E8D Underworld Teaching Module COMPLETE Packet

AMERICAN CLASSICAL LEAGUE
TEACHING MODULES FOR THE 2018-2019

NATIONAL MYTHOLOGY EXAM
THE UNDERWORLD
A RESOURCE FOR EXCELLENCE THROUGH CLASSICS

To the Teacher:
Enclosed is the Underworld packet. This packet, an update of the 2012 Underworld packet, includes additional
and replacement activity pages for the thematic section and the subtests of the 2019 National Mythology Exam.
All materials in this packet are geared toward children in grades three and above.
The stories of Ixion, Asclepius, The Muses, Orpheus and Eurydice, Tantalus, and Sisyphus in d’Aulaires’ Book of
Greek Myths provide the information for all activities listed in the Table of Contents under the heading
“Underworld Materials.” These activities may be used to prepare students for the thematic section of the 2019
exam. An additional sections, “A Special Mini-Unit: Guided Tours Through the Underworld,” include materials
for use as extension activities. All the materials for the subtests are test-specific: Book 11 of the Odyssey, Book
6 of the Aeneid. This year the Native American packet is updated to reflect a collaboration between the University
of Montana, the Excellence Through Classics and representatives from the Crow Tribe of Montana in honor of
the 95th Annual Meeting.
Additional mythology teaching packets are available from the Elementary Teachers of Classics.
The Olympian Gods packet is useful for the National Mythology Exam every year. It provides
preparation for the first thirty questions of the National Mythology Exam. The
activities and information focus on the gods, goddesses, and basic myths.
Other available teaching packets include the following:
Perseus– features the myth of Perseus and highlights a variety of mythological monsters
Transformations – includes a variety of materials centered upon the theme of transformations in

mythology with emphasis on Echo and Narcissus, Apollo and Daphne, and Orion
Theseus – focuses on the myth of the Athenian hero, Theseus
Jason and the Argonauts – features the myth of Jason and his quest for the Golden Fleece
Heracles Teaching Packet – focuses on the Twelve Labors of Heracles
Ancient Beginnings – includes early chronology, Prometheus, Pandora, and Deucalion
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 students will find these packets enjoyable and useful.
Best wishes from your Resource Editor,

Andrew Carroll
BIBLIOGRAPHY
2019 NATIONAL MYTHOLOGY EXAM
Administration Dates: February 18 – March 1, 2019
The questions for the National Mythology Exam are based on information from the sources listed below.
NOTE: Students are responsible for knowing both Greek and Roman names.
Exam requirements based on the grade level of the student:

General Myth Thematic Comparative Classical Subtest Classical Subtest
30 questions Section Myth (Crow (Aeneid or Ovid
(Underworld) Creation Story) Odyssey) 20 questions
10 questions 10 questions 10 questions
Grades 3-4 Must complete
Grade 5 Must complete Must complete
Grades 6 Must complete Must complete Must complete
Grades 7-8 Must complete Must complete Must complete Must complete
Grades 9-12 Must complete Must complete Must complete
GENERAL MYTHOLOGY SECTION*

◼ The first 30 questions are required of ALL students who take the exam.
d’Aulaire, Ingri and Edgar. d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. New York: Doubleday and Co., 1962.
Myths and information on gods and goddesses pp.1-69

Greek and Roman names of gods and goddesses pp.186-187
Source recommended for more advanced students:
Guerber, H. A. The Myths of Greece and Rome. New York: Dover Publication, Inc., 1993.
Myths and information on gods and goddesses pp. 1-175, 196

Greek and Roman names of gods and goddesses Index
THEMATIC SECTION: THE UNDERWORLD
d’Aulaire (1962): pages 96-113, 126-127

Guerber (1993): pages 45-47, 58-62, 68-69, 143-146
CROW CREATION STORY: Provided when registered for test
CLASSICAL SUBTESTS
◼ Names on the exam will follow the spellings listed on https://www.etclassics.org/
Subtest on the Odyssey Book 11 Fagles, Lattimore or Fitzgerald translation

