4. Demeter D. Sun, music, and lyre

_____ 5. Hestia E. Thunderbolt, eagle, and oak tree

_____ 6. Hephaestus F. Stag and crescent moon

_____ 7. Ares G. Peacock

_____ 8. Apollo H. Trident and horse

_____ 9. Artemis I. Magic wand, winged sandals and helmet

_____ 10 Athena J. Sheaf of wheat, grain, and fruit

_____ 11. Aphrodite K. Hearth and fire

_____ 12. Hermes L. Anvil and forge

_____ 13. Hera M. Vulture, dog, war chariot, and armor

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OLYMPIAN OVERVIEW

Teacher’s Key
Greek Name/Roman Name
Matching

1. G
2. C
3. F
4. E
5. B
6. I
7. A
8. H
9. J
10. L
11. M
12. D
13. K

Teacher’s Key
Symbols of the Gods and Goddesses
1. E
2. H
3. A
4. J
5. K
6. L
7. M
8. D
9. F
10. B
11. C
12. I
13. G

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

In The Beginning
Matching
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-20

Match the person, place, or thing with the description.

A. the Aegis F. Echidna/Typhon K. Prometheus/Epimetheus


B. Amaltheia G. Hades L. Rhea
C. Zeus H. Metis M. Sprites
D. Cronus I. Mount Aetna N. Tartarus
E. Cyclopes/Hekatonchires* J. Poseidon O. Titans

_____ 1. The Cyclopes made a cap of invisibility for me.

_____ 2. We are the eleven brothers and sisters of Cronus.

_____ 3. The Cyclopes made lightning bolts for me.

_____ 4. I was lord of the universe after Gaea and Uranus ruled.

_____ 5. I am the volcano where Typhon was trapped.

_____ 6. Our names mean forethought and afterthought.

_____ 7. I am Zeus’ breastplate.

_____ 8. We are the monsters sent by Mother Earth to attack Zeus.

_____ 9. The Cyclopes gave me a trident.

_____ 10. I had “horns of plenty.”

_____ 11. I am the wife of Cronus and the mother of the six Olympian gods.

_____ 12. I am the dark pit which held the Titans.

_____ 13. We are the monsters who fought with Zeus against the Titans.

_____ 14. I am Zeus’ first wife who tricked Cronus into eating a magic herb.

_____ 15. We took care of baby Zeus and made noise to cover his cries.

*Throughout this packet, the hundred-handed fifty-headed monsters are referred to by their Greek
name, the Hekatonchires.

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Three Puzzles About the War


This difficult exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, p. 17

Figure out the number that corresponds to the letter. They are NOT consecutive.
One letter’s number has been provided for you.
The sentences you create will be about gods, Titans, and monsters who participated in the war.

Puzzle #1 Olympians Versus Titans

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
19

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1 10 16 7 20 19 23 20 8 14 9 18 24

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ _____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
20 1 3 7 20 19 23 20 8 14 13 16 3 18 20 24

____ ____ ____ ____.


15 20 8 14

Puzzle #2 An Educated Guess

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
25

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
8 10 5 20 12 9 17 12 21 24 17 4 3 9 17 12

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.
2 11 22 9 5 22 8 10 5 8 17 12 25 26

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Three Puzzles About the War (continued)

Puzzle #3 Thanks!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
21

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
2 20 10 21 16 14 3 20 2 9 2 23 7 6

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____
21 3 13 21 25 21 11 21 5 21 20 24 2 3 16

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
5 21 17 1 20 3 21 3 17 11 7 5 20 25 26 14 10 14

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
17 21 6 20 25 6 10 7 19 20 1 14

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.


9 24 9 5 7 23 14 25

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Teacher’s Key
In The Beginning
Matching

1. G
2. O
3. C
4. D
5. I
6. K
7. A
8. F
9. J
10. B
11. L
12. N
13. E
14. H
15. M

Teacher’s Key
Three Puzzles About the War

Puzzle #1: Prometheus and Epimetheus joined Zeus.

Puzzle #2: Prometheus had the gift of prophecy.

Puzzle #3: A trident, a cap of invisibility, and lightning bolts were gifts from the Cyclopes.

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

In The Beginning
Crossword Puzzle
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-20

Complete the puzzle by identifying the speaker of each clue on the next page.

WORD BANK

aegis Pontus
Amaltheia Prometheus
cap Rhea
Cronus stone
Cyclopes Tartarus
Echidna Titanesses
flint Titans
Gaea Trident
lightning Typhon
Metis Uranus

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

In The Beginning
Crossword Puzzle Clues
Across
1. Two of my children are Cerberus and the Hydra.
4. I am Gaea's second husband.
5. I came out of darkness, and I was lonely.
6. I am the Titan who became the ruler after Uranus.
8. We are the six giant daughters of Uranus and Gaea.
10. I am the weapon that the Cyclopes made for Zeus.
12. Cronus thought I was a baby because I was wrapped in baby clothes.
13. I am the weapon that the Cyclopes made for Poseidon.
16. I, the first lord of the universe, married Gaea.
17. I am pinned under Mount Aetna.
18. I am Zeus' first wife.
19. I am the material out of which Gaea made the sickle.

Down
2. I am the invisible gift that the Cyclopes made for Hades.
3. Ambrosia and nectar flows from my horns.
4. I fought on Zeus' side against the Titans because I can look into the future.
7. We have only one eye, but we are strong.
9. I am the breastplate of Zeus.
11. I am the place where Uranus flung the Cyclopes.
14. We are the six giant sons of Uranus and Gaea.
15. I am married to Cronus.

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Teacher’s Key
In The Beginning Crossword

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Out of Chaos
Crossword Puzzle
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-20

Across Down
2. What Metis was the goddess of 1. Cronus' Titaness wife
5. Number of sisters that Rhea had 3. What Cronus thought the magic herb would
7. Food and drink of the gods (three words) make him
10. Second husband of Mother Earth 4. Second lord of the universe
13. First lord of the universe 6. Wife of Uranus
15. First children of Mother Earth 8. Home of the gods (2 words)
16. Zeus' "nanny" 9. Peaceful age during the early rule of Cronus
18. What Greek gods resembled 11. Number of heads on each of the Hekatonchires
19. Three strong smiths 12. Island where Zeus grew up
who were not handsome 14. Weapon that Mother Earth gave to Cronus
20. Third lord of the universe 17. What the "impenetrable breastplate" was called

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Teacher’s Key
Out of Chaos

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

In the Beginning
Word Search
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-20

Locate the following words in the puzzle grid. They may be vertical or horizontal.

AMALTHEIA TARTARUS
CRONUS TITANS
CYCLOPES TRIDENT
ECHIDNA TYPHON
GAEA URANUS
METIS ZEUS
RHEA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Teacher’s Key
In the Beginning
Word Search

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

The End of the War


Word Search
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 16-23

In this grid, find the words suggested by the clues at the bottom of the page.
The words may be backwards, forwards, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

CLUES

1. Two monsters that Mother Earth sent to fight 13. Goddess of wisdom, war, weaving, olives,
against Zeus (three words) and owls
2. Place where Zeus put the Titans after the war 14. God of light and music
3. Professions of the Cyclopes (three words) 15. What the Cyclopes built for the gods on Mount Olympus
4. Guards at the gates of Tartarus 16. What hid the gods on Mount Olympus
5. God of fire 17. Goddess of the hearth
6. Demeter's daughter 18. Titan sent to carry the sky on his shoulders
7. Goddess of love 19. Mountain that Typhon planned to hurl at Zeus
8. Lord of the sea 20. Lord of the dead
9. God of wine 21. The gods' and goddesses' "blood"
10. Goddess of the hunt 22. Zeus' queen
11. Goddess of the harvest 23. God of war
12. Herald of the gods 24. Goddess who wore a gown of iridescent drops

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

The End of the War


Word Search
Teacher’s Key

1. Typhon and Echidna 13. Athena


2. Tartarus 14. Apollo
3. smiths and masons 15. palace
4. Hekatonchires 16. clouds
5. Hephaestus 17. Hestia
6. Persephone 18. Atlas
7. Aphrodite 19. Aetna
8. Poseidon 20. Hades
9. Dionysus 21. ichor
10. Artemis 22. Hera
11. Demeter 23. Ares
12. Hermes 24. Iris

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

GAEA AND URANUS

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

TITANOMACHY
(tī - tan – ÄM – eh - kē)

Titanomachy is the name for the struggle between the Titans and the gods. The giant Titans
fought the six Olympians who were born to Cronus and Rhea. The Cyclopes and the Fifty-
Headed Hundred-Handed Monsters (the Hekatonchires) fought on the side of the Olympians
along with two of the Titans, Epimetheus and Prometheus. The monsters, Echidna and Typhon,
fought on the side of the Titans. Zeus and the Olympians won, thanks to the thunderbolts forged
by the Cyclopes.

On the following pages are cutout pictures of the main characters from the Titanomachy. (There
are pictures of the other Olympian gods, too, for use in projects other than this one.) To prepare
the participants for the battle, mount each cutout on construction paper. Cut along the outlines.

Using the patterns for the Small Figures Stand and the Large Figures Stand, make a stand for
each cutout from tag board. Glue the long narrow folded edge of the stand to the back of the
cutout.

Designate a place in the classroom as the “field of contest,” and position the figures on the proper
sides.

Fighting for the Titans

Cronus
Rhea
Other Titans and Titanesses (but NOT Epimetheus or Prometheus)
Echidna
Typhon

Fighting for the Olympians

Zeus
Hera
Hades
Poseidon
Demeter
Hestia
Three Cyclopes
Three Hekatonchires
Prometheus
Epimetheus

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Musical Mythology
Zeus
(Tune: “On Top of Old Smoky”)

On top of Olympus all covered with cloud


Great Jupiter sits there so mighty and proud.
He’s king of the thunder and lightning and storm.
He walks among mortals in various forms.
He’s father of many, for he likes to roam
Among the young ladies, but far from his home
‘Cause Juno is jealous when trouble she sees.
She changes his lovers to rocks, beasts, and trees.
If a mortal’s in trouble and the gods can’t agree
He holds up his scales for their fate to decree.
But if men do not please him, then they’ll get a jolt
For Zeus will take aim with his hot thunderbolt

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

HESTIA
Goddess of the Hearth
The oldest sister of Zeus, Hestia, is not featured in many myths. Nevertheless, since the hearth
was of utmost importance to the ancients as a source of heat and light, they honored her daily at the
beginning and the ending of every meal. Hestia represented home and family, and thus she is not involved
in any mythological adventures.

There was a public hearth sacred to Hestia in every city. In Rome, six priestesses called the
Vestals kept perpetual watch over her fire in the temple. The safety of the city of Rome was believed to be
dependent upon the continuation of this flame.

One of the few stories that is told about Hestia involves Dionysus. Dionysus was the youngest of
the Olympian gods. He was the god of wine, and he brought lots of joy to people. He was also Zeus’ son,
and Zeus really liked him. Zeus wanted him to have a golden throne like the other gods and goddesses.
But since Dionysus’ mother was a mortal woman, Hera became very angry and said she didn’t want
Dionysus there. When Zeus insisted, Hera sat quietly. The problem was that there were only twelve
thrones in the hall. So Hestia silently got up and went to sit by the hearth. She said that was where she
chose to be so Dionysus could have her throne.

Mary Ann Titus


Westerville, OH

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Musical Mythology

Vesta

(Tune: “It Isn’t Any Trouble Just to S-M-I-L-E”)

We all know a goddess. She is V-E-S-T-A.


We all know a goddess. She is V-E-S-T-A.
Vestal virgins stay awake for Vesta’s sacred fire’s sake.
We all know a goddess. She is V-E-S-T-A.

The goddess of the hearth is called H-E-S-T-I-A.


The goddess of the hearth is called H-E-S-T-I-A.
She sits beside the fire and she never seems to tire.
The goddess of the hearth is called H-E-S-T-I-A.

Vesta gladly gave her throne to Dionysus.


Vesta gladly gave her throne to Dionysus.
Juno really threw a fit when Bacchus had no place to sit.
Vesta gladly gave her throne to Dionysus.

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

REVIEW #1
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-23

1. Who makes noise to drown out the cries of baby Zeus? _________________________

2. Gaea is ________________________________________.

3. What does Metis give to Cronus that is supposed to make him strong?

_________________________________________________

4. How many Titans and Titanesses are there? ____________________________

5. Who is Amaltheia? _____________________________________________________

6. What is the distinguishing characteristic of the Cyclopes? ______________________

7. The Titan who chased Uranus away is _________________________.

8. What does Rhea give to Cronus instead of baby Zeus? _______________________

9. What are the Cyclopes’ two occupations?

__________________________ and ________________________________

10. Uranus is _______________________________________.

11. What do the Cyclopes make for Hades? ____________________________

12. Theft was invented after the _________________________ Age was over.

13. Whom does Cronus marry? ______________________

14. What do the Cyclopes make for Poseidon? ______________________________

15. Whose idea is it to hide baby Zeus and trick Cronus? __________________________

16. Out of the darkness came ____________________ and __________________________.

17. Who is the mother of Cerberus, the Sphinx, and the Chimaera? _________________

18. From Amaltheia’s hide Zeus makes a _____________________________ called the

_____________________________.

19. Under what mountain is Typhon buried? _________________________________

20. Mother Earth gives Cronus a weapon made of flint. What is it? _______________

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

REVIEW #1 (continued)
21. Where does Uranus put the Cyclopes and hundred-handed monsters? ________________

22. Which gods and goddesses does Cronus swallow?

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________

23. What flows in the gods’ veins instead of blood? __________________________

24. Which Titans defect and fight on Zeus’ side during the war between the Olympians

and the Titans? __________________________ and _________________________

25. For whom do the Cyclopes and the hundred-handed monsters fight in the war between

the Olympians and the Titans? __________________________________

26. What do the Cyclopes make for Zeus? _______________________________________

27. Who is Zeus’ first wife? __________________________________

28. Since Cronus fears that his children will want to rule the universe, he

__________________________________ them.

29. Where does Zeus put the Titans when he defeats them? __________________________

30. Which Titan carries the sky on his shoulders? ____________________________

31. What flows from Amaltheia’s horns? _________________________________ and

________________________________

32. Who sends Typhon and Echidna to fight against Zeus? ___________________________

33. On what mountain do the gods and goddesses live? ____________________________

34. To what island does Rhea take Zeus? __________________________________

35. Whom does Mother Earth marry after Uranus departs? _________________________

36. Which goddess is the rainbow? _________________________

37. Three sets of children born to Gaea and Uranus are ____________________________,

_______________________________, and _________________________________

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IN THE BEGINNING / ZEUS / HESTIA

Teacher’s Key
REVIEW #1
1. sprites
2. Mother Earth
3. magic herb
4. twelve – six of each
5. the goat who nursed baby Zeus
6. one eye
7. Cronus
8. a rock
9. smiths and masons
10. Father Sky
11. cap of invisibility
12. Golden
13. Rhea
14. trident
15. Mother Earth
16. Gaea and Uranus
17. Echidna
18. breastplate, aegis
19. Aetna
20. sickle
21. Tartarus
22. Hades, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia, Hera
23. ichor
24. Prometheus and Epimetheus
25. Zeus and the Olympians
26. thunderbolts
27. Metis
28. swallows
29. Tartarus
30. Atlas
31. ambrosia and nectar
32. Mother Earth
33. Olympus
34. Crete
35. Pontus
36. Iris
37. Titans, Cyclopes, Hekatonchires (hundred-handed monsters)

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HERA

Hera
Crossword Puzzle
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 24-27

Across
3. What the word "bosporus" means (two words)
4. The beautiful queen of Olympus
7. Final destination of Io
9. Place where the apple tree was planted (four words)
10. Creature who guarded the apple tree (three words)
12. Number of eyes that Argus closed when he slept
14. Location of the river Inachos
16. God who bored Argus to death
Down
1. The name of the strait that separates Europe from Asia Minor
2. Who the snow-white cow REALLY was
5. Killer of Echidna
6. Number of eyes that Argus had (two words)
8. The "giver" of the little apple tree (two words)
9. Creature sent to sting Io
11. Creature who received Argus' eyes after he died
13. Io's father
15. Who the cuckoo REALLY was
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HERA

Teacher’s Key
Hera Crossword

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HERA

Transformations
The gods and goddesses are very fond of transforming one thing into another thing. For example,
Zeus changed Io into a cow, Zeus changed himself into a cuckoo, and Hera transformed the tail of her
peacock with the eyes of Argus.

Try your hand at transforming a word. JUNO is the Latin name for the queen of the gods, and
HERA is the Greek name for the queen of the gods. Transform Juno into Hera by climbing down the word
ladder, changing one letter of the word at a time so that the new word matches the definition.