Subtest on the Aeneid Book 6 Fagles, Fitzgerald or Mandelbaum translation
Subtest on the Metamorphoses

Book 10 Slavitt, Raeburn translation
Lines 1-161, 243-297, 560-739
THE UNDERWORLD
TABLE OF CONTENTS*
The Underworld Module

Cover Page ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Match the Muses (Activity) .......................................................................................................................... 2
Muses Depicted in Art (Activity) ................................................................................................................... 3
Muses Trading Cards (Activity) (NEW) .......................................................................................................... 4
Europa and Cadmus Scramble (Activity) (NEW) .................................................................................... 5
Orpheus and Eurydice: A Chalkboard Playlet (Activity) ................................................................................ 6
Orpheus and Eurydice Crossword Puzzle ................................................................................................... 10
Orpheus and Eurydice (Song) ..................................................................................................................... 12
The Origin of the Olympics (Activity) .......................................................................................................... 14
Chronology of “The Myth of Sisyphus” (Activity) ........................................................................................ 15
Who? What? Where? (Activity) .................................................................................................................. 16
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (Activity) ............................................................................................... 18
Why Are We in This Packet? (Activity) ....................................................................................................... 19
Vinco (Activity) (NEW) ................................................................................................................................. 20
True or False Centaurs (Activity) (NEW)...................................................................................................... 22
Verum aut Falsum (Activity) (NEW) ............................................................................................................ 22
Underworld Word search (Activity) (NEW) ................................................................................................. 23
Europa and Cadmus Crossword Review (NEW) .......................................................................................... 24
Ceres, Persephone, and Pluto Glossary....................................................................................................... 25
Ceres, Persephone, and Pluto Writing Activity ......................................................................................... 27
Pomegranate Haiku (Activity) ..................................................................................................................... 28
Make a Chariot (Hands-On Activity) ........................................................................................................... 29
Hades Puppet (Hands-On Activity) ............................................................................................................ 30
Persephone Puppet (Hands-On Activity) .................................................................................................... 31
“Prayer to Persephone” (Activity) .............................................................................................................. 32
The Myth of Orpheus: A Retelling (Reading) ............................................................................................ 33
Orpheus and Eurydice What If . . .? (Activity) ............................................................................................ 36
Orpheus Puppet (Hands-On Activity) ......................................................................................................... 38
Eurydice Puppet (Hands-On Activity) ........................................................................................................ 39
Homonyms (Activity) .................................................................................................................................. 40
All About the Muses (Activity) ..................................................................................................................... 41
Mnemonics (Activity) ................................................................................................................................. 43
Further Exploration (Activity) ..................................................................................................................... 44
Botany and Zoology (Activity) ..................................................................................................................... 45
A Selected Bibliography for Further Reading ............................................................................................. 46
Ancient Greek Medicine (Reading) ............................................................................................................. 47
Tantalus/Pelops “Women of Hera” (Reading and Activity) ....................................................................... 49
Sisyphus: The Family Tree of Sisyphus ...................................................................................................... 51
Sisyphus: Family Tree Chart........................................................................................................................ 52
Io’s Family Tree (Activity) (NEW)................................................................................................................. 53
Inspiration from the Muses (Activity) (NEW) .............................................................................................. 55
I might have said that (Activity) (NEW) ....................................................................................................... 56
Ancient Tour Guides (Activity) (NEW) ................................................................................................ 57
Quis Sum Ego (Game) (NEW) ..................................................................................................................... 58
A Modern View of Sisyphus (Reading and Activity) ................................................................................... 59
Punishment: Sisyphus, Ixion, and Tantalus (Activity) ................................................................................ 60
Underworld Mathematics (Activity) ........................................................................................................... 61
TABLE OF CONTENTS* (continued)
Bones in the Skeleton (Chart and Song) ..................................................................................................... 62

Inferi: Journey to the Underworld (Game) (NEW) ............................................................................... 64
Teacher Keys................................................................................................................................................ 76
Mini-Unit: Guided Tours Through the Underworld