Juno

_________________ The sixth month

_________________ Another word for song

_________________ A fish

_________________ A musical instrument

_________________ An island south of Florida

_________________ A solid block

_________________ A remedy

_________________ Concern

_________________ A rabbit

_________________ Opposite of there

Hera
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HERA

Teacher’s Key
Transformations
Juno
June_____ The sixth month
_______

tune_______
______ Another word for song

_______tuna____ A fish

_____tuba________ A musical instrument

Cuba_______
______ An island south of Florida

_____ cube_______ A solid block

cure_______
______ A remedy

______ care_______ Concern

______ hare_______ A rabbit

______ here_______ Opposite of there

Hera

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HERA

Musical Mythology

Juno

(Tune: “Reuben, Reuben, I’ve Been Thinking”)

Juno, Juno, I’ve been thinking


Why do you act spitefully?
Why do you cause, with such vengeance,
Many metamorphoses?

You’re a goddess, queen of heaven,


Wife of mighty Jupiter,
But we know he often cheated
With the nymphs he did prefer.

Jove changed Io to a heifer,


Your fly chased her ‘round the world.
Poor Callisto gained a bear’s shape
Then into the heavens was hurled.

Semele, by Jove, exploded.


Bacchus from his thigh was born,
Fearsome plague you caused in Athens
People sickened night and morn.

Hercules, Jove’s son, you pestered


From his birth with rotten tricks,
So the same on great Aeneas
Your jealousy of Venus fixed.
Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID
Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO
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HEPHAESTUS

Musical Mythology

Hephaestus

(Tune: “Turkey in the Straw”)

Oh the Greeks had a god


And Hephaestus was his name
When the Romans talked about him
They said Vulcan meant the same
But whatever name you call him
He’s as smart as he can be
And he’s such a clever blacksmith
He makes shields and jewelry.
Hooray for Vulcan!
Look what he makes!
A shield for Achilles.
He loves to create.
And we just can’t list
All of his arts.
He was lame, but a craftsman.
He had beauty in his heart.

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO

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HEPHAESTUS

Hephaestus Activity
Whenever a god or goddess wanted something made of metal,
Hephaestus created the most extraordinarily wonderful things. He made
a shield and other armor for Achilles at the request of Thetis, robots of
gold in the form of young women who could move and speak, a necklace
for Harmonia, and the invincible sword of Peleus.

Mimnermus, a Greek poet of the seventh century BCE, tells of one


of the works of Hephaestus.

“Helios has as his lot toil day after day and there is never any rest either for him or his horses,
when rosy-fingered dawn leaving the stream of Ocean makes her way up into the sky.
But a beautiful hollow cup, winged and of precious gold, fashioned by the hands of Hephaestus,
bears him, sleeping deeply, from the land of the Hesperides to the country of the Ethiopians,
where he makes his swift chariot and horses stand, until the rising dawn comes.”

Vocabulary
In a dictionary, find the meaning of each vocabulary word as it is used in the excerpt above.

lot _________________________________________________________________

bears _________________________________________________________________

fashioned _________________________________________________________________

toil _________________________________________________________________

Questions
1. What are the Hesperides? ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. Where is the land of the Ethiopians? _________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. Which other characters from literature were physically not beautiful but produced beauty?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Bernice Jefferis
Cleveland Heights, OH
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HEPHAESTUS

Teacher’s Key
Hephaestus Activity

Vocabulary

lot: fate; fortune in life


bears: carries
fashioned: made
toil: work

Questions

1. The Hesperides are daughters of Atlas and Hesperis. They live in a garden far to the west (where the
sun sets), and they guard the golden apple tree of Hera. Hesperis, in Latin, means “western.” This
garden was thought to be near the Atlas Mountains in northern Africa at the western extreme of the
Mediterranean Sea.

2. The ancient country of Ethiopia mentioned in mythology was located in northern Africa in a “dimly
defined region” near the Red Sea at the eastern extreme of the Mediterranean Sea. This is where
the Greeks believed that the sun rose.

3. Ugly Duckling
Cyrano de Bergerac
Rumplestiltskin
Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Beast in Beauty and the Beast

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HEPHAESTUS

More Hephaestus Activities


Make a shield
For younger children who may need a beginning place, a large circle drawn around the bottom of a
wastebasket on tagboard or construction paper serves as the shield. It can be decorated with
scenes from the child’s past, present, and future or with objects that symbolize the child’s
characteristics. Or it can be decorated simply with designs that are pleasing.

Design a robot
Assigning this as a homework task will produce a wide variety of robots. Having a whole class
design one provides for endless discussion about what, how, and why certain features should be
included or excluded.

Make jewelry
Again this could be assigned as homework, or found-materials could be provided
such as paperclips, buttons, and aluminum foil. Old or broken pieces of costume
jewelry could be recycled.

Write the words to a song about Hephaestus, Hera, or Thetis


Choose an existing song whose melody is well known. Write one with the whole class, and then let
individuals either write more verses or write new songs.

Write a poem about Hephaestus, Hera, or Thetis


Retell the story of Hephaestus’ fall from the point of view of Hephaestus, Zeus, or one of the other
Olympians.

Research occupations
A “smith” works in metals. Find out what sort of work these people do.

cooper
potter
tanner
farrier
herder
scrivener
drover
wainwright

Write the story into a play


Make puppets, create dialogue, and produce a play for the class. You could also use classmates
for the roles.

Interview Hephaestus, Hera, or Thetis


Produce this interview as a radio or television newscast.

Write a news article


Create the front page of a newspaper describing the event.

Bernice Jefferis
Cleveland Heights, OH

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HEPHAESTUS

Where Is Lemnos?
The locations mentioned in mythology can usually be found on a map.
This is a map of Greece. Locate the following places on the map and label each.

1. Peloponnesus 6. Rhodes 11. Aegean Sea


2. Athens 7. Lemnos 12. Mediterranean Sea
3. Gulf of Corinth 8. Dardanelles 13. Cyclades
4. Ithaca 9. Sea of Marmara 14. Olympia
5. Crete 10. Troy

Questions
1. How could you account for so many small islands in this part of the Mediterranean Sea?

_________________________________________________________________________

2. Look in an atlas to find the latitude of this part of the world. _____________________________

3. Compare the Mediterranean climate to the climate where you live. ________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Bernice Jefferis
Cleveland Heights, OH

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HEPHAESTUS

Teacher’s Key
More Hephaestus Activities: Research Occupations
cooper a person who makes barrels or casks
potter a person who makes earthenware pots or dishes
tanner a person whose work is changing hide into leather by soaking it in tannin (tannic acid)
farrier a person who shoes horses
herder a person who tends a herd of animals
scrivener a scribe or clerk
drover a person who herds animals to market
wainwright a person who builds or repairs wagons

Teacher’s Key
Where Is Lemnos?

1. underwater volcanic action

2. approximately 30 to 40 degrees north latitude

3. Mediterranean climates are characterized by wet winters and dry summers. San Francisco, California,
in the United States is approximately the same latitude as the Mediterranean Sea in Europe.

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HEPHAESTUS

HEPHAESTUS
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APHRODITE

Animals and Monsters


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-30

Word Bank

cow Echidna Hekatonchires


Cyclopes fly peacock
doves gadfly robots
dragon goat Typhon

In the blank, write the type of animal or the name of the monster.

1. My name is Amaltheia. I am Zeus’ nanny on the island of Crete. _____________________________

2. My name is Io. I was a beautiful girl. Then I met Zeus. _____________________________________

3. Hera sent me to sting Io. I chased her all the way to Egypt. _________________________________

4. We are children of Uranus and Gaea. We help Hephaestus. _________________________________

5. When Aphrodite rose out of the sea, we were waiting to pull her chariot. ________________________

6. I had six baby monsters, and then Argus killed me. ________________________________________

7. Before I played a game of changing shapes, I was Metis. ___________________________________

8. I got my tail decorations from Argus when Hermes bored him to death. _________________________

9. We can think and talk just like real people. _______________________________________________

10. Zeus crushed me under Mount Aetna and now I spit out lava. _______________________________

11. Unfortunately, we are uglier than our brothers, the Cyclopes. _______________________________

12. Mother Earth put me in a garden to guard an apple tree. ___________________________________

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APHRODITE

Teacher’s Key
Animals and Monsters
1. goat

2. cow

3. gadfly

4. Cyclopes

5. doves

6. Echidna

7. fly

8. peacock

9. robots

10. Typhon

11. Hekatonchires

12. dragon

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APHRODITE

More Detailed Information About Aphrodite


Beautiful Aphrodite, goddess of love, was formed from the foam of the sea. Clothed only in her
long, fair hair, she was carried on the waves by the breath of the West Wind, Zephyrus, along the coast of
Cythera and was finally brought to shore on the island of Cyprus. Flowers sprang from the ground on
which she walked, and birds sang their greetings to her. She was welcomed by the three Graces, also
called the Charites, who dressed her in gorgeous robes and adorned her with jewels.

The Graces conducted her to the assembly of immortals on Mount Olympus. The gods greatly
admired her beauty, and many wished to marry her. Hera urged Zeus to find a husband for her as quickly
as possible. Although Poseidon, Ares, Dionysus, and Hermes offered to marry her, Zeus gave her to lame,
ugly Hephaestus who promised to make fabulous jewelry for her. Among his gifts was a finely-woven
golden girdle, the cestus, which possessed the magical power to make the person who wore it absolutely
irresistible. Perhaps he was unwise to give her such a gift, for Aphrodite was already so beautiful that few
could resist her.

Aphrodite had the power to make both gods and mortals fall in love. Only the virgin goddesses,
Athena, Artemis, and Hestia were able to resist her. Her power often brought great happiness to her
victims, but it sometimes brought sorrows and troubles, too.

Aphrodite often sent Zeus chasing after mortal women. In order to make her feel the effects of her
own power, Zeus caused her to fall in love with a mortal, the Trojan prince, Anchises. She appeared
before Anchises who was working as a shepherd on Mount Ida. She told him that she was the daughter of
King Orteus of Phrygia and that she wished to become his spouse. Anchises agreed, but when she told
him that she was really a goddess, he was afraid. Aphrodite promised that nothing would happen to him if
he never told anyone of her true identity. The child of Aphrodite and Anchises was Aeneas, a hero of the
Trojan War. Aphrodite protected Aeneas, and at the destruction of Troy, helped him to travel to Italy where
he founded a new land for the Trojans. That land eventually became the land of the Romans. The
Romans were very devoted to Aeneas’ mother and paid tribute to her as the goddess Venus.

One of her immortal sons, Eros, was her constant companion. He was a winged child who carried
a bow and a quiver of arrows. He was full of mischief and often shot unsuspecting victims with his arrows.
Those struck by his arrows were not killed; they fell in love!

Aphrodite had many children by gods, particularly Ares, and mortals. However, when she bathed in
the sea off Cythera near the place where she first appeared, she became young again.

Aphrodite was usually symbolized by the doves which pulled her golden chariot. Other symbols
associated with her were swans, sparrows, myrtle, and roses.

Barbara Green
Cleveland Heights, OH
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APHRODITE

More Myths About Aphrodite


You may wish to know more about the story of Aphrodite and her powers. Select one of the
following stories to read.

“The Judgment of Paris”


“Pygmalion”
“Eros (Cupid) and Psyche”

Then share your story by doing one of the following activities.

1. Make a shoe-box diorama to illustrate a scene from the story.

2. Prepare a book with illustrations to tell your version of the story.

3. Draw scenes from the story on fanfold paper. Make a tape recording of the story to accompany your
illustrations.

4. Choose a character from the story and retell the story from your point of view.

5. Write a play based on the story. Prepare puppets and present the play as a puppet show.

6. Create a comic strip version of the story.

Barbara Green
Cleveland Heights, OH

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APHRODITE

Musical Mythology
Venus

(Tune: “Ninety-nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall”)

Oh, I saw a young goddess

Who stuck in my mind,

So lovely and fair was she

That now to all others

I simply am blind,

Venus, so lovely, so pretty, so kind.

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO

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APHRODITE

APHRODITE
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ARES

All of Zeus’ Relatives


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-32

Word Bank
Ares Hades Io Titans
Cronus Hephaestus Metis Titanesses
Demeter Hera Poseidon Uranus
Gaea Hestia Rhea

Fill in the blanks. You will use one of the words in the word bank twice.

1. Who is Zeus’ grandmother? ______________________________________

2. Who are Zeus’ brothers? ______________________________________

______________________________________

3. Who is Zeus’ queen? ______________________________________

4. Who is Zeus’ grandfather? ______________________________________

5. Who is Zeus’ mother? ______________________________________

6. Who are Zeus’ aunts? ______________________________________

7. Who was Zeus’ first wife? ______________________________________

8. Who are Zeus’ sisters? ______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

9. Who are Zeus and Hera’s sons? ______________________________________

______________________________________

10. Who are Zeus’ uncles? ______________________________________

11. Who is Zeus’ cow-bride? ______________________________________

12. Who is Zeus’ father? ______________________________________

After you have filled in all the information, create a family tree showing all of Zeus’ relatives.
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ARES

Who Could I Be? #1


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 24-32

Word Bank

Aphrodite Eris Hera


Ares Eros Io
Argus Famine Pain
Cyclopes Hephaestus Robots

1. My golden apple causes war.


Times of peace are such a bore! Who am I? __________________________

2. I was a girl, but now I eat grass.


I hope this punishment will pass. Who am I? __________________________

3. I like my jewelry and my doves,


But Ares is the god I love. Who am I? __________________________

4. We serve Hephaestus underground.


Better helpers can’t be found. Who are we? ________________________

5. A bodyguard for one small cow.


My eyes are on the peacock now. Who am I? __________________________

6. I let my special arrows fly.


A pretty girl now loves a guy. Who am I? __________________________

7. We help Hephaestus walk around.


We prop him up so he can pound. Who are we? ________________________

8. I saw a cloud up in the sky.


“Why was it there,” I wondered. “Why?” Who am I? __________________________

9. We follow war; we always do


With Oblivion and Panic, too. Who are we? ________________________

________________________
10. I like blood, but not my own.
The deeds I do you can’t condone. Who am I? __________________________

11. I joined my parents’ argument.


I shouldn’t have. My legs are bent. Who am I? __________________________

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ARES

Teacher’s Key
All of Zeus’ Relatives
1. Gaea
2. Poseidon, Hades
3. Hera
4. Uranus
5. Rhea
6. Titanesses
7. Metis
8. Hestia, Hera, Demeter
9. Ares, Hephaestus
10. Titans
11. Io
12. Cronus

Teacher’s Key
Who Could I Be?
1. Eris
2. Io
3. Aphrodite
4. Cyclopes
5. Argus
6. Eros
7. Robots
8. Hera
9. Pain, Famine
10. Ares
11. Hephaestus

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ARES

Hephaestus / Aphrodite / Ares


Crossword Puzzle
This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 28-32

Across
1. Two of the vicious crowd following Ares (three words)
2. Metals of which the robots were made (three words)
5. Two sons of Zeus and Hera (three words)
7. Items that were in Eros’ quiver
8. Son of Aphrodite
11. God who threw Hephaestus off of Mount Olympus
14. Unwise present that Hephaestus gave to Aphrodite (two words)
15. Constant companion of Ares
16. Goddess who nursed Hephaestus back to health

Down
1. Two more of the vicious crowd following Ares (three words)
2. Prized possession of Eris (two words)
3. Island where Hephaestus landed
4. God admired by Aphrodite for his good looks
5. God who made the twelve thrones for the Olympians
6. Goddesses who welcomed Aphrodite ashore (two words)
9. Island where Aphrodite came ashore
10. Wife of Hephaestus
12. Monsters who helped Hephaestus at his forges
13. Goddess whose side Hephaestus took during an argument
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ARES

Teacher’s Key
Hephaestus / Aphrodite / Ares Crossword

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ARES

HERA / HEPHAESTUS / APHRODITE / ARES


WORD SEARCH
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 24-32

In this grid, find the words suggested by the clues at the bottom of the page.
The words may be backwards, forwards, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
Find all twenty words. One word appears twice since it is the answer to two questions.