Cover Page ................................................................................................................................................. 83
8th Century BCE to 17th Century CE (Reading) ............................................................................................. 84
Views of the Underworld: Homer, Virgil, Dante, and Milton (Reading) .................................................... 85
Geography of the Underworld: Virgil and Dante (Reading) ...................................................................... 86
The Aeneid and the Inferno: A Comparison of People, Places, and Monsters (Activity) ........................... 87
A Nebulous Underworld: Homer and Milton (Activity) ............................................................................. 89
Bibliography: Guided Tours Through the Underworld ............................................................................... 94
Teacher Keys................................................................................................................................................ 95
Aeneid, Book 6
Cover Page ......................................................................................................................................................... 97
People, Places and Things: Aeneid VI (Activity) ................................................................................................ 98
Notable Quotes: Aeneid VI (Activity) ............................................................................................................... 101
Temple of Apollo (Activity)(NEW) ..................................................................................................................... 102
Virgil’s Underworld (Activity) ............................................................................................................................ 103
Traveling to the Underworld (Activity)(NEW) ................................................................................................... 106
Crossword: Aeneid VI ...................................................................................................................................... 107
Art of Aeneas (Activity)(NEW) .......................................................................................................................... 109
Aeneid Mini-Book (Activity)(NEW) ................................................................................................................... 111
Aeneas and the Underworld: A Retelling (Reading) ........................................................................................ 112
Aeneas and the Underworld: Enrichment Activities ........................................................................................ 114
Writing Activity ................................................................................................................................................. 115
Vinco (Activity)(NEW) ....................................................................................................................................... 116
Teacher Keys ..................................................................................................................................................... 118
Odyssey, Book 11
Cover Page ....................................................................................................................................................... 122
People, Places and Things: Odyssey XI (Activity) ............................................................................................. 123
Notable Quotes: Odyssey XI (Activity) ............................................................................................................. 126
Book XI Crossword ........................................................................................................................................... 127
Pottery Design (Art) ......................................................................................................................................... 129
Teacher Keys ..................................................................................................................................................... 130
Crow Creation Story

Cover page ........................................................................................................................................................ 131
Introduction (Reading) (NEW) ......................................................................................................................... 132
Story (NEW) ...................................................................................................................................................... 133
Bibliography (NEW) .......................................................................................................................................... 136
Reader’s Response (Activity)(NEW) .................................................................................................................. 137
Order of Events (Activity) (NEW) ..................................................................................................................... 138
Story Boards (Activity)(NEW) ............................................................................................................................ 139
Word Search (Activity) (NEW) .......................................................................................................................... 140
Character Review Crossword (NEW) ................................................................................................................ 141
What’s the Connection? (Activity)(NEW) ......................................................................................................... 142
ReCreation Story (Activity) (NEW) ................................................................................................................... 143
Crow Creation: A Puzzle (Activity) (NEW) ........................................................................................................ 144
Tipi (Reading) (NEW) ......................................................................................................................................... 145
Make Your Own Tipi (Hands On Activity) (NEW) .............................................................................................. 146
Bird Watching (Activity) (NEW)......................................................................................................................... 147
Alternative Characters (Activity) (NEW) ........................................................................................................... 147
Where’s the Canoe? (Activity)(NEW)................................................................................................................ 148
Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow War Chief (Reading)(NEW)......................................................................... 149
Extension Activities (Activity)(NEW) ................................................................................................................. 150
Counting Coup: Roman Military Awards (Activity)(NEW)................................................................................. 150
Extension Activity Chief Plenty Coups (Read)(NEW) ........................................................................................ 151
Teacher’s Keys................................................................................................................................................... 152
Illustrations are from Public Domain or licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution or Sharealike. Illustrations on pages 1-3, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 21,
23, 25, 32, 34, 36, 41, 44, 47, 51, 60, 69, 73, 74, 79, 88, 90, 91, 94, 100, 110-112, 114, 116, 118-120, 122-125, 129-131, 136, 138, 140-144, 147, 150, 151, and
154 are from Clipart.com. The use of these pictures is authorized by the agreement between the subscriber and JUPITERIMAGES. These pictures have been
printed in accordance with the site terms. The Map is found from Free-largeimages.com and is used in accordance with the site terms. Other images are also
found in public domain on WIkicommons or are under Creative Commons under Attribution-Share Alike.
UNDERWORLD MATERIALS
THE
UNDERWORLD
1 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