CLUES
1. I am Io’s father. 15. I gave the apple tree to Hera.
2. Argus killed me. 16. I am the jealous wife of Zeus.
3. We help Hephaestus walk. 17. I am the son of Aphrodite and Ares.
4. Zeus sent me to sting Io. 18. I throw the golden apple of discord.
5. Hermes bored me to death. 19. I am the mother of Ares and Hephaestus.
6. I am Aphrodite’s favorite bird. 20. The eyes of Argus are placed on my tail.
7. I told a long, pointless story to Argus.
8. We help Hephaestus at his forge.
9. I tossed Hephaestus off Mount Olympus.
10. I am the garden where the golden apple tree was planted.
11. The three of us were there to greet Aphrodite when she rose from the sea.
12. Unfortunately, I am married to Hephaestus.
13. I took care of Hephaestus when he landed on Lemnos.
14. A gadfly chased me to Egypt in the form of a cow.
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ARES

TEACHER’S KEY

HERA / HEPHAESTUS / APHRODITE / ARES


WORD SEARCH

1. Inachos 11. Graces


2. Echidna 12. Aphrodite
3. robots 13. Thetis
4. gadfly 14. Io
5. Argus 15. Gaea
6. dove 16. Hera
7. Hermes 17. Eros
8. Cyclopes 18. Eris
9. Zeus 19. Hera
10. Hesperides 20. peacock

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ARES

Bingo Game #1
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 9-32
Beginnings – Zeus – Hera – Hephaestus – Aphrodite – Ares

There are two clues for each answer so you can play two completely different games

Lemnos – island where Hephaestus landed

LEMNOS -- ISLAND WHERE THETIS LIVED

Cythera – island where Aphrodite returns

CYTHERA -- ISLAND WHERE THE THREE GRACES MET A GODDESS

Crete – island where Zeus grew up

CRETE -- ISLAND WHERE AMALTHEIA LIVED

Eris – constant companion of Ares

ERIS – SPIRIT OF STRIFE WHO THREW APPLES OF DISCORD

Thetis -- sea nymph who cared for Hephaestus

THETIS -- SEA NYMPH WHO LIVED ON THE ISLAND OF LEMNOS

Argus – bodyguard of Hera

ARGUS -- 100 EYED MONSTER

Peacock – Hera’s favorite bird

PEACOCK -- CREATURE WHO RECEIVED EYES OF ARGUS

Cow – Io’s other form

COW -- CREATURE WHO WAS BITTEN AND CHASED BY A GADFLY

Gadfly – creature that stung Io

GADFLY -- CREATURE SENT BY HERA TO CHASE IO TO EGYPT

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ARES

Bingo Game #1 (continued)

Inachos – Io’s father

INACHOS -- GOD WHOSE RIVER WAS STRUCK BY ZEUS’ LIGHTNING BOLT

Zeus – the conqueror of Typhon

ZEUS -- HUSBAND OF METIS

Hera – mother of Hephaestus and Ares

HERA -- GODDESS WHO MARRIED A “CUCKOO”

Metis – first wife of Zeus

METIS -- GODDESS OF PRUDENCE

Hephaestus – god who created the twelve golden thrones

HEPHAESTUS -- GOD WHO SIDED WITH HERA IN AN ARGUMENT

Ares – the most vain and arrogant god

ARES -- GOD WHO WAS FOLLOWED BY PAIN, PANIC, FAMINE, AND OBLIVION

Aphrodite – goddess who is attended by the Three Graces

APHRODITE -- GODDESS WHO CAN RENEW HER BEAUTY

Hermes – god who bored Argus to death

HERMES -- HERALD OF THE GODS

Cronus – Zeus’ father

CRONUS -- WIELDER OF THE SICKLE

Uranus – Zeus’ grandfather

URANUS – GOD CHASED BY THE SICKLE

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ARES

Bingo Game #1 (continued)

Rhea – Hera’s mother

RHEA -- DEMETER’S MOTHER

Gaea – Hera’s grandmother

GAEA -- HADES’ GRANDMOTHER

Atlas – Titan who supports the sky on his shoulders

ATLAS -- STRONGEST OF THE TITANS

Eros – son of Aphrodite

EROS -- ALSO KNOWN AS CUPID

Cyclopes – strong blacksmiths and masons

CYCLOPES -- SONS OF GAEA AND URANUS WHO BUILT THE PALACE ON OLYMPUS

Have the students randomly place the following 24 words on a bingo board.
(See following page)

Ares Gaea
Aphrodite Hephaestus
Argus Hera
Atlas Hermes
Cow Inachos
Crete Lemnos
Cronus Metis
Cyclopes Peacock
Cythera Rhea
Eris Thetis
Eros Uranus
Gadfly Zeus

They can write LIBER, the Latin word for “free,” in the free space.

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ARES

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ARES

Musical Mythology
Mars
(Tune: “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again”)

When soldiers marched from ancient Rome


They sang of Mars.
Because he was the god of war
They sang of Mars.
March is the month they named for him
The Roman year was starting then
And they all went marching
Singing a song of Mars.

Eris was the spirit of strife


She marched with Mars
She threw her golden apple down
And started wars,
And Mars leapt into the thick of things
His sword against the armor rings
And they all go marching
Singing a song of Mars.

A god who’s tall and handsome


But quite vain was Mars.
He’d jump to battle when he heard
The clash of arms.
But when he came wounded from the war
He screamed and rolled upon the floor
And Jove put ointment
On his baby son Mars.

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO

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ARES

The Wounding of Ares


During the Trojan War, the Greek army camped along the shore, and the people of Troy fought
from behind the strong walls which circled their city. The battles waged by the brave heroes were watched
closely by the gods and goddesses high above on Mount Olympus. The deities took definite sides and
tried to support their chosen heroes. Athena was on the side of the Greeks, and Ares was for the Trojans.
One day the sound of swords striking shields could be heard across the plain. Through clouds of
dust, the warriors of both sides fought bravely and fiercely. Ares entered the fight to help the Trojans and
while on the field of battle, he was attacked by the great Greek hero, Diomedes. Now the god Ares should
have easily won a battle with a mortal hero, but unknown to Ares, Diomedes had the help of Athena, the
goddess of warfare. Hidden under a helmet of darkness, Athena rode in Diomedes’ chariot. She urged
him to fight bravely. As he battled Ares, Diomedes charged forward in the chariot. At his side, Athena
drew her silver bow and swiftly shot arrows which severely injured Ares. With a mighty roar, the badly
wounded god was forced to flee back to Mount Olympus to heal. Through the trickery and battle skill of
Athena, Diomedes was spared in his battle against Ares.

The Wounded Ares


Think about how Ares felt when he returned to Mount Olympus in his wounded condition. He was
the fierce god of war and could not have been happy to have been wounded in battle by Athena. Write an
explanation Ares could have given for his wounds which protects his image as an Olympian. When you
have finished, share your explanation with the class. Use your imagination!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

David Baumbach
Pittsburgh, PA
84 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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ATHENA

Musical Mythology

Athena

(Tune: “Darlin’ Clementine”)

Oh, Athena, oh Athena


Bright of eyes and true of heart
In your armor, guarding Athens,
You will always do your part.

You were born full-grown and armored


From the head of mighty Zeus
You’re the goddess of great wisdom
And the arts of daily use.

Oh Athena, we may know you


By your owl and olive tree
And the aegis ‘round your shoulders
With the Gorgon head to see.

You competed with Arachne


In a tapestry to weave
Hers was perfect, you were jealous
As a spider now she’ll grieve.
Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID
Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO

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ATHENA

Think About Athena


1. Prepare some open-ended questions for the students to wonder over such as

Was Arachne punished because she was boastful or because of what she put on her weaving?

Was Arachne’s contempt for the gods justified?

What did Arachne think of Athena?

Do you think Athena should have destroyed Arachne’s weaving?

A good lively discussion will help open the story’s layers of meaning. It might then be beneficial to
web any interests that the children name for further investigation such as weaving, spiders,
boasting, competition, choices, and consequences. Individual and group projects can be launched.

2. Practice validations.

Have a discussion about boasting. Have you ever known someone who boasted? What did that
feel like? Have you ever been the one who did the boasting? What did that feel like? Did you feel
better or worse afterwards?

After some discussion, explain that affirmations or validations are specific traits or behaviors that we
like about someone. Then try this activity.

Get a ball of yarn and gather the class into a large circle. Begin by asking someone to give
a validation to another student. For example, “Karen, I really like the way you get things
done. You quietly do what we need. Thank you.” The student then ties the yarn three times
around his own wrist and hands the yarn to the person just named. That person does the
same thing to someone else, giving a validation and then tying the yarn around her wrist.
This continues until everyone has spoken and been validated. Everyone will be connected
by the web of yarn. Then the teacher can cut the yarn, making a friendship bracelet around
each person’s wrist. It reminds the students that the invisible web cannot be broken.

Mary Ann Titus


Westerville, OH

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ATHENA

Arachne the Weaver


In Latin, texere means “to weave,” and a “weaver” is a textor.

Some English words that are derived from these Latin words are

TEXTURE the character of fabric determined by the fabric’s threads


TEXTILE the woven fabric
TEXT a structure of words
CONTEXT the whole situation taken together
PRETEXT literally to weave before or to pretend

To explore the word texture, bring in a variety of fabric, perhaps silk, burlap, linen, flannel, cotton,
and wool. Allow the students to feel the texture of these textiles and to describe what they feel.

The students will probably be familiar with textbooks although they may not have heard about the
text of a speech. Differentiate between notes, paraphrasing, commentary, translation, and text.

Discuss the difference between “out of context” and “in context.” Words have a specific meaning
only when they are in context. Point out that “base” has many possible meanings until you put it in the
context of a sentence. Consider the following sentences.

1. He ran to third base.


2. He will base his opinion on the evidence.
3. The solution is either an acid or a base.
4. The base of a statue is called a pedestal.
5. The paint has an oil base.
6. His actions showed him to be a base coward.
7. The base of a word is its root.

Other words with multiple meanings determined by context are “run,” “bar,” and “bank.” Brainstorm
others.

Start a sentence with the phrase, “Under the pretext of . . ..” and let the students create their own
scams. The newspaper might be a source of topics for these sentences.

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ATHENA

Hanging By a Thread
When Athena turned Arachne into a spider, she “hung by the thread” that
she spun for her webs. The Latin word for “to hang” is PENDERE.
Listed below are English derivatives from this Latin word.

1. Underline the letters in the derivatives which suggest that these words are derived from PENDERE.
2. Match the derivative with its meaning.
3. Use each derivative in context in the sentences at the bottom of the page.
4. Figure out a way to relate the word “hanging” to each of the derivatives. For example, the appendix is
“hanging” at the end of the large intestine.

_____ appendix A. (verb) to make equivalent, to pay

_____ compensate B. (noun) bands to hold up trousers

_____ depend C. (verb) to rely on

_____ impending D. (noun) a fixed payment for service

_____ pendant E. (noun) an outgrowth of the large intestine

_____ pending F. (verb) to stop temporarily

_____ pendulum G. (noun) an ornamental hanging object

_____ stipend H. (adj.) to be about to happen, threatening

_____ suspend I. (noun) a part hung from a fixed point that swings freely

_____ suspenders J. (adj.) not decided

PENDERE in Context
1. The jury is still debating; the verdict is ______________________________.
2. She received a beautiful diamond ______________________________ for her birthday.
3. The surgeon removed the patient’s ______________________________.
4. When the ______________________________ stops swinging, the clock stops.
5. The radio warned us of the ______________________________ danger.
6. Our teacher received a ______________________________ for teaching two extra classes.
7. My grandpa wears striped ______________________________.
8. The bus company will ______________________________ service until the strike is over.
9. Baby birds ______________________________ on their parents for food.
10. A boss ______________________________ his workers for their time.
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ATHENA

Athena Double Puzzle


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 34-37

Step 1: Unscramble each of the clue words by answering the


questions.

Step 2: To find out the secret word, copy the letters in the
numbered cells into the cells at the bottom with the
same number.

Step 3: Figure out how the secret word relates to the clue words.
Write your answer on the blank lines below the secret word.

Question for Clue Word #1: What were Arachne and Athena weaving?
Question for Clue Word #2: What was the name of the vain girl?
Question for Clue Word #3: What got hurt when Arachne boasted she was
better than Athena?

1. TATSERYP

2. NACREHA

6 5

3. REPDI

2 3 4

Secret Word

1 2 3 4 5 6

Relationship between Clue Words and Secret Word

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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ATHENA

Teacher’s Key
Hanging By a Thread
Matching

E
A
C
H
G
J
I
D
F
B

IN CONTEXT

1. pending
2. pendant
3. appendix
4. pendulum
5. impending
6. stipend
7. suspenders
8. suspend
9. depend
10. compensates

Teacher’s Key
Athena Double Puzzle
Clue #1: tapestry
Clue #2: Arachne
Clue #3: pride

Secret Word: spider

Connection: Arachne’s pride caused her to create irreverent pictures on the tapestry
she was weaving, and so Athena turned her into a spider.

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ATHENA

Musical Mythology
Arachne’s Song
(Tune: “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider”)

Arachne and Athena were experts at the loom

Pride and irreverence sealed Arachne’s doom

Athena decided to make Arachne pay

Now Arachne is a spider, weaving night and day.

Here is a Latin version


of “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider.”

Pusilla araneola
ascendit fistulam

Magnopere pluit
et abluit eam

Deinde sol luxit


siccavitque aquam

Et pusilla araneola
ascendit iterum.

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ATHENA

Derivatives from “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider”

Vocabulary Derivative

pusilla – very small pusillanimous – cowardly (literally “tiny minded”)

araneola – spider araneid – a zoological term for a spider

ascendit – climb ascend – to climb

fistulam – water pipe fistulous – tubular in shape

magnopere – greatly magnify – to enlarge

pluit - rain impluvium – (L.) the opening in the roof of the atrium

abluit – wash away abluent – a substance used for cleaning

sol – sun solar – pertaining to the sun

luxit – shine translucent – allowing light to pass through

siccavit – dry siccative – a substance that helps paint to dry

aquam – water aqueduct – a structure for carrying water

iterum – again reiterate - to say again

To make these derivatives live for your students, be as creative and concrete
as you can. Ask the children to bring in objects that are “fistular” in shape, to locate
a “translucent” drinking glass or window, to search for information on “solar”
eclipses, to decide which derivative belongs in The Wizard of Oz, to find pictures of
an “aqueduct” and and “impluvium,” to make a list of “abluents,” to look through a
“magnifying” glass, to “ascend” and “descend” the stairs or the piano keys, to look
on paint cans for the words “fast-drying,” and to “reiterate” these derivatives as often
as possible.

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ATHENA

NAME THAT SPIDER

Imagine that you have discovered a new spider.


Write a description of this spider. What does it
look like? What does it do? Where did you
discover it?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

On a separate piece of paper, sketch a picture of your spider. Give it a Family,


Genus, and Species name.

KINGDOM Animal

PHYLUM Arthropoda

CLASS Arachnida

ORDER Aranaea

FAMILY ______________________________________________

GENUS ______________________________________________

SPECIES ______________________________________________

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ATHENA

Pom-Pom Spiders

Materials needed for each spider

a 2-inch pom-pom
4 pipe cleaners
2 googly eyes
a 12-inch piece of yarn
glue

To make the spider

Bend the four pipe cleaners around the middle of the pom-pom and secure
with a tight twist. Flatten the pipe cleaners into the shape shown below.

Fluff the pom-pom around the indentation made by the pipe cleaners.

Bend the pipe cleaners so that the spider can stand up.

Glue on the googly eyes.

Attach the string to the stomach of the spider.

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POSEIDON

ATHENA / POSEIDON
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 34-41

Across Down

1. Goddess of prudence 2. The creature that Arachne became


3. Poseidon and Amphitrite’s son 4. The first ruler of the sea
6. Spirit of Victory 5. A mortal girl who could weave well
8. Poseidon's wife 7. One of Poseidon's nicknames
10. The god who split open Zeus’ head 9. City named for Athena
11. The name of Nereus' 50 daughters 12. Goddess of childbirth
13. The location of Athena’s temple 14. The type of water that Poseidon offered
16. Goddess of war, wisdom, and weaving 15. Athena's father
17. Brother of Zeus, lord of the sea 18. The type of tree that Athena offered
20. The creature that Zeus swallowed 19. Island where Leto gave birth
22. One item Metis made for Athena inside Zeus’ head 21. Artemis and Apollo’s mother
23. Athena's favorite bird
24. Creature that Poseidon created
25. Pointed weapons used by the "twins"
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POSEIDON

ATHENA / POSEIDON CROSSWORD PUZZLE

WORD BANK
Acropolis Ilithyia
Amphitrite Leto
Arachne Metis
arrows Nereids
Athena Nereus
Athens Nike
Delos olive
Earthshaker owl
fly Poseidon
helmet salt
Hephaestus spider
horse Triton
Zeus

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POSEIDON

TEACHER’S KEY
ATHENA/POSEIDON CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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POSEIDON

Relationships
This difficult exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 32-41

Figure out the number that corresponds to the letter. They are NOT consecutive.
One letter’s number has been provided for you.
The sentences you create will describe relationships between characters
in the stories about Ares, Athena, and Poseidon.

Puzzle #1

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
8

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____’ ____
14 22 21 20 8 17 22 11 8 21 1 15 25 20 11 1 21

____ ____ ____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
13 11 2 4 20 1 11 17 15 9 8 15 22 11 8 21

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____’ ____ ____ ____ ____.
1 23 14 25 8 15 9 8 15 20 21 21 22 11

Puzzle #2

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____,
25 11 7 15 3 1 14 14 1 16 15 22 11 25 15

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
10 23 6 4 7 18 25 22 9 9 1 21 26 22 4 7 25 15

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.


22 6 24 25 4 22

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POSEIDON

Relationships (continued)

Puzzle #3

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
13

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
10 11 4 22 13 12 5 7 11 16 18 22 13 23 11

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
16 15 11 19 13 23 11 12 16 22 25 3 16 15 11

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.
26 25 5 5 11 22 22 25 3 20 18 22 5 25 7

Puzzle #4

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
9

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
11 19 11 22 18 3 26 25 9 23 18 26

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
11 3 22 26 9 23 6 19 6 15 11 5 5

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.