May be reproduced for classroom use
MATCH THE MUSES

This activity reinforces information from pages 100-101 in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths.
Match the Muse below with the art that she inspired.
Muses Area of Inspiration
1. _____Calliope A. Sacred Hymns
2. _____Clio B. Epic Poetry
3. _____Erato C. Tragedy
4. _____Euterpe D. Comedy
5. _____Melpomene E. Dance
6. _____Polyhymnia F. Music
7. _____Terpsichore G. Lyrics
8. _____Thalia H. Astronomy
9. _____Urania I. History

MUSES DEPICTED IN ART

Using the names in the word bank, identify the Muse shown and described.
Calliope Erato Melpomene Terpsichore Urania
Clio Euterpe Polyhymnia Thalia
Artists show me in motion.

I usually hold a tambourine. I play the double-flute I can tell the future by looking at
because I love music. the arrangement of the stars.
_________________________
__________________________ ___________________________
I carry the mask that was worn

I tell the story of epic heroes. I write lyric poetry. The subject by actors performing in a
I inspired Homer. of my poems is usually love. tragedy.
___________________________
_________________________ __________________________
I immortalize deserving people I keep track of events I carry the mask that was worn
with my hymns of praise. that happened in the past. by actors performing in a
comedy.
_________________________ ___________________________ _________________________

MUSES TRADING CARDS

Now create your own trading cards! Using the template below draw your best representation of the muses and write
a short biography of them, use the back of the card to fill out more information about this. Best printed on cardstock.
Please share your creations with resources@etclassics.org for potential inclusion in Prima.
Melpomene Urania Thalia
Erato Euterpe Clio
Terpsichore Calliope Polyhymnia

EUROPA AND CADMUS SCRAMBLE

The story of Europa and Cadmus is full of action and travel; it can get confusing. Help reorder the events
from the story on pages 108-110 of d’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths.
Zeus turns into a white bull and comes to Europa.
King Agenor of Tyre sends his three sons to look for Europa.
Zeus makes Europa queen of Crete.
Cadmus fights and kills the Dragon and then plants its teeth.
Europa plays with her maidens.
Warriors grow from the dragon teeth.
Cadmus refuses to give up looking for his sister.
Dragon eats Cadmus’ men.
Europa attracts the eye of Zeus.
Cadmus founds Thebes.
Cadmus uses a stone to make the warriors attack one another.
Europa is scared at first by the bull but then climbs on his back.
Cadmus lands in Greece and finds out from the Oracle that his sister is safe.
Zeus travels across the ocean to Crete.
Europa has three sons with the king of Crete.
Cadmus spares the last five warriors and makes them his companions.
Cadmus follows a white cow to a field.
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE: A CHALKBOARD PLAYLET

This activity reinforces information from pages 56, 60, 96, 102-104, 112, and 127 in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths.
The following activity involves cooperative learning and might take several periods to complete.
Necessary Materials
colored construction paper

colored markers or crayons
scissors
cotton balls
a large blank wall or chalkboard
small magnets OR tape to hold the figures on the board’s surface
Procedure
1. Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
2. Divide the props and characters listed below so that each group has an even share.
Cerberus grapes yellow musical snake

Charon Hades notes souls
cloud Hermes Orpheus sun
Elysium hill and rock palace Tantalus
Eurydice Ixion Persephone tunnel
Ferry lyre Rhadamanthus water
flowers blue musical notes River Styx wheel
green musical notes Sisyphus young women
3. Have each group design, cut out, and decorate its assigned characters/props with colors, cotton
balls, etc. (Interaction between groups may be necessary in order to have similarly-sized
characters. You may wish to use the puppet patterns on pages 28, 29, 36 and 37 of this packet.)
Have the groups affix a magnet or tape to the back of each item.
4. Once all the groups are through with decorating, have each student take responsibility for one
(or two) of the items the group has prepared.
5. Read, or have a student read, the script on the next page. As each item from the list above is
mentioned, its assigned student is to place it on the board in an appropriate place starting at the
far left. At some times, objects will need to be moved, and the same student should take that
responsibility also. (Please note that the student responsible for Orpheus will be required to stay
at the board the entire time and listen very closely to the story!)