9 7 25 10 26 19 9

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POSEIDON

ATHENA / POSEIDON
WORD SEARCH
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 34-41

In this grid, find the words suggested by the clues at the bottom of the page.
The words may be backwards, forwards, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

CLUES

1. I am the mother of Triton. 11. I am an animal created in the shape of breaking waves.
2. I provide oil, food, and wood. (2 words) 12. I whacked Zeus on the head when he had a headache.
3. You can’t drink me. (2 words) 13. I am the spirit who always accompanies Athena.
4. I am the mother of Apollo and Artemis. 14. I am the insect that Zeus swallowed during a game.
5. I have a trident. 15. I am the flat-topped rock that crowns the city of Athens.
6. I am the island that offered Leto shelter. 16. After she was bribed, Hera allowed me to visit Leto.
7. My daughter popped out of my head. 17. I have 49 aunts.
8. Athena chose me as her favorite bird. 18. I am Poseidon’s father-in-law.
9. I am wise, and I can weave. 19. I am not wise, but I can weave.
10. I am an arachnid. 20. I am the mother of Athena.

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POSEIDON

Teacher’s Key
Relationships
Puzzle #1: Poseidon is Athena’s uncle, and Triton is Amphitrite’s son.
Puzzle #2: Eris follows Ares, but Nike accompanies Athena.
Puzzle #3: Zeus and Metis are the parents of the goddess of wisdom.
Puzzle #4: Arachne is the ancestor of all spiders.

Teacher’s Key
ATHENA / POSEIDON
WORD SEARCH

1. Amphitrite 11. horse


2. olive tree 12. Hephaestus
3. salt water 13. Nike
4. Leto 14. fly
5. Poseidon 15. Acropolis
6. Delos 16. Ilithyia
7. Zeus 17. Triton
8. owl 18. Nereus
9. Athena 19. Arachne
10. spider 20. Metis

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POSEIDON

Who Could I Be? #2


This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 24-41

A. Aphrodite F. Eris K. Nike


B. Arachne G. Eros L. Poseidon
C. Ares H. Hephaestus M. Thetis
D. Argus I. Hera N. Zeus
E. Athena J. Io

Match the character with the description. You will use some answers more than once.

__________1. I am the blacksmith of the gods.

__________2. Mother Earth gave me an apple tree for my wedding present.

__________3. I have a trident.

__________4. I am the king of the Olympian gods.

__________5. My favorite bird is the owl.

__________6. I throw a golden apple to start arguments.

__________7. I took care of Hephaestus when he landed on Lemnos.

__________8. I turned myself into a cuckoo to win Hera’s love.

__________9. I am the goddess of love.

__________10. I am the goddess of wisdom.

__________11. My eyes were placed on the peacock’s tail.

__________12. I am the spirit of victory who is always with Athena.

__________13. I am the god of war.

__________14. I was born from the head of Zeus.

__________15. I am the son of Aphrodite.

__________16. I entered into a weaving competition with Athena.

__________17. Zeus gave Aphrodite to me for my wife.

__________18. I got turned into a cow.

__________19. I competed with Athena for the city of Athens.

__________20. I am the queen of the Olympian gods.

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POSEIDON

Analogies
An analogy includes two words that are somehow related. You must determine the nature of that
relationship and then find another pair of words which reflects a similar relationship.

For example, “red and apple” might be the first pair of words. You know that the color of an apple is
red. In the second pair of words, you will be looking for a similar relationship. The second pair could be
“yellow and banana,” or “grey and elephant,” or “green and leaf.”

Special symbols are used in analogies. red : apple :: yellow : banana

Read this analogy as “Red is to apple as yellow is to banana.”

Each pair of words listed at the bottom of this page shows a relationship similar to another pair of
words listed below. Write the matching pair in the blank.

1. Athena : owl :: ______________________________________________________________________

2. salt water : Athenians :: _______________________________________________________________

3. Poseidon : trident :: __________________________________________________________________

4. Cyclopes : Hephaestus :: ______________________________________________________________

5. Zeus’ head : Athena :: _______________________________________________________________

6. arachnid : spider :: ___________________________________________________________________

7. Athena : Nike :: _____________________________________________________________________

8. Artemis : Apollo :: ____________________________________________________________________

9. Cronus : Rhea :: ____________________________________________________________________

10. eyes : Argus :: _____________________________________________________________________

Matching Pairs

box : Jack-in-the-Box refrigerator : Eskimos

amphibian : frog Romulus : Remus

Zeus : eagle Zeus : Hera

Ares : Eris Iris : Mercury

Zeus : lightning bolt legs : centipede

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POSEIDON

Teacher’s Key
Who Could I Be?
1. H
2. I
3. L
4. N
5. E
6. F
7. M
8. N
9. A
10. E
11. D
12. K
13. C
14. E
15. G
16. B
17. H
18. J
19. L
20. I

Teacher’s Key
Analogies
1. Zeus : eagle The owl is a symbol of Athena; the eagle is a symbol of Zeus.

2. refrigerator : Eskimos The Athenians had as much use for salt water as Eskimos have for a
refrigerator.

3. Zeus : lightning bolt Poseidon’s gift from the Cyclopes was a trident; Zeus’ gift was lightning.

4. Iris : Mercury They have similar jobs. Both the Cyclopes and Hephaestus are blacksmiths;
both Iris and Mercury are messengers.

5. box : Jack-in-the-Box Athena popped out of Zeus’ head in the same way that a Jack-in-the-Box
pops out of his box.

6. amphibian : frog The class to which a spider belongs is “arachnid;” the class to which a frog
belongs is “amphibian.”

7. Ares : Eris Nike is Athena’s constant companion; Eris is Ares’ constant companion.

8. Romulus : Remus Both pairs are twins.

9. Zeus : Hera Both pairs are husband and wife. They are also brother and sister.

10. legs : centipede Argus has 100 eyes; a centipede has 100 legs.
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POSEIDON

Musical Mythology
Neptune
(Tune: “Going Over the Sea”)

Neptune was a mighty god.


He ruled over the sea.
He held a trident in his hand.
He ruled over the sea.
He commanded waves and water
And the storms upon the ocean
With a one, a two, and a three.

Neptune was the brother of Jove


Who ruled over the sky.
His other brother was named Pluto
Who ruled under the earth.
All together they commanded
All the realms upon this planet
With a one, a two, and a three.

Polyphemus was his son


A one-eyed giant was he.
He ate Odysseus’ men, and then
A blinded giant was he.
Then great Neptune swore his vengeance
Blew up storms that caused the shipwrecks
With a one, a two, and a three.
Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID
Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO
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POSEIDON

The Contest for Athens – A Retelling


Poseidon, god of the ocean kingdom, used his mighty powers to rule all the waters of the seas.
One day, greedy Poseidon decided that he wished to rule on land as well. He claimed the city-state of
Athens for himself. This act greatly enraged the wise goddess Athena who wanted Athens under her
protection. Poseidon and Athena knew that they must settle this argument and determine who would rule
Athens. Poseidon could easily have beaten Athena in a fight so they decided on a contest as the way to
settle the dispute. The people of Athens and their king, Cecrops, were the judges. Each of the gods would
present a gift to the people of Athens. They would decide which gift was better, and the one who gave that
gift would win the city. The contest was held on the Acropolis, the high hill in the center of Athens. The
day of the contest arrived, and Poseidon and Athena took their places. Mighty Poseidon raised his trident
high above his head and brought it down upon the rock with great force. Instantly from that spot gushed a
stream of salt water. Next, Athena lightly tapped the ground with her spear and brought forth an olive tree,
the first ever seen on earth. It took root instantly and developed olives.
The citizens and king of Athens voted that the olive tree was the better gift, and Athens came under
the protection of grey-eyed Athena.

David Baumbach
Pittsburgh, PA

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POSEIDON

Why Was It Better?


• This activity should be completed with a partner or in a small group of no more than four people.
• In the column labeled Salt Water, list as many uses for salt water as you can think of.
• In the column labeled Olive Tree, list as many uses for the olive tree as you can think of.
• When you have all uses listed, examine both lists and determine which gift you think was better.
Support your answer with reasons.

Salt Water Olive Tree

Which Was Better? Why?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

David Baumbach
Pittsburgh, PA
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POSEIDON

Water, Water, Everywhere!

• 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water


Use 1-inch graph paper and count a 10 x 10 square. Color 7 rows blue to represent the
earth’s water and color 3 rows brown to represent earth.

• Of the earth’s water, 97% is ocean water and is too salty for human use.
Color yellow over the blue crayon in 3 of the 70 blocks that represent the ocean.

• Of the 3% that is fresh water, ¾ is frozen in glaciers, on mountains,


or at the earth’s poles.
Dividing each of the 3 squares into four equal parts, color one part in each square black,
over the previous colors. (You may have students note equivalent fractional parts.) This
tiny black part represents all the free fresh water in the world.

This activity may also be done using a liter bottle of water and an eye dropper.
30 ml. of water represents the fresh water.
The free fresh water would be hardly more than a drop.

Remember: There is as much water in the world now as there ever has been or ever will be. The
drop of water you just drank may have been used by a scribe to clean the stylus with
which he wrote thousands of years ago!

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

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POSEIDON

Some Facts About Water

Amount of Water on Earth

326 million cubic miles


There are 1,000,000,000,000 gallons of water
per cubic mile.

Amount of Water Used by People

16,000 gallons (60,600 liters) per person


in a lifetime
In the United States, each person uses about 100
gallons (380 liters) a day.

Biggest Consumer of Water

More water is used in making paper than in any other way.

Sources of Fresh Water

Rivers and lakes contain one fiftieth of one percent of all the fresh water on earth.
One half of one percent of all water is beneath the earth’s surface.
The rest is frozen somewhere.

Small towns (under 5000) use underground sources for their water systems.
Large cities depend on rivers and lakes to supply the people with water.

Although water cannot be used up, it can be polluted.


The supply of cheap, unpolluted water in the United States is shrinking.
Cleaning water is expensive.

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

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POSEIDON

Oil or Water?
If Poseidon’s spring had been fresh water, the citizens would have been very foolish to choose the
olive tree, for fresh water was very precious then as well as now. But the spring was salty and therefore
unusable by human beings. There is an important gift, however, that Poseidon gave to people. What is it?

• The olive tree, Athena’s gift, is an evergreen grown for the production of olives as food and for oil
which may be used for a variety of purposes.

• There is evidence that olives were grown on the island of Crete


as early as 3500 BCE. It is probably the world’s oldest
cultivated crop.

• Olive oil was highly prized for anointing the body as early as
3000 BCE.

• Olive trees flourished in Greece in 900 BCE about the time of


Homer and were important in Rome as early as 600 BCE.

• Olive trees grow slowly, and some are reported to be over 1000 years old. The wood is resistant to
decay, and if the top dies, a new trunk will sprout from the roots.

• These trees grow to be 10 to 40 feet tall. They cannot survive temperatures of less than 10
degrees F. (-12.2 C.), yet they require winter-chilling conditions in order to produce fruit.

• Athena’s olive tree has always been a very useful tree in the region around the Mediterranean Sea
for it can grow on very dry land and it lives for a long, long time. Olive oil is still prized today for
cooking and for other purposes.

Find Out

Where are olives grown in the United States?


Are olives still important in Greece?
Which country today produces the most olives?
What special building was erected in Athens in honor of Athena?

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

110 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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POSEIDON

POSEIDON
111 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
May be reproduced for classroom use
POSEIDON

REVIEW #2
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 24-41

The answer-blanks with a slash require both Greek and Roman names for the god or goddess.

1. Who kills the monster Echidna? ________________________________

2. What does Gaea give to Hera for a wedding present? ______________________________

3. Who are Hephaestus’ three main helpers? _____________________________________

4. Into what does Zeus turn Io? _________________________

5. What is Eros’ other name? ______________________________

6. Who bores Argus to death? _____________________________

7. Who is the king of the gods? ________________________/_______________________

8. Who is Artemis and Apollo’s mother? _______________________

9. What is one animal that Poseidon created? ______________________________

10. Into what does Athena turn Arachne? _______________________

11. Who is the god of war? ________________________/_______________________

12. What creature chases Io to Egypt? _______________________________

13. Who causes Zeus’ headache by hammering out armor? ________________________

14. Who is the goddess of the hearth? _____________________/_____________________

15. Who throws Hephaestus from Mount Olympus? ________________________

16. Who tends Hephaestus when he falls onto the island of Lemnos? __________________

17. Who help Hephaestus walk? _________________________________

18. Who gives the olive tree to Athens? _______________________________

19. What four creatures follow Ares? ____________________, __________________,

______________________, _____________________

20. Who makes thrones, weapons, and jewelry for the gods? _________________________

21. What two natural events does Poseidon cause with his trident?

_________________________________ and ________________________________

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POSEIDON

REVIEW #2 (continued)
22. Who is Io’s father? ________________________________

23. Who are Aphrodite’s attendants? _________________________________________

24. Which two gods do not have thrones on Mount Olympus?

________________________ and _______________________

25. What bird bears Argus’ eyes? _______________________________

26. With whom are “love arrows” associated? _________________________________

27. To what island does Aphrodite go to renew her beauty? _______________________

28. Who is the queen of the gods? ______________________/______________________

29. What are Amphitrite’s 49 sisters called? ______________________________

30. How many eyes does Argus have? _______________________________

31. To whom do the other goddesses give an amber necklace as a bribe? _______________

32. Who is the king of the sea? ________________________/_______________________

33. In order to convince Hera to marry him, Zeus turns himself into a _________________.

34. With whom does Athena have a weaving contest? _________________________

35. Who is Aphrodite’s husband? ________________________________

36. Which two Olympians are the children of Hera and Zeus?

________________________ and _________________________

37. Who is Ares’ constant companion? __________________________

38. Which god is cowardly and unable to withstand pain? _____________________

39. Who is the blacksmith of the gods? ____________________/_____________________

40. Athena is the goddess of three things that begin with W and two things that begin with O.
What are they?

_________________________ ________________________

_________________________ ________________________

_________________________

41. Who is Athena’s mother? ______________________________

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POSEIDON

REVIEW #2 (continued)

42. What is the name of the spirit of victory always shown with Athena? _______________

43. Who is Aphrodite’s son? ________________________

44. Where do Zeus and Io hide to avoid Hera? _______________________________

45. Which two gods want the city of Athens for their own.

________________________ and _________________________

46. Who is the goddess of love? ________________________/_______________________

47. Who gives salt water to Athens? _____________________________

48. What does Eris carry? _______________________________________

49. Who is married to Poseidon? ____________________________________

50. From where is Aphrodite born? __________________________

51. Who is the goddess of wisdom? _____________________/_______________________

52. Over what body of water does Io jump on her way to Egypt? _______________________

53. Who will not allow the goddess of childbirth, Ilithyia, to go to Leto? _______________

54. On which island are Artemis and Apollo born? _________________________

114 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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POSEIDON

Teacher’s Key
REVIEW #2

1. Argus 41. Metis


2. apple tree 42. Nike
3. Cyclopes 43. Eros
4. cow 44. cloud
5. Cupid 45. Athena, Poseidon
6. Hermes 46. Aphrodite / Venus
7. Zeus / Jupiter 47. Poseidon
8. Leto 48. golden apple
9. horse 49. Amphitrite
10. spider 50. the sea
11. Ares / Mars 51. Athena / Minerva
12. gadfly 52. Bosporus (cow ford)
13. Metis 53. Hera
14. Hestia / Vesta 54. Delos
15. Zeus
16. Thetis
17. robots
18. Athena
19. pain, panic, famine, oblivion
20. Hephaestus
21. earthquakes, tidal waves
22. Inachos
23. Three Graces
24. Hades, Hestia
25. peacock
26. Eros
27. Cythera
28. Hera / Juno
29. Nereids
30. 100
31. Hera
32. Poseidon / Neptune
33. cuckoo
34. Arachne
35. Hephaestus
36. Ares, Hephaestus
37. Eris
38. Ares
39. Hephaestus / Vulcan
40. wisdom, war, weaving, olives, owl

115 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Apollo / Artemis Crossword Puzzle


This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 42-49

Across Down

1. The giant who wanted to marry Artemis 1. Son of Poseidon who could walk on water
3. Creatures that pulled Artemis' chariot 2. The priestess of the oracle
6. What Orion became after his death 4. Woman whom Python had tried to devour
11. What Niobe was changed into 5. Number of children that Niobe had
12. Mountain where Delphi is located 7. Creature that killed Orion
13. Location of Apollo's oracle 8. The giant who wanted to marry Hera
16. Place where the giant brothers put Ares 9. Weapon that killed Otus and Ephialtes
18. God who killed Python 10. What Artemis and Orion enjoyed most
19. Creatures that Zeus gave to Artemis 14. Dragon who guarded the oracle
20. Goddess who killed Niobe's daughters 15. Grandfather of Niobe
22. Creatures that pulled Apollo's chariot 17. Mortal who saw Artemis bathing
23. Number of children that Leto had 21. Creature that Actaeon became
24. Queen of Thebes
25. Original owner of the oracle of Delphi

116 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Word Bank for Apollo/Artemis Crossword


Actaeon Leto
Apollo Niobe
Artemis Orion
constellation Otus
Delphi Parnassus
Ephialtes Python
fourteen rock
Gaea scorpion
hinds sibyl
hounds stag
hunting swans
jar two
javelin Zeus

Teacher’s Key
Apollo/Artemis Crossword Puzzle

117 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Apollo Word Pieces


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, p. 42

Cut out the word squares and position them to


create a complete sentence about Apollo.
Write the sentence on the line below the puzzle.

Puzzle #1

S U O D O F I S E G

A P O T H E N L L O T H

Sentence _______________________________________________________________

Puzzle #2

L L E N G O N P Y K I L L O

D R A H E D T A P O T H O

Sentence _______________________________________________________________

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Artemis Word Pieces


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, p. 44

Cut out the word squares and position them to


create a complete sentence about Artemis.
Write the sentence on the line below the puzzle.

Puzzle #1

G O D M O O S O A R T H E E M I

S I S T D E S H E F T N

Sentence _______________________________________________________________

Puzzle #2

I O T I S T H R P D E E T E M

U L L H A R O F E C A R

Sentence _______________________________________________________________

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

True Statements
Artemis/Apollo
This difficult exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 40-44

Figure out the number that corresponds to the letter. They are NOT consecutive. One letter’s
number has been provided for you.

The sentences you create will be true statements about the Artemis and Apollo myths.

Puzzle #1

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
9

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
18 5 18 19 25 9 9 23 18 2 18 25 12 26 18 13

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
25 9 2 6 25 9 13 16 25 6 5 12 6 5 13

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
17 13 19 4 5 18 4 6 14 17 18 25 12 13

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
22 9 2 14 13 8 14 13 3 4 6 5

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ .


8 6 10 23 2 13 10 6

Puzzle #2

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
4

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
22 15 13 4 2 6 24 3 7 16 4 16

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
1 12 2 13 4 22 13 4 4 16 22 22 15 13

____ ____ ____ ________ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
25 12 16 21 3 13 25 18 19 13 3 1 15 2 25 14

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ .
26 25 9 14 22 1 16 12 14 16 4 4 9 4

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

True Statements (cont.)


Artemis/Apollo

Puzzle #3

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
16

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____, ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
11 18 19 25 25 19 22 17 8 22 20 7 13

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____,
4 15 19 22 17 8 15 19 26 11 15 22 8 1 7 16

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
6 7 25 25 8 10 22 17 8 10 11 15 6 16 19 1 8

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.
10 15 11 3 19 13 18 5 22 17 19 13

Puzzle #4

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
19

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
26 21 1 26 14 12 19 17 6 17 19 12 1 13 26 24 14

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
26 19 8 21 12 23 23 12 19 2 14 19 2 14 2 12

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
13 14 10 26 2 3 6 15 15 14 17 5 8 13 6 2

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.


12 10 19 13 12 16 19 17 2

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Teacher’s Key
Apollo Word Pieces

Puzzle #1 Apollo is the god of the sun.

Puzzle #2 Apollo killed the dragon Python.

Teacher’s Key
Artemis Word Pieces

Puzzle #1 Artemis is the goddess of the moon.

Puzzle #2 Deer pull the chariot of Artemis.

Teacher’s Key
True Statements
Apollo/Artemis

1. Iris took Ilithyia to Leto after Hera was bribed with a gold and amber necklace.

2. The sibyl was a priestess at the oracle of Delphi on Mount Parnassus.

3. Apollo, the twin brother of Artemis, killed the darksome dragon Python.

4. Actaeon did not have any common sense so he was killed by his own hounds.

122 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Bingo Game #2
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 34-49
Apollo – Artemis – Poseidon – Athena

There are two clues for each answer so you can play two completely different games.

OTUS The giant who wanted to marry Artemis


Brother of Ephialtes

ORION Hunter who became a constellation after his death


A son of Poseidon who could walk on water

NIOBE Queen who had seven sons and seven daughters


The crying rock

DELPHI Location of Apollo’s oracle


Oracle on Mount Parnassus

ARES God who was put into a bronze jar


God of bloody warfare

ATHENA Goddess of wars who fought for just causes


Goddess whose temple is located on the Acropolis

SIBYL Priestess of the oracle of Delphi


Priestess who sat on a tripod

LETO Woman whom Python had tried to devour


Mother of the twin gods

EPHIALTES Giant who wanted to marry Hera


Brother of Otus

ARTEMIS Goddess who changed Actaeon into a stag


Goddess who befriended Orion

APOLLO God of wisdom, light, and music


Killer of the dragon Python

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Bingo Game #2 (continued)


ACTAEON Mortal who saw Artemis bathing
Man who was killed by his own hunting dogs

PYTHON Dragon who guarded Mother Earth’s oracle at Delphi


Dragon killed by Apollo

METIS Goddess of prudence


Mother of Athena

TRITON Son of Poseidon and Amphitrite


Sea deity with a fishtail and a conch shell

NIKE Spirit of Victory


Constant companion of Athena

NEREUS Father of the Nereids


Father-in-law of Poseidon

POSEIDON Creator of the horse


Owner of the trident

ARACHNE Mortal who was in a weaving competition with Athena


Girl whose transformation gave the scientific name to spiders

ATHENS City that chose Athena’s olive tree as the best gift
City that rejected Poseidon’s gift of a salt water spring

DELOS Birthplace of Artemis and Apollo


Island that gave Leto shelter

ZEUS Athena’s father


A god with a horrid headache

ILITHYIA Goddess of childbirth


Goddess who was forbidden to help Leto on the island of Delos

HEPHAESTUS God who assisted in the birth of Athena


God who hit his father over the head with a hammer

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Words for Bingo #2


Have the students randomly place the following 24 words on a bingo board.
(Use bingo form from previous game)

ACTAEON
APOLLO
ARACHNE
ARES
ARTEMIS
ATHENA
ATHENS
DELOS
DELPHI
EPHIALTES
HEPHAESTUS
ILITHYIA
LETO
METIS
NEREUS
NIKE
NIOBE
OTUS
ORION
POSEIDON
PYTHON
SIBYL
TRITON
ZEUS

They can write LIBER, the Latin word for “free,” in the free space.

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Musical Mythology

Apollo
(Tune: “You Are My Sunshine”)

The god Apollo was born on Delos


The son of Leto and mighty Zeus.
The god of music and light and reason,
He was handsome, smart, and couth.

He went to Delphi on Mount Parnassus


To conquer Python with silver shafts.
The sibyl now heard words of Apollo.
When he spoke, the die was cast.

Apollo’s brother, the clever Hermes,


Stole fifty cows from Apollo’s herd.
He played his lyre as a distraction,
And a sudden trade occurred.

The god Apollo adored the sunshine.


His twin Diana adored the moon.
Apollo also adored his lyre
So he played it night and noon.

Apollo mentored the lovely Muses.


On Mount Parnassus, they played and danced.
They sang of heroes and ancient history.
Mankind’s knowledge was enhanced.

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Musical Mythology

Artemis
(Tune: “A-Hunting We Will Go”)

A-hunting we will go
A-hunting we will go
Diana leads her nymphs and so
A-hunting we will go.

She has a lovely bow


Her arrows cleave the air
Her aim is sure, her life is pure
Diana, tall and fair.

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO
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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Artemis and Actaeon


Write Your Own Ending
Artemis took her revenge on Actaeon for a mistake he made, a
mistake which proved to be deadly. What if Actaeon had been friends
with one of the other gods or goddesses and had called for them to
help him just as Artemis was turning him into a stag? Would the story
have come out differently? Would Actaeon have turned into some
other animal? Would the god or goddess who was his friend have
taken revenge on Artemis? Would Actaeon have become a
constellation, or would he have had adventures of his own?

In the space below, write an alternate ending for the myth of


Artemis and Actaeon. You may want to write the story from Actaeon’s
point of view, or perhaps as told by one of his dogs, or in the words of
one of the nymphs who was watching.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

128 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Make Artemis’ Stag and Quiver


Materials needed for each STAG

3 wooden clothespins
1 small piece of corrugated cardboard
small piece of yarn or pipe cleaner for tail
glue
black marker
2 googly eyes

Directions
Glue clothespins with one upright (the horns) and two in the
opposite direction (the legs). Glue a small pad of the corrugated
cardboard between the legs to separate them. Glue on the eyes,
and draw the nose with a marker. Glue on the tail.

Materials needed for each QUIVER

a piece of stiff cardboard, 2-inches by 5-inches


1 large paperclip
scissors
heavy white twine
brown yarn
Directions
Cut slits ½ inch apart across the top and bottom of the
cardboard. Wind the white twine around and around
the cardboard, fitted in the slits. Use the paperclip for a
shuttle, bending the sharp end so it won’t catch on the
twine. Tie a long piece of the brown yarn to the
paperclip and weave it, going over one string, under the
next, all the way around the cardboard (back and front)
until about 1 ½ inch from the top. Cut the twine in the
slits at the top, and tie one cut end to
the one next to it. Remove the woven
piece from the cardboard, turning it
inside out. You now have a pouch.
You can add a strap for the shoulder.
See how inventive you can be about
finding objects that will work for
arrows. You can decorate the quiver
with moons cut from foil or in any
other way you would like.

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH
129 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

ARTEMIS AND ACTAEON MAZE


Actaeon has lost his way in the forest.
Help him avoid Artemis’ cave.

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

ARTEMIS AND ACTAEON


131 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Daphne and Apollo


A Retelling
Long ago in a green and peaceful wood there lived a nymph named Daphne. Nymphs are the
spirits of water and trees. Daphne was the daughter of the river god, Peneus, and she was as happy and
free as the wind that blew through the forest where she lived. She loved her freedom more than life itself
and spent the long summer days hunting with her bow and arrows, or gathering nuts and berries, or simply
watching the pattern of the leaves against a clear blue sky. This carefree existence filled her with joy, and
she wanted only to spend her time in this way.

“Please, Father, “ she begged the river god. “You must promise me that you will never make me
marry. Please let me live all my life just as I am today.”

Her father was not really happy about this because he wanted grandchildren. Besides, he thought
that any proper girl should one day become a wife. But she pleaded with him so often and so pitifully that
he promised, at last.

Perhaps she would have spent her whole existence just like this if Apollo and Cupid had not been
having another of their arguments. Cupid had been using Apollo’s python-killing bow, and Apollo was
angry.

“You’re not strong enough to use my weapon,” he raged.

“Oh, Apollo, how wrong you are! Your weapon may be great, but my arrows are more deadly!” And
in the end, Apollo was wounded by a silver arrow from Cupid’s quiver just as the maiden Daphne passed
by. Apollo fell in love at once.

Cupid loosed another arrow at the girl, this one tipped in lead.

She turned to see the handsome Apollo approaching, and her heart was filled with fear and
loathing.

“Good morning, you beautiful thing, you,” Apollo called to the nymph. Daphne was a pretty young
lady, but she wasn’t very neat. Her hair hung loose about her shoulders, and she wore a short ragged
dress. She was surprised that he would call her beautiful, but she was also frightened. She turned and
started to run.

“Wait, don’t go! I won’t hurt you,” Apollo called, but Daphne only ran faster.

“Perhaps you don’t recognize me,” Apollo shouted as he started to run after her. “I am the god,
Apollo, and I love you! Wait!”

Still Daphne ran. Although she was used to racing through the woods after animals, she was no
match for the god. With his powerful stride, he soon was gaining on her. She put everything she had into
a burst of speed that made her breath come like sharp daggers in her side, and her heart beat like a drum.

“Lovely maiden, please stop!” Apollo pleaded.

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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Daphne and Apollo: A Retelling (continued)

Looking back, she could see him close at her heels. She was out of breath, and her knees felt
weak and rubbery from fear. She saw the river ahead, and she began to shout. “Father! Father! Please
save me!”

At once she felt a strange thing happening. Her feet and legs became stiff, and she felt a tingling
sensation in her fingers. With a last backward look at her pursuer, she paused, and rootlets from her feet
dug into the ground, and a crown of silvery leaves suddenly grew from her head and arms. Daphne,
fleeing the god Apollo, had changed into a tree.

Apollo stopped short. Where the maiden had stood but a moment ago now stood a laurel tree. He
felt pain in his heart, for he really loved her.

“Oh, Daphne,” he cried. “I am so sorry. But you will always be my tree. Your leaves will make a
crown for me, and I will protect you always.”

The slender tree bowed in the breeze and seemed to forgive the god who had thoughtlessly caused
an end to her carefree life. Since that time, the leaves from the laurel tree have always been used as a
symbol of victory or to crown a young hero.

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH
133 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

Musical Mythology

Apollo and Daphne

(Tune: You Are My Sunshine)

“You are my girlfriend, my only girlfriend,”


He said to Daphne, one sunny day.
“Oh well, Apollo, you lovely fellow,
I’m inclined to run away.”

“Oh lovely Daphne, my darling Daphne,


Don’t run so quickly, don’t run so far.”
“Oh well, Apollo, you lovely fellow,
I can’t bear to be where you are.”

Ad so poor Daphne, with all her running


Became exhausted, and couldn’t flee.
“Oh father River, will you please save me?”
And he made her a laurel tree.

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO
134 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

APOLLO PUPPET
Instructions: Color and cut out. Glue to stiff paper. Cut out again. Attach arms and legs with paper fasteners.

Janeene Blank
Birmingham, MI

135 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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APOLLO / ARTEMIS

DAPHNE PUPPET
Instructions: Color and cut out. Glue to stiff paper. Cut out again. Attach arms and legs with paper fasteners.

Janeene Blank
Birmingham, MI
136 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
May be reproduced for classroom use
HERMES

Word Search – Hermes


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 50-54

In this grid, find the words suggested by the clues at the bottom of the page.
The words may be backwards, forwards, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

1. Mother of Hermes
2. Location of the cave where Maia and Hermes lived (two words)
3. God of merchants, thieves, travelers, and shepherds
4. Color of the cows in Apollo's herd
5. Number of cows that Hermes stole from Apollo
6. What Hermes tied to the cows' tails to erase their tracks
7. The way that Hermes drove the cows out of the pasture to confuse Apollo
8. Number of cows that Hermes sacrificed to the Olympian gods
9. Number of strings on Hermes' musical instrument
10. The musical instrument that Hermes invented
11. The type of shell used for Hermes' musical instrument
12. The source of Apollo's knowledge about who had stolen his herd
13. Father of both Hermes and Apollo
14. The magic item that Apollo traded for Hermes' musical instrument
15. Distinguishing feature of Hermes’ hat and sandals
16. Another word for messenger
17. Goddess who was angry with Hermes over the death of her servant 21. Another name for a pile of
18. The item with which the gods cast their votes in Hermes' trial stones that guides
19. Monster whom Hermes had bored to death travelers
20. God to whom Hermes led the souls of the dead
137 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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HERMES

Teacher’s Key
Word Search – Hermes

1. Maia
2. Mount Cyllene
3. Hermes
4. white
5. fifty
6. brooms
7. backward
8. two
9. seven
10. lyre
11. tortoise
12. oracle
13. Zeus
14. wand
15. wings
16. herald
17. Hera
18. pebble
19. Argus
20. Hades
21. cairn
138 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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HERMES

Hermes Crossword
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 50-54

Across
3. Mother of Hermes
5. How Apollo felt when he saw the tracks going into the field but not out
6. Hermes' Roman name
8. One gift with wings that Zeus gave to Hermes
11. The musical instrument that Apollo received in exchange for cows and a magic wand
12. Father of Hermes

Down
1. The animals that Hermes stole from Apollo
2. The messenger of the gods
4. The monster bored to death by Hermes
7. Another gift with wings that Zeus gave to Hermes
9. The god of music
10. What the gods threw toward Hermes if they thought he was innocent of a crime

Word Bank

Apollo hat Mercury


Argus Hermes pebbles
confused lyre sandals
cows Maia Zeus
139 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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HERMES

Teacher’s Key
Hermes Crossword

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HERMES

Hermes Double Puzzle


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 50-54

Step 1: Unscramble each of the clue words by answering the


questions.

Step 2: To discover the secret phrase that applies to both


Hermes and Apollo, copy the letters in the
numbered squares into the squares with the same
number at the bottom of the page.

Question for Clue Word #1: What did Hermes steal from Apollo?
Question for Clue Word #2: Who was Hermes’ mother?
Question for Clue Word #3: Who was Hermes’ father?
Question for Clue Words #4: What two “winged” items did Hermes wear?
Question for Clue Word # 5: How did Hera feel when she learned that Hermes
had bored Argus to death?

Clue Word #1: SOWC

2 7

Clue Word #2: MAAI

Clue Word #3: SZUE

6 5

Clue Words #4: DSTHANNASALAD

8 1 9

Clue Word #5: RAGNY

3 10

SECRET PHRASE

1 2 3 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 6 9 9 9 10 3 6
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HERMES

Mythological Names Rebus


Figure out the verbal rebus to find out what mythological character is
named.