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE: A CHALKBOARD PLAYLET (continued)
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago in Greece there lived a handsome young ORPHEUS
man named ORPHEUS. Orpheus was a talented musician who could make MUSIC YELLOW MUSIC
not only with his voice, but also with his LYRE. LYRE
All the YOUNG WOMEN of the area followed him around, hoping to get his attention. YOUNG WOMEN
But, Orpheus was not interested in any of these women. He had eyes only for one, EURYDICE
the beautiful EURYDICE. Each day when they would meet, the SUN would shine SUN
brighter in the sky, and the FLOWERS would bloom with greater intensity. FLOWERS
Finally, Orpheus and Eurydice decided to marry. They were so happy and so in love.
However, their happiness was short-lived. A SNAKE who lived among the flowers SNAKE
struck out at EURYDICE as she was walking in the field. ORPHEUS rushed to her side, EURYDICE
but it was too late. His young bride, EURYDICE, was dead. Her spirit had already ORPHEUS
been led away by HERMES, the guide for spirits who are entering the underworld. EURYDICE
HERMES
A CLOUD covered the sun that day. And, as Orpheus grieved and shed many tears,
he realized that he could not bear to see the flowers or play his music without his
beautiful Eurydice at his side. He knew of only one way to get her back - - to travel CLOUD
to the dark realm of Hades himself.
The entrance to Hades’ realm was a long dark TUNNEL. Orpheus proceeded through
this cold, forbidding passageway, gently strumming his LYRE to keep his spirits up.
At the tunnel’s end, he came to the dreaded STYX, the dark river over which all must TUNNEL
pass to enter the land of the dead. GREEN MUSIC
RIVER STYX
On the river’s bank he saw a GRIZZLY OLD MAN standing by a wretched BOAT.
Orpheus knew the man’s name; he was CHARON, the ferryman of the underworld.
Orpheus also knew that passage across the Styx was a gold coin, but this he did not CHARON
have. FERRY
However, Orpheus did have his lyre which he began to play. He also began to SING
of his lost bride and his mission to rescue her. His song touched Charon’s heart, and
he offered to FERRY Orpheus across for free. GREEN MUSIC
FERRY/CHARON

Once across the River Styx, Orpheus was met by the growls and snarls of the CERBERUS
underworld’s three-headed guard dog, CERBERUS. Orpheus once again began to GREEN MUSIC
play his MUSIC. The savage beast soon turned into a gentle creature who allowed
Orpheus to pass.
As Orpheus traveled through the underworld, he saw many strange and horrible IXION
sights. He saw poor IXION revolving forever upon his fiery WHEEL. WHEEL
He saw the unfortunate TANTALUS who was forever punished by hunger and thirst. TANTALUS
And, Orpheus saw the GRAPES that withdrew and the cool WATER which drained GRAPES
away, only to have both return once more and tease. WATER
Orpheus also saw the ill-fated SISYPHUS, condemned forever to roll a ROCK up a HILL SISYPHUS
yet never to reach the top. Indeed, the rock had a mind of its own and always rolled ROCK / HILL
back down to the start.
Saddened by such sights, Orpheus continued down the path, and he walked past ELYSIUM
ELYSIUM where the Heroes dwell. Upon entering Hades’ PALACE, he saw the chief PALACE
judge of the underworld, RHADAMANTHUS, standing tall and surrounded by a RHADAMANTHUS
multitude of SOULS. And, in this group he saw, with tears forming in his eyes, the SOULS
shade of his beloved EURYDICE. EURYDICE
With new resolve Orpheus approached the throne of the mighty lord of the HADES
underworld, HADES. He knew that he must convince him to allow Eurydice to return BLUE MUSIC
to the world of the living. Relying upon his greatest gift, he pulled out his lyre and
began to SING. His song was long and sad. He sang of his bride and the sun and the
flowers. He sang of the vicious bite which ended their short life together. He sang
a promise in song that he would return to the underworld to be with her forever.
So beautiful was this music that Queen PERSEPHONE began to cry. So sad it was
that all who dwelt in the dark underworld stopped their tasks to wipe away tears. PERSEPHONE
And, it was so touching that even Lord HADES was moved to make a bargain. HADES
“Orpheus,” he said, “I feel your sorrow, and in recognition of the talent you have
displayed, I shall let your wife depart with you back into the land of the living.
However, there is one condition: you shall not look back upon her until you have
reached the upper air.”