1. Two of the three articles plus a slang way to say “no”

__________ + __________ + ____________ = _______________

2. A 3rd person object feminine pronoun plus the hypothetical plural of a 1st person object pronoun

__________ + __________ = _______________

3. What grows on your head plus a cheer

__________ + __________ = _______________

4. The musician Garfunkel’s first name plus Dorothy’s aunt plus the singular of are

__________ + __________ + ____________ = _______________

5. An article plus the musician Simon’s first name plus an expression of surprise

__________ + __________ + ____________ = _______________

6. A river in Italy plus what the past tense of “sigh” plus the opposite of “off”

__________ + __________ + ____________ = _______________

7. What you breathe plus the plural of “e”

__________ + __________ = _______________

8. A hair-style plus the opposite of “live” plus a drink

__________ + __________ + ____________ = _______________

9. An article plus an instrument of torture plus a part of your leg

__________ + __________ + ____________ = _______________

10. Neckwear plus 2000 pounds

__________ + __________ = _______________

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HERMES

Teacher’s Key
Hermes Double Puzzle
1. cows
2. Maia
3. Zeus
4. hat and sandals
5. angry

Secret Phrase: tortoise shell lyre

Teacher’s Key
Mythological Names Rebus
1. a + the + na = Athena

2. her + mes = Hermes

3. hair + rah = Hera

4. Art + Em + is = Artemis

5. a + Paul + oh = Apollo

6. Po + sighed + on = Poseidon

7. air + e’s = Ares

8. afro + die + tea = Aphrodite

9. a + rack + knee = Arachne

10. tie + ton = Titan

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HERMES

Musical Mythology

Mercury

(Tune: “Billy Boy”)

Can you fly very fast, Mercury, Mercury?


Can you fly very fast, darling Hermes?
Oh yes, I’m very fleet.
I’ve got wings upon my feet.
I’m a swift boy and no one could be faster.

Can you sing very well, Mercury, Mercury?


Can you sing very well, darling Hermes?
On the lyre I can play.
I make music every day.
I’m a swift boy and no one could be faster.

Can you tell where the cows of Apollo have gone?


Can you tell where they’ve gone, darling Hermes?
I could tell, but you see,
Then the blame would fall on me.
I’m a swift boy
And no one could be faster.

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO

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HERMES

The Caduceus

Pronunciation: ka – dū – sē – us or ka – dū – shus

The caduceus, the “magic wand” which Apollo traded for Hermes’ lyre, is
depicted as a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it. Since it
belonged to Hermes, the messenger of the gods, it was a symbol of
commerce and travel. He carried it whenever he carried messages from
Mount Olympus to earth, and with it he conducted the dead into the
underworld.

The Latin word caduceus is equivalent to the Greek word karykeion which means
“herald’s staff.” Originally, this staff had two white ribbons attached to it. It is
believed that these ribbons eventually became the snakes on the familiar modern
symbol. Another form of the karykeion included a horn formation at the top of the
staff made from snake heads. This version of the caduceus is reminiscent of the
symbol for the planet Mercury. The connection of the caduceus with medicine
began in the seventh century when alchemists consulted the position of the planets
in order to advise their patients.

There is another mythological story which involves a staff with snakes.


Asclepius, a son of Apollo who was mentored by Chiron, was a celebrated
physician. (See d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 98-99) His symbol, the
staff of Asclepius, consisted of a single serpent encircling a staff. Asclepius
received much of his information about curing disease from snakes. Patients of
Asclepius slept in special temples called Asclepieia because they believed that
they would be cured by doing so. Aesculapian snakes lived in the temples;
these harmless European snakes are brown with a yellow belly and are
particularly adept at climbing trees. After his death, Asclepius became a
constellation called Ophiuchus or Sepentarius, the “serpent-bearer.”

Both Hermes’ caduceus and the staff of Asclepius were used to advertise pharmacies
in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries, both symbols came to
represent medicine and healing.

In 1902, the caduceus became the official insignia for the Medical Department of the
United States Army.

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HERMES

Activities for Hermes and Apollo


1. Research ancient musical instruments and draw or make replicas.

2. Invent musical instruments using “found” objects. Hermes used what he had:
an empty shell.

3. Find out more about the relationship of the caduceus to medicine.

4. Find the myth about the origin of the constellation, Lyra. If possible, have a star watch to see it in the
sky. If that is not possible, make a model of Lyra by punching holes in the bottom of a tin can and
shine a light through the holes in a darkened classroom.

5. Make a listing of all the things associated with Hermes and another listing of all things associated
with Apollo.

6. Write songs Apollo might have sung when he played the lyre. Remember that the ancient songs didn’t
always rhyme and that they probably praised the beauty of nature.

7. Find out as much as you can about Hermes’ Roman name, Mercury. Why was the liquid in a
thermometer named for him? Does the nickname “quicksilver” seem appropriate?

8. Research the planet Mercury. Does the name seem appropriate? Why or why not?

9. Research the Apollo missions of NASA. Why were they named for the god associated with the sun?

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

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HERMES

APOLLO AND HERMES

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HADES / DEMETER

The Underworld Double Puzzle


This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 56-62

Step 1: Unscramble each of the clue words by answering the questions.

Step 2: To discover two important inhabitants of the underworld, copy the


letters in the numbered squares into the squares with the same
number at the bottom of the page.

Question for Clue Word #1: Who ferried souls across the Styx?
Question for Clue Word #2: Who ruled the Underworld?
Question for Clue Word #3: What did the swineherd lose when the earth
opened up?
Question for Clue Word #4: What did the flowers do when mother and
daughter were together again?
Question for Clue Word # 5: Which god sent Hermes down to Hades to get
Demeter’s daughter?

Clue Word #1: HANCOR

12 6 10 3 7 8

Clue Word #2: HSEDA

9 4

Clue Word #3: SGPI

Clue Word #4: LOODBME

13 5 11

Clue Word #5: SEZU

2 14 15

TWO IMPORTANT INHABITANTS OF THE UNDERWORLD

1 2 3 4 5 1 6 7 8 9 10 8 11 12 5 3 13 2 3 14 15
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HADES / DEMETER

Who Could I Be? #3


This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 38-62

A. Actaeon F. Charon K. Maia


B. Apollo G. Demeter L. Niobe
C. Ares H. Hades M. Orion
D. Artemis I. Hermes O. Otus
E. Cerberus J. Leto P. Persephone

Match the character with the statement he/she is making.


You will use some answers more than once.
__________ 1. Otus and Ephialtes crammed me into a jar.

__________ 2. I stole Apollo’s cattle.

__________ 3. I am the three-headed dog who guards the Underworld.

__________ 4. Hades stole me to be his bride.

__________ 5. I killed Python to get the oracle of Delphi.

__________ 6. I was turned into an unfeeling rock after I bragged about my 14 children.

__________ 7. I am Persephone’s mother.

__________ 8. I had to give my lyre to my brother.

__________ 9. I am the goddess of the moon and the hunt.

__________ 10. Hermes is my son.

__________ 11. I am the king of the underworld.

__________ 12. I was tricked into thinking that Artemis loved me.

__________ 13. I guide dead souls to the underworld.

__________ 14. I am Leto’s son.

__________ 15. I ferry dead souls across the river Styx.

__________ 16. I am the goddess of the harvest.

__________ 17. I was attacked by my own hounds after I saw Artemis bathing.

__________ 18. Artemis and I were great friends because we both loved hunting.

__________ 19. I gave birth to my twins on the island of Delos.

__________ 20. I am the god of light and music.


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HADES / DEMETER

Teacher’s Key
The Underworld Double Puzzle
1. Charon
2. Hades
3. pigs
4. bloomed
5. Zeus

Important inhabitants: Persephone and Cerberus

Teacher’s Key
Who Could I Be?

1. C
2. I
3. E
4. P
5. B
6. L
7. G
8. I
9. D
10. K
11. H
12. O
13. I
14. B
15. F
16. G
17. A
18. M
19. J
20. B

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HADES / DEMETER

Demeter / Hades Crossword


This exercise covers material
in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 56-62

Across
3. The only type of tree that bears fruit in the underworld
5. Number of heads that Cerberus has
7. The man whose brother hears screams on the day of the kidnapping
9. River in the underworld
10. The seasons that occur when Demeter is happy (three words)
12. The watchdog of the underworld
13. The ferryman
14. Goddess of the harvest
15. The fare for a ferry ride
17. The identity of the "rich one" or the "hospitable one"
18. Place in the underworld where heroes go (two words)
19. Judge of the dead who hands out punishments
20. God who guides souls to the underworld

Down
1. Animals who fall into the crevice during the kidnapping
2. God who refuses to let the world perish while Demeter is sad
4. The seasons that occur when Demeter is sad (three words)
6. Women who whip evil-doers in the underworld
8. The queen of the underworld
11. What is in the chariot that Demeter gives to Triptolemus
16. The spring of forgetfulness
151 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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HADES / DEMETER

Teacher’s Key
Hades / Demeter Crossword

Word Bank

autumn and winter Lethe


Cerberus Persephone
Charon pigs
coin pomegranate
Demeter Rhadamanthus
Elysian Fields spring and summer
Erinyes Styx
grain three
Hades Triptolemus
Hermes Zeus

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HADES / DEMETER

Hermes / Hades / Demeter Cloze Exercise


This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 50-62

Use the words from the Word Bank to complete this story.
You will have to use a few words more than once.

Hermes’ mother, ______________________________, lived in a cave on ________________________

________________________. She discovered that her son was very __________________________,

a word that indicates he was truly gifted. Hermes showed his gifts by crawling out of his basket

and going to a pasture to steal Apollo’s _______________________. He hid these animals in a

______________________________. He sacrificed to the twelve Olympians, and after his sacrifice,

he took the entrails of the animals and a tortoise shell and invented the _______________________.

An ______________________________ had told Apollo where to find his herd so he went to the

cave and accused Hermes of theft. To settle the dispute, Apollo and Hermes went before their

father, ___________________________. As part of the settlement, Hermes had to return the herd to

Apollo, but then he got them back. The rest of the settlement involved Hermes giving his

______________________________ to Apollo and Apollo giving his ______________________

_______________________ to Hermes. Maia and Hermes moved up to _________________________

______________________________. Zeus gave Hermes the title of ___________________________,

a word that means messenger. Zeus also gave Hermes a ______________________________ hat

and sandals. Everyone seemed to love Hermes, and the only time he fell out of favor was when he

bored Hera’s servant, ______________________________, to death. Even then, he wasn’t convicted

of a crime because the gods and goddesses all threw their voting

______________________________ at Hermes’ feet. Today, Hermes is remembered by travelers

trying to find their way by means of piles of stones called ______________________________. The

other travelers that Hermes guided were the ______________________________ as they made their

journey to the underworld.

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HADES / DEMETER

Hermes/Hades/Demeter Cloze Exercise (continued)


The king and queen of the underworld were ________________ and _____________________.

The king was also called the ________________________ One and the _________________________

One. Around the underworld flowed a river called the ___________________, and in order to cross

this river, a dead soul had to pay one ________________ to ______________________________, the

ferryman. The three-headed dog, ______________________________, made sure that no souls left

the underworld. Once in the underworld, the souls drank from the spring of ____________________

to ensure that they would forget their former lives. One of the judges of the underworld was named

______________________________, and if souls had been wicked on earth, he sent the

______________________________ to whip them. If the judge met the soul of a hero, he sent him to

the ___________________________________ ______________________________.

______________________________’s daughter became the queen of the underworld when

Hades _____________________________ her. She did not like it in the underworld, and so when the

goddess of the harvest went to ________________________ to strike a bargain to let her return to

earth, she was very happy. Unfortunately, she had eaten some ______________________________

seeds, and having eaten the food of the dead, she was forced to return to the underworld for part of

the year. The goddess of the harvest, however, no longer punished the earth with

__________________________ by showing the swineherd’s brother, __________________________,

how to sow grain in the fall and reap it in the spring.

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HADES / DEMETER

Hermes / Hades / Demeter Cloze Exercise


Word Bank
Argus magic wand
cairns Maia
cattle Mount Cyllene
Cerberus Mount Olympus
Charon oracle
coin pebbles
dead Persephone
Demeter pomegranate
Elysian Fields precocious
Erinyes Rhadamanthus
grove rich
Hades starvation
herald Styx
hospitable Triptolemus
kidnapped winged
Lethe Zeus
lyre

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HADES / DEMETER

Teacher’s Key
Hermes / Hades / Demeter Cloze Exercise
Hermes’ mother, ___________MAIA_______________, lived in a cave on
_________MOUNT________________ ________CYLLENE_______________. Maia discovered that
her son was very _________PRECOCIOUS___________, a word that indicates he was truly gifted.
Hermes showed his gifts by crawling out of his basket and going to a pasture to steal Apollo’s
______CATTLE___________. He hid these animals in a ________GROVE_________________. He
sacrificed to the twelve Olympians, and after his sacrifice, he took the entrails of the animals and a
tortoise shell and invented the _________LYRE______________. An _______ORACLE____________
had told Apollo where to find his herd so he went to the cave and accused Hermes of theft. To
settle the dispute, Apollo and Hermes went before their father, _______ZEUS________________.
As part of the settlement, Hermes had to return the herd to Apollo, but then he got them back. The
rest of the settlement involved Hermes giving his _______LYRE___________________ to Apollo and
Apollo giving his __________MAGIC_______________ __________WAND_______________ to
Hermes. Maia and Hermes moved up to ______MOUNT____________ ______OLYMPUS_________.
Zeus gave Hermes the title of ________HERALD________________, a word that means messenger.
Zeus also gave Hermes a ______WINGED__________________ hat and sandals. Everyone seemed
to love Hermes, and the only time he fell out of favor was when he bored Hera’s servant,
________ARGUS____________, to death. Even then, he wasn’t convicted of a crime because the
gods and goddesses all threw their voting _________PEBBLES______________ at Hermes’ feet.
Today, Hermes is remembered by travelers trying to find their way by piles of stones called
__________CAIRNS___________. The other travelers that Hermes guided were the
________DEAD__________________ as they made their journey to the underworld.

The king and queen of the underworld were _____HADES_____________ and


_______PERSEPHONE_____________. The king was also called the ________RICH______________
One and the _____HOSPITABLE__________ One. Around the underworld flowed a river called the
______STYX_________, and in order to cross this river, a dead soul had to pay one ____COIN_____
to ________CHARON________________, the ferryman. The three-headed dog, ____CERBERUS___,
made sure that no souls left the underworld. Once in the underworld, the souls drank from the
spring of ________LETHE_________________ to ensure that they would forget their former lives.
One of the judges of the underworld was named ______RHADAMANTHUS___________, and if souls
had been wicked on earth, he sent the _______ERINYES________________ to whip them. If the
judge met the soul of a hero, he sent him to the _______ELYSIAN______ ______FIELDS_____.

__________DEMETER_____________’s daughter became the queen of the underworld when


Hades _____KIDNAPPED_______________ her. She did not like it in the underworld, and so when
the goddess of the harvest went to _____ZEUS_______________ to strike a bargain to let her return
to earth, she was very happy. Unfortunately, she had eaten some _____POMEGRANATE_________
seeds, and having eaten the food of the dead, she was forced to return to the underworld for part
of the year. The goddess of the harvest, however, no longer punished the earth with
______STARVATION________ by showing the swineherd’s brother, _____TRIPTOLEMUS________,
how to sow grain in the fall and reap it in the spring.

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HADES / DEMETER

Musical Mythology
Ceres
(Tune: “Frosty the Snowman”)

Ceres, the goddess,


Was the deity of food
She could make grain grow,
People loved her so,
For they thought that she was good.

One day her daughter


Named Persephone was gone
She looked here and there
She looked everywhere
But the girl could not be found.

At last her mother found that she


Was down in Pluto’s place
Pluto had run off with her
He loved her pretty face.

Ceres was mournful,


And she made a mother’s plea.
“Give my daughter back,”
So a deal was struck,
Part of each year she’d be free.

That’s how the seasons


Of the year go ‘round and ‘round
It is summer when Persephone’s here,
Winter when she’s underground.

Liz Hubbard, Sagel, ID


Susan Hengelsberg, Perry, NY
Ann Edwards, Belle, MO

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HADES / DEMETER

Musical Mythology

Hades and Persephone

(Tune: “Did You Ever See a Lassie?”)

Hades rules the underworld with sweet Persephone

Hades has her half the year, half she is free

To be with Demeter

Her mother who needs her

Ceres makes the grain grow when happy is she.

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HADES / DEMETER

Home Sweet Home


This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, p. 58-62

Using words from the story of Demeter and Persephone, fill in the blanks
and discover a famous home spelled by the vertical shaded squares.

1. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

2. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

3. ___ ___ ___ ___

4. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

5. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

6. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

7. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

8. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

9. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

10. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

11. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

12. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

CLUES
1. Demeter’s relationship to Persephone
2. The kind of fruit eaten by Persephone in the underworld
3. Powerful brother of Hades
4. A season on earth when Persephone is in the
underworld
5. A symbol for the goddess of the harvest
6. The man who told Demeter where her daughter had
been taken
7. Place where Hades rules
8. How Hades felt without Persephone
9. Goddess of the harvest
10. Girl kidnapped by Hades
11. How people felt when there was no food
12. The god of the underworld.

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HADES / DEMETER

Teacher’s Key
Home Sweet Home
1. _M_ _O_ _T_ _H_ _E_ _R_

2. _P_ _O_ _M_ _E_ _G_ _R_ _A_ _N_ _A_ _T_ _E_

3. _Z_ _E_ _U_ _S_

4. _W_ _I_ _N_ _T_ _E_ _R_

5. _W_ _H_ _E_ _A_ _T_

6. _T_ _R_ _I_ _P_ _T_ _O_ _L_ _E_ _M_ _U_ _S_

7. _U_ _N_ _D_ _E_ _R_ _W_ _O_ _R_ _L_ _D_

8. _L_ _O_ _N_ _E_ _L_ _Y_

9. _D_ _E_ _M_ _E_ _T_ _E_ _R_

10. _P_ _E_ _R_ _S_ _E_ _P_ _H_ _O_ _N_ _E_

11. _H_ _U_ _N_ _G_ _R_ _Y_

12. _H_ _A_ _D_ _E_ _S_

Famous Home: Mount Olympus

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HADES / DEMETER

Write About Cerberus


Would you like a pet like Cerberus? All three of his heads are
vicious and fierce, and I don’t think he was ever a cuddly puppy. He
seems to be hungry all the time, and his favorite food is honey cakes.
What kind of problems would it create if you had a three headed dog?
Would you have to buy three collars? Do you think the mail carrier or
delivery person would like to visit your home? What about your friends?
Would they treat you with respect when you had your pet along?

Imagine that someone left Cerberus at your door and that you
are expected to take him in and care for him. Write a story below. Be
sure to use lots of action words. Describe the reaction of your family
and friends when they see you with him. Does he obey you, or do you
have to wear special armor when you feed him?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH
161 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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HADES / DEMETER

Constellations
Long ago when the ancient Greeks tended their flocks on the hills, they looked at the sky and saw
pictures among the stars. Perhaps the stars seemed brighter and nearer then, for there was no pollution in
the air from automobiles or factories and there were no electric lights to make the night less dark. They
looked at the patterns the stars made and imagined lines connecting the stars, rather like a dot-to-dot
picture. They gave names to these sky pictures, and there were stories about each one. On a clear night,
you can see some of these constellations yourself, and imagine, as they did long ago, that there are
pictures in the sky.

The Constellation Lyra


The sad story of Orpheus and Eurydice ends when Orpheus is killed and his body is thrown into the
river. Orpheus goes to the Elysian Fields to live with his beloved Eurydice, but his wonderful lyre is
transported into the sky and is the constellation, Lyra. (The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is in d’Aulaires’
Book of Greek Myths, pp. 102-104)

This lyre looks like a small harp with two strings. In the constellation is one very bright star called
Vega which is bluish white. It is the third brightest star in the northern sky.

Connect the stars to create the constellation, Lyra.

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

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HADES / DEMETER

Teacher’s Key
Constellations

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HADES / DEMETER

Demeter Activities
1. If at all possible, find a pomegranate to share with your class. One
pomegranate will provide a taste for about 30 students. Be aware
that the fruit is usually juicy and that the red color stains so paper
towels or napkins are a must. As these fruits are seasonal, keep
your eyes open for a time to buy them. It is possible to let the
children taste the fruit before or after the story has been used in your
class. They won’t forget, and they will always associate the fruit and
the story.

2. Make a listing of different kinds of grain that can be stored and used for pasta or bread. Tell your
students that the word “corn” in the ancient world meant “wheat.” The grain that we call corn was
known as “maize” and still is in many parts of the world. Introduce Demeter’s Roman name, Ceres,
and let the children discover its connection with the word “cereal.”

3. Research Triptolemus. Some sources have him as a swineherd who witnessed the capture of
Persephone and told Demeter what had happened to her daughter, thereby earning her undying
gratitude. Others say that Triptolemus was a prince of Eleusis, a place Demeter visited while she
was searching for Persephone. Demeter’s visit to Eleusis is a whole story in itself.

4. Have a student research the planet, Pluto, and explain why this planet was named for the god of the
underworld.

5. Devise writing activities about spring and winter or the other seasons. Haiku poetry works well for this,
or acrostics using Demeter’s and Persephone’s names.

6. Write a class diamante poem starting with Pluto as the first word and ending with Ceres as the last.

Diamantes are 7-line poems.


The first line is one word long and is a noun.
The second line is two words long, both adjectives.
The third line is three words long, verbs ending in –ing.
The fourth line is four words long with the first two words relating to the noun in the first line and the
last two relating to the noun with which you will end.
Then the order is reversed: three –ing verbs, two adjectives, and one noun which should be in
contrast to the beginning noun.

Example:

Joy
bright, happy
laughing, bubbling, playing
sunshiny, springlike, cold, wintry
blowing, snowing, shivering
dark, lonely
Sorrow

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH
164 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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HADES / DEMETER

DEMETER AND TRIPTOLEMUS

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HADES / DEMETER

REVIEW #3
This exercise covers material in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, pp. 42-62

The answer-blanks with a slash require both Greek and Roman names for the god or goddess.

1. Whom does Zeus send into the Underworld to retrieve Persephone? _________________

2. Who sees Artemis bathing? ___________________________

3. Who kills the dragon Python? __________________________

4. Who guides Orion when he is blinded? ____________________________________

5. On what mountain is the oracle at Delphi? _________________________________

6. With what do the gods vote in Hermes’ murder trial? __________________________

7. Who causes a famine on earth when her daughter is kidnapped? __________________

8. What is another name for a priestess at an oracle? _________________________

9. What animals pull the chariot of Artemis? ______________________________

10. Who whips the wicked people in the underworld? ___________________________

11. On what can Orion walk? _______________________

12. Who is the god of light and music? ___________________/______________________

13. Into what does Artemis change Actaeon? ____________________

14. Which god lives by his wits? ______________________________

15. How many children does Niobe have? ______________

16. What musical instrument does Hermes invent? _________________________

17. What does Orion become after he dies? ________________________________

18. What does Hermes wear on his feet? _______________________________________

19. Into what is Niobe transformed? __________________________________________

20. Who are the two giant sons of Poseidon that Gaea hoped would overthrow Zeus?

________________________ and _________________________

21. What is Rhadamanthus’ job in the underworld? _________________________

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HADES / DEMETER

REVIEW #3 (continued)
22. Who kills Otus? _________________________________

23. What does Persephone eat in the underworld? ______________________________

24. Who is Orion’s father? _____________________________

25. What does the story of Persephone explain? _____________________________

26. Who kills Ephialtes? _____________________________

27. What is put under the tongues of dead people? ___________________________

28. What heals Orion’s eyes? ___________________________

29. Who is the god of the underworld? ____________________/_____________________

30. Whose cattle does Hermes steal? _________________________

31. Who is Hades’ queen? ______________________________

32. Who is jealous of the attention that Artemis gives to Orion? ______________________

33. Who is Persephone’s mother? _____________________________

34. Who kills Niobe’s seven sons? ___________________________

35. What creature does Apollo send to attack Orion? ___________________________

36. Who is the original owner of the oracle at Delphi? ____________________________

37. Who is Hermes’ mother? ___________________________

38. Who tells Demeter about disappearing pigs and a screaming girl?

______________________________________

39. What is the name of the river in the Underworld? ________________________

40. Who is the goddess of the moon and the hunt?

________________________/_________________________

41. What does Hermes wear on his head? _____________________________________

42. What animals kill Actaeon? ________________________________

43. What island does Orion rid of wild animals? __________________________________

44. Who leads souls to the underworld? ____________________________

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HADES / DEMETER

REVIEW #3 (continued)
45. Who kills Niobe’s seven daughters? ____________________________

46. Who is the ferryman in the underworld? ___________________________

47. Which goddesses do Otus and Ephialtes want to marry?

________________________ and _________________________

48. Who guards the entrance to the underworld? _____________________________

49. Who kidnaps Persephone? _____________________________

50. How many children does Leto have? ___________

51. Who is the goddess of the harvest and growing things?

________________________/_______________________

52. The water in the spring of __________________________ helps people forget life on earth.

53. Into what is Ares put during the fight between Otus, Ephialtes, and the Olympians?

____________________________________

54. Where do heroes go in the underworld? _________________________________

55. Who wins the oracle at Delphi after a fight with the dragon Python? ________________

56. Who decrees that Hades must let Persephone visit her mother? ____________________

57. What does Apollo give Hermes in exchange for the lyre? __________________________

and _________________________________

58. What gift does Demeter give to mankind through Triptolemus? ___________________

59. What does Artemis have in common with Orion? ______________________________

60. Who is the herald (messenger) of the gods? ______________________/_______________________

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HADES / DEMETER

Teacher’s Key
REVIEW #3
1. Hermes 48. Cerberus
2. Actaeon 49. Hades
3. Apollo 50. two
4. Cyclops boy 51. Demeter / Ceres
5. Parnassus 52. Lethe
6. pebbles 53. bronze jar
7. Demeter 54. Elysian Fields
8. sibyl 55. Apollo
9. hinds (deer, stags) 56. Zeus
10. Erinyes 57. cows and a magic wand
11. water 58. how to plant, sow, reap and store grain
12. Apollo / Apollo 59. hunting
13. deer 60. Hermes / Mercury
14. Hermes
15. fourteen
16. lyre
17. constellation
18. winged sandals
19. crying rock
20. Otus and Ephialtes
21. judge
22. Ephialtes (his brother)
23. pomegranate
24. Poseidon
25. seasons
26. Otus (his brother)
27. coin
28. the sun
29. Hades / Pluto
30. Apollo’s
31. Persephone
32. Apollo
33. Demeter
34. Apollo
35. scorpion
36. Mother Earth
37. Maia
38. swineherd’s brother, Triptolemus
39. Styx
40. Artemis / Diana
41. winged hat
42. his own dogs
43. Chios
44. Hermes
45. Artemis
46. Charon
47. Artemis and Hera

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Mythology Rap
Yo! My name is ___________________, and I’m here to say
Mythology is cool, in a major way.
You see, Zeus is the ruler, the king of the mountain.
To be immortal he drinks from the nectar fountain.
And then there’s Hera, she’s second in command.
She and all the other gods rule the land.
Hermes is the messenger. He’s quick as a flash.
Zeus tells him all the info, and he picks up the stash.
Hephaestus, he’s sure one ugly dude.
But he married Aphrodite, so don’t be rude!
There’s also Apollo, the god of light.
He drives a flaming chariot with all his might.
The monster Medusa turns people to stone.
Man, I mean you better just leave her alone.

Hercules, he’s the strongest dude in town.


He beats up monsters and throws ‘em around.
Hades, he’s the ruler of the dead.
He’s got a dog with, count ‘em, 1 – 2 – 3 heads!
There’s a monster called Hydra, and he’s one mean snake.
He’s got nine heads, and he’s got more to make.

Then there’s Poseidon, ruler of the sea.


He makes big waves, if you’re asking me.
And finally, there’s Dionysus, the god of wine.
He makes it every day and drinks it all the time.

And so ends my rap about mythology.


‘Cause this ain’t zoology, archaeology, or biology.
It ain’t psychology, man

THIS IS MYTHOLOGY
MYTHOLOGY!
THOLOGY
Gene Fontaine, Grade 6
Haverhill, MA
170 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Mythology Project
Teacher Information

These assignments have been designed as a long-term project for the study of mythology.

With the assignments due at one or two week intervals (depending upon their complexity),
this project will last about two months.

The culminating activities are the National Mythology Exam and a Mythology Banquet.

An overview of the assignments is listed below for the teacher.

Assignment #1: Selection of character


Identification

Assignment #2: Family Tree

Assignment #3: Five summaries with citations

Assignment #4: Venn Diagram or chart highlighting conflicting information


in different versions of one myth

Assignment #5: Paragraph/Poster on Comparative Mythology

Assignment #6: Appropriate Costume Design and Description for Mythology Banquet

The National Mythology Exam will be administered on ________________________.

The Mythology Banquet will take place on __________________________________.

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Mythology Project
Student Information

As we study mythology, be thinking about which mythological character fascinates you the most. Look at
mythology books in the school library or your local public library, access internet sites, and then
select your favorite character.

Make sure that there is enough information about the character you have selected
so that you can complete all five activities listed on the next pages.

On the due date, turn in this sheet of paper with your choice indicated and the identification completed.
Make sure you have at least THREE reasons why your character is important.

I have selected ____________________________for my focus of study.

He/She is important because ______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Mythology Project – Activity #1


Due Date: ____________________

Make a family tree for your character showing important relationships. Include grandparents,
parents, siblings, spouse(s), and children.

You must include a minimum of three generations.

If you use your computer to generate a family tree, make sure the design is original. Do not
download a family tree and modify it.

Mythology Project – Activity #2


Due Date: ____________________

Find five different myths in which your character appears.

WRITE a short summary of each myth. You will have a total of five summaries. Submit each
summary on a separate piece of paper. At the end of each summary, CITE the source of
the myth in the following format:

A Book
d’Aulaire, Ingri and Edgar. Book of Greek Myths.

A Website
http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Philemon.html

Mythology Project – Activity #3


Due Date: ____________________

Find another version of one of the myths you read in Activity #2. Read carefully to discover
conflicting information in the two versions.

You may create a Venn Diagram or make a chart that highlights the differences and similarities.

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Mythology Project – Activity #4


Due Date: ____________________

Do research into the mythology of another culture in order to find a character who would be the
equivalent of the Greek character you have chosen.

Write a paper or make a poster that conveys what you have learned. Whichever format you
choose, make sure that you

(1) identify the culture

(2) write a short summary of a myth in which your comparative character appears

(3) list the similarities

(4) include pictures of both characters

Mythology Project – Activity #5


Due Date: ____________________

Design a costume that you will wear to the Mythology Banquet. This costume must accurately
represent your character. You must submit

(1) a sketch of your costume

(2) a list of materials that you plan to use

(3) a written description of your character and the costume for your partner to read
as you model your costume at the Mythology Banquet. This description must
last no less than 30 seconds and no more than a minute when read aloud.

You will model your costume in a “fashion show” format before the banquet is served.

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Student Checklist for Mythology Due Dates

Due on ________________________________

_____ Selection of character


_____ Identification

Due on ________________________________

_____ Family Tree

Due on ________________________________

_____ Summary #1 with citation


_____ Summary #2 with citation
_____ Summary #3 with citation
_____ Summary #4 with citation
_____ Summary #5 with citation

Due on ________________________________

_____ Venn Diagram or Chart with conflicting information

Due on ________________________________

_____ Paragraph/Poster on Comparative Mythology

Due on ________________________________

_____ Appropriate Costume Design and Description for Banquet

The National Mythology Exam will be administered on _________________________.


The Mythology Banquet will take place on ___________________________________.

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

SPECIAL SECTION ON COOPERATIVE WORK


Divide your class into groups of five, and provide each group with a copy of d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek
Myths and a set of questions from the following seven pages.

Assign each student in the group a role.

1. Reader: This student will read the question aloud from the paper.

2. Finder: Using the index in the back of the book, the student will look for the name or word
mentioned in the question. He will find the reference and read the answer to
the Recorder.

3. Recorder: This student will write down the answer to the question.

4. Checker: This student will check to be certain the question is answered properly.

5. Reporter: This student will report the answer when the teacher brings the class back together
for the final session.

Groups who know additional information about the mythical character or who can add details to the
question will be given extra points. Groups will also be given points for correct responses, for working well
cooperatively, and for staying on task.

When all the groups have answered the questions assigned, the teacher will assemble the entire
class to discuss the questions and to determine that everyone has the correct information. Students may
be encouraged to look in other sources to see if they find corresponding information. If other books are
available, they may check the index to see if the character they are investigating is mentioned there.

Cerberus says, “Three heads are better than one!”

Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH
176 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
May be reproduced for classroom use
GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Cooperative Search #1
Match the following words with the correct definitions.

_____ 1. Hestia A. God of wine and agriculture

_____ 2. Cronus B. Old man of the sea, father of Amphitrite, father-in-law of Poseidon

_____ 3. Titans C. Mother Earth

_____ 4. Phaethon D. God who overthrew his father, Uranus, and became father of six of the
Olympians

_____ 5. Uranus E. The elder gods

_____ 6. Dionysus F. Goddess of home and hearth; she tended the fire on Mount Olympus

_____ 7. Gaea G. Boy who tried to drive the chariot of the sun

_____ 8. Nereus H. Husband of Gaea, father of the Titans

_____ 9. Rhea I. Winged horse who sprang from Medusa’s blood

_____ 10. Orion J. Wife of Cronus; she was the mother of six of the Olympians

_____ 11. Pegasus K. Son of Poseidon who was hated by Apollo; he became a constellation

Sally Dagnall
Tallmadge, OH
177 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
May be reproduced for classroom use
GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Cooperative Search #2
Match the following words with the correct definitions.

_____ 1. Cyclopes A. Messenger of the gods

_____ 2. Aphrodite B. God of war; he was followed by pain, panic, and famine

_____ 3. Hermes C. Goddess of the hunt; she was the twin of Apollo

_____ 4. Hephaestus D. King of the gods

_____ 5. Mount Olympus E. God of the sea and earthquakes

_____ 6. Zeus F. One-eyed monsters

_____ 7. Ares G. This was in the veins of the Olympians and made them immortal

_____ 8. Apollo H. God of the lower world who wore a cap of invisibility

_____ 9. Artemis I. Home of the Olympians

_____ 10. The Fates J. Goddess of wisdom, warfare, arts and crafts

_____ 11. Poseidon K. God of sun, light, and music; he was the twin of Artemis and had an
oracle at Delphi

_____ 12. Demeter L. Goddess of love and beauty; she was the mother of Eros

_____ 13. Hades M. God of the forge and blacksmiths; he made robots

_____ 14. Athena N. Goddess of the harvest and the earth; she was the mother of Persephone

_____ 15. ichor O. Goddesses who determined the life span of a person

Sally Dagnall
Tallmadge, OH
178 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Cooperative Search #3
Match the following gods and goddesses with one of their symbols.