ORPHEUS bowed to king and queen, and with hope in his heart, he proceeded back ORPHEUS
up the path from which he had come. Behind him, treading softly, was EURYDICE. EURYDICE
Through Elysium they traveled. Past the tortured souls of Tartarus, past Cerberus
and Charon and into the tunnel they went forth, he in the lead, not looking back,
and she following silently. But as they reached the tunnel’s end, Orpheus, whether
through doubt or excitement, turned back to gaze upon his beloved wife.
“Too soon,” she moaned tearfully as HERMES came once again to lead her back to HERMES (takes
the palace of Hades. Orpheus reached out to her, but it was too late. His arms met Eurydice back to
nothing but air. Hades)
Sadly, Orpheus returned to the upper world. Still he sang, but his TUNES were so BLUE MUSIC
sad, that none could bear to hear them. Finally, however, when his life was over,
he, too, traveled to the palace of Hades as a spirit, and there, finally and forever, he
was reunited with his lovely bride.
Susan Senechal
Virginia Beach, VA

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Use the clues on the next page to complete this crossword puzzle.
1 2
4 5 6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13
14
15
16 17
18

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE CROSSWORD PUZZLE (continued)
ACROSS
4. The island where Orpheus’ body was found

6. Hades said to Orpheus, “You must not ____ at your bride before you leave the underworld.”
8. The three-headed watchdog in the underworld
10. The wild creatures who killed Orpheus
12. What Hades and Persephone both did when they heard Orpheus’ music
14. The god of the underworld
16. Another name for the Furies
18. The event which occurred on the day of Eurydice’s death
DOWN
1. How Orpheus’ music sounded on his wedding day

2. The god who led Eurydice down to the underworld
3. How Orpheus’ music sounded after he lost Eurydice for the second time
5. Beloved wife of Orpheus
7. Master musician, expert lyre player
9. Cause of death for Eurydice
11. The nine women who grieved over Orpheus after his death
13. The queen of the underworld
15. Orpheus’ instrument; it became a constellation after his death
17. The place where the nymphs threw Orpheus’ body

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE

(To the tune of “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic”)
Orpheus and Eurydice

Were married one fine spring day
A deadly snake bit Eurydice
And Hermes led her away
Sad lyre music echoed below
And Hades gave permission to go
But Orpheus looked back
And Eurydice vanished.


THE ORIGIN OF THE OLYMPICS

Find the answer to each of the following clues about the story of Tantalus and Pelops by unscrambling the
words at the bottom of the page.
_______________________ 1. What Pelops’ new shoulder was made out of
_______________________ 2. One thing that the Olympian gods detested
_______________________ 3. God who gave Pelops a team of horses
_______________________ 4. Father of Pelops
_______________________ 5. Successful suitor for the hand of Hippodamia
_______________________ 6. The land where Tantalus and Pelops lived
_______________________ 7. The country in which Elis is located
_______________________ 8. Beautiful princess of Elis
_______________________ 9. King of Elis
_______________________ 10. City where Hippodamia and Oenomaüs