_____ 1. Zeus A. Cap of invisibility

_____ 2. Poseidon B. Olives

_____ 3. Hades C. Sheaf of wheat

_____ 4. Demeter D. Lyre

_____ 5. Hestia E. Thunderbolt

_____ 6. Hephaestus F. Crescent moon

_____ 7. Ares G. Anvil

_____ 8. Apollo H. Grapevine

_____ 9. Artemis I. Horse

_____ 10. Athena J. Winged sandals

_____ 11. Aphrodite K. Dove

_____ 12. Hermes L. Hearth

_____ 13. Dionysus M. Peacock

_____ 14. Hera N. War chariot

Sally Dagnall
Tallmadge, OH

179 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Cooperative Search #4
Match the character with the description

Cronus Cyclopes Heracles Prometheus Rhea Uranus

1. I was once a leader of the gods. I overthrew my father to gain my position. I swallowed my children
when they were born because I was afraid that they would overthrow me. Eventually they did, and I
lost my position as leader of the gods.

Who am I? ________________________________________

2. I was the wife of Cronus. I plotted with Mother Earth, and she helped me and my other children
overthrow their father. I was tired of him swallowing all my children.

Who am I? ________________________________________

3. I was the father of Cronus. I warned my son that one day a child of his would overthrow him just like he
overthrew me.

Who am I? ________________________________________

4. I was a famous Titan. I fought on the side of Zeus because I knew that he would
win. I am credited with creating man and giving him fire to help him survive.
Zeus did not like this at all, and he punished me. I really owe Heracles a favor
because he rescued me from that very unpleasant situation.

Who am I? ________________________________________

5. We were the characters that have only one eye. We also helped Hephaestus work
at his forge making beautiful and sometimes magical things for the gods and
goddesses.

Who am I? ________________________________________

6. I was the son of Zeus and lived a very busy life. I not only saved Prometheus from a very unpleasant
situation, but I killed a snake when I was a very small baby and completed twelve mighty labors.

Who am I? ________________________________________

Sally Dagnall
Tallmadge, OH

180 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Cooperative Search #5
Match the character with the description.

Apollo Artemis Ares Hephaestus Hestia Jason Perseus

1. I am a youth who made a boast which led me on a great quest. I had a special boat built, gathered
many heroes, and had many adventures on the quest which took me to many places in Europe and
Asia. I succeeded in my quest and eventually returned home to rule.

Who am I? ________________________________________

2. I am the youth who, with the help of winged sandals, a helmet of invisibility, and a
special bag, conquered Medusa. On my return with my prize in the bag, I saw a
beautiful maiden chained to the rocks and fell in love with her. I rescued her and
later married her.

Who am I? ________________________________________

3. I am very quiet. There are very few stories told about me, but everyone loves me. People consider me
to be the sweetest, gentlest, and most generous of all the Olympians. I quietly tend the fire on the
hearth.

Who am I? ________________________________________

4. I am the son of Zeus and Hera, but I am not perfect and beautiful like my siblings. Once I stepped
between my quarreling parents, and Zeus threw me off Mount Olympus.

Who am I? ________________________________________

5. I am not a very easy person to get along with. My mother and father don’t even like me. I like violence,
battles, and war. I cause trouble wherever I go. My traveling companions are Eris, pain, famine,
oblivion, and panic. I like to kill and hurt people, but when it comes to me getting hurt, I don’t like it
at all.

Who am I? ________________________________________

6. It has been said that I am the most loved god on Mount Olympus. I am considered very handsome. I
also have extraordinary talents in music, poetry, mathematics, and medicine. I love to play my lyre
that was given to me by Hermes.

Who am I? ________________________________________

7. I am the twin sister of Apollo although I have dark hair. Zeus is our father. When I was born, my father
asked me what I would like to have. I gave him a really long list of things I wanted, and he gave me
everything I asked for. Best of all, he allows me to run and hunt over the mountains and in the
woods for eternity. He also gave me maidens who serve my every need.

Who am I? ________________________________________

Sally Dagnall
Tallmadge, OH
181 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Cooperative Search #6
Match the character with the description.

Aphrodite Athena Dionysus Gaea Hermes Medusa Pandora Persephone


1. I had a very unusual birth. I was born from my father’s head fully grown and wearing armor. I have several talents
and am very smart. There are many things I have given to mankind such as the ship, the plow, the trumpet,
and the bridle to cite a few. I am best known for creating the olive tree. I won the city of Athens when I did
that. I do not like to have people claim that they can do things better than I can. Arachne learned that the
hard way.

Who am I? ________________________________________

2. I am also known for having an unusual birth. Some say that I was born from the foamy sea. I do know that the
sea has been good to me and helps me to remain forever young and beautiful. I have little respect for other
women; they are not nearly as beautiful as I am. I am the wife of Hephaestus. He really doesn’t interest me,
but Zeus made me marry him. I am the mother of Eros.

Who am I? ________________________________________

3. I am very clever and lots of fun. When I was a baby, I stole Apollo’s herd of cows. Eventually I was caught, and
even though I pleaded innocence, it didn’t work. Apollo didn’t stay mad at me for very long because I gave
him a lyre that I made. I also invented the alphabet, written music, boxing, astronomy, and the scale. I get
around a lot and deliver many messages.

Who am I? ________________________________________

4. I was the last god to arrive on Mount Olympus. My father was Zeus, but my mother, Semele, was a human. She
died before I was born, and I was raised by the nymphs of Nysa. I, along with Demeter, am considered
mankind’s best friend. We even share the festival at harvest time.

Who am I? ________________________________________

5. I was one of the first. I fell in love with my husband when I spent all my time gazing at him. We had several
children called the Titans. People sometimes refer to me as Mother Earth.

Who am I? ________________________________________

6. I was created by the gods. Many of them gave me special gifts. I am very
curious. As a result of my curiosity, the people suffered many things such
as jealousy, sadness, and envy. My husband is Epimetheus, brother of
Prometheus. I still have hope that all things will work out.

Who am I? ____________________________________

7. I am the daughter of Demeter. One day I was out playing with my friends when a strange man came up
through a crack in the earth and kidnapped me. Ultimately I became his wife, but I still live with my
mother for part of the year.

Who am I? ________________________________________

8. I am a creature that man is hesitant to approach. Whenever anyone looks at me, he turns to stone.

Who am I? ________________________________________
Sally Dagnall
Tallmadge, OH
182 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Cooperative Search #7
Match the character with the description.

Cerberus Charon Demeter Hades Hera Phaethon Poseidon Zeus

1. I was a very silly child and bragged that I could do something unreasonable just to prove that I was the
son of Helios. I tried to drive the sun across the sky and didn’t do as my father told me. I helped
create the deserts and the ice caps at the poles. I also lost my life.

Who am I? ________________________________________

2. I have three heads and guard the entrance to Hades. I let people into Hades, but I do not let anyone
out unless instructed to do so by my master, the god of the underworld, Hades.

Who am I? ________________________________________

3. I ferry people across the River Styx to Hades. I am rather greedy and allow passage only to those who
can pay my fee.

Who am I? ________________________________________

4. I was raised by the nymphs because my mother was afraid that my father would eat me. When I
grew up, my mother and I plotted to fool my father, and with the help of my siblings and some of the
Titans, we overthrew my father. I am known as a ladies’ man and have had many children.

Who am I? ________________________________________

5. I love the sea and enjoy living there. I married Amphitrite, daughter of Nereus. I moved into his castle
under the sea. I created the horse and gave it to man along with several of my mistakes like the
camel and the zebra. I tend to be quite moody and cause great storms.

Who am I? ________________________________________

6. I am very gloomy and seldom leave my realm. However, I never have a shortage of people coming to
my kingdom to stay. I kidnapped my wife. She tends to be somewhat unhappy and goes back to
live with her mother for part of the year. I am very wealthy.

Who am I? ________________________________________

7. I am a very jealous wife and cause all sorts of problems for the women that my husband favors. I did a
great deal to help Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece. My favorite bird is a peacock.

Who am I? ________________________________________

8. I am well liked by people because I cause the grain to grow. I have a beautiful married daughter who
lives with me part of each year. When she is not with me, I am very unhappy and do not do my job.

Who am I? ________________________________________

Sally Dagnall
Tallmadge, OH

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Teacher’s Key

COOPERATIVE SEARCHES
Search #1 Search #2 Search #3

1. F 1. F 1. E
2. D 2. L 2. I
3. E 3. A 3. A
4. G 4. M 4. C
5. H 5. I 5. L
6. A 6. D 6. G
7. C 7. B 7. N
8. B 8. K 8. D
9. J 9. C 9. F
10. K 10. O 10. B
11. I 11. E 11. K
12. N 12. J
13. H 13. H
14. J 14. M
15. G

Search #4 Search #6

1. Cronus 1. Athena
2. Rhea 2. Aphrodite
3. Uranus 3. Hermes
4. Prometheus 4. Dionysus
5. Cyclopes 5. Gaea
6. Heracles 6. Pandora
7. Persephone
8. Medusa

Search #5 Search #7

1. Jason 1. Phaethon
2. Perseus 2. Cerberus
3. Hestia 3. Charon
4. Hephaestus 4. Zeus
5. Ares 5. Poseidon
6. Apollo 6. Hades
7. Artemis 7. Hera
8. Demeter

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

WHY DO WE SAY THAT?

1. Why are so many theaters called by the name Apollo?


_______________________________________________________________________________

2. Why do we say that something very difficult to do is a Herculean Task?


_______________________________________________________________________________

3. Why do we call the tendon at the back of our leg, just above the foot, our Achilles’ tendon?
_______________________________________________________________________________

4. Why would anyone name a cleanser Ajax?


_______________________________________________________________________________

5. Why would a very large ship be called the Titanic?


_______________________________________________________________________________

6. Where does the very light gas with which we fill balloons get its name, helium?
_______________________________________________________________________________

7. Why would you name a camera Argus?


_______________________________________________________________________________

8. Why do we call a sound which is bounced back to us an echo?


_______________________________________________________________________________

9. Why do we say that something deadly is lethal?

_______________________________________________________________________________

10. Why do we call a person who helps us and gives us wise advice a mentor?
_______________________________________________________________________________

11. Why would a very powerful sleep-inducing drug be called morphine?


_______________________________________________________________________________

12. Why do we call a loud, warning noise a siren?


_______________________________________________________________________________

What other words can you find that have their roots in mythology?
Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH
185 Copyright 2007 American Classical League
May be reproduced for classroom use
GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Teacher’s Key
WHY DO WE SAY THAT?
1. Apollo is the god of music. He is associated with the Nine Muses who are inspiration for comedy,
tragedy, music, and dance.

2. Hercules had to perform twelve very difficult labors for King Eurystheus.

3. Achilles’ only vulnerable place was the back of the heel by which Thetis held him when she dipped him
into the Styx to render him invulnerable.

4. Ajax was a strong Greek warrior who fought in the Trojan War.

5. Titans were giant sons of Gaea and Uranus.

6. Helios, the sun, resided in the upper air.

7. The lens is reminiscent of the eyes of Argus – the lens never sleeps.

8. Echo could only repeat words that she heard.

9. The spring of Lethe causes forgetfulness, and death wipes out memories.

10. Mentor was Odysseus’ trusted friend and the teacher of Telemachus.

11. Morpheus is the god of dreams.

12. The song of the Sirens lured sailors toward the dangerous rocks, but their voices should have been a
warning.

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Words from the Gods:


A Dictionary and Research Skills Activity
Using the list on the next page, match the word with the meaning. Use a dictionary and reference books
on mythology. Be able to tell the mythological character or place from which each word is derived.

______________________________ 1. arranged in the order in which events happened

______________________________ 2. warlike

______________________________ 3. a breakfast food

______________________________ 4. an irrational, excessive and persistent fear

______________________________ 5. a place or scene of wild disorder, noise, and confusion

______________________________ 6. a narrow tube used to give injections

______________________________ 7. causing death; fatal, deadly

______________________________ 8. a general term for fabrics

______________________________ 9. in a completely confused, disordered condition

______________________________ 10. causing sleep

______________________________ 11. quick-witted, changeable, fickle

______________________________ 12. an intricate network of winding passages; a maze

______________________________ 13. a book of maps

______________________________ 14. a study of the surface of the earth, its continents and countries

______________________________ 15. a wasting away; failure to grow

______________________________ 16. spiders (scientific name)

______________________________ 17. a sudden fear

______________________________ 18. #92 in the table of elements

______________________________ 19. a long journey

______________________________ 20. difficult to do; calling for great strength and courage

______________________________ 21. of the moon

187 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Words from the Gods:


A Dictionary and Research Skills Activity

Word List
arachnids
atlas
atrophy
cereal
chaotic
chronological
cloth
geography
Herculean
hypnotic
labyrinth
lethal
lunar
martial
mercurial
odyssey
panic
pandemonium
phobia
syringe
uranium

Carol A. LaPalme
Wynantskill, NY

188 Copyright 2007 American Classical League


May be reproduced for classroom use
GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

Teacher’s Key
Words from the Gods:
A Dictionary and Research Skills Activity
1. chronological from the name of Cronus, the father of Zeus
2. martial from Mars, the Roman god of war
3. cereal from Ceres, the Roman goddess of the harvest
4. phobia from Phobos, the god of fear
5. pandemonium named for Pan, the god of the fields and woods
6. syringe named for the beloved of Pan, the nymph Syrinx, who was turned into a hollow reed
7. lethal from the River Lethe, the river of forgetfulness in Hades
8. cloth from the name of Clotho, one of the Fates
9. chaotic from Chaos, the first state of the universe according to the early Greeks
10. hypnotic from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep
11. mercurial from the Roman name for the messenger of the gods, Mercury
12. labyrinth from the intricate maze constructed for King Minos by Daedalus to contain the
minotaur (later killed by Theseus)
13. atlas named for the mythical character whose punishment it was to hold up the heavens
(later, the world)
14. geography named for Gaea, Mother Earth
15. atrophy from Atropos, another of the Fates
16. arachnids named for Arachne who challenged Athena to a weaving contest
17. panic named for Pan, who sometimes caused groundless fears among mortals
18. uranium named for Uranus, god of the sky, father of the Cyclopes
19. odyssey named for Odysseus, the hero of the Trojan War, who wandered for many years
while trying to find his way home
20. Herculean named for Hercules, a Greek hero who had to accomplish twelve difficult labors
21. lunar from the Roman goddess of the moon, Luna

Note: A helpful reference is Asimov’s Words from the Myths.

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GENERAL MYTHOLOGY

GENERAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
FOR CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY
The following books, listed only by author and title, are of general interest to teachers of mythology and
classics.

Retellings of The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid

Claybourne, Anna Usborne Library of Myths and Legends: The Adventures of Ulysses
Connolly, Peter The Legend of Odysseus
Evslin, Bernard The Trojan War
The Adventures of Ulysses
Frenkel, Emily Aeneas
Gates, Doris A Fair Wind for Troy
Khanduri, Kamini Usborne Library of Myths and Legends: Tales of the Trojan War
Lister, Robin The Odyssey
Lively, Penelope In Search of a Homeland: The Story of the Aeneid
McCarty, Nick The Iliad
Sutcliff, Rosemary Black Ships from Troy
Williams, Marcia The Iliad and The Odyssey

Myths
Amery, Heather Greek Myths for Young Children
Bulfinch, Thomas Bulfinch’s Mythology
Connolly, Peter Greek Legends: The Stories, The Evidence
Coolidge, Olivia Greek Myths
d’Aulaire, Ingri and Edgar Book of Greek Myths
Evslin, Bernard The Greek Gods
Heroes and Monsters of Greek Myths
Gates, Doris Two Queens of Heaven: Aphrodite and Artemis
The Golden God: Apollo
Heracles, Mightiest of Mortals
Lord of the Sky: Zeus
The Warrior Goddess: Athena
Gibson, Michael Gods, Men, and Monsters
Hamilton, Edith Mythology
Lewis, Shari One-Minute Greek Myths
Low, Alice MacMillan Book of Greek Gods and Heroes
McCaughrean, Geraldine Greek Gods and Goddesses
Greek Myths
Roman Myths
Morford and Lenardon Classical Mythology
Osborne, Mary Favorite Greek Myths
Richardson, I.M. Demeter and Persephone, the Seasons of Time
Prometheus and the Story of Fire
Russell, William Classic Myths to Read Aloud
Williams, Marcia Greek Myths
Yolen, Ruth Wings
Zimmerman, J.E. Dictionary of Classical Mythology
Zorn, Steven Start Exploring Bulfinch’s Mythology: A Fact Filled Coloring Book

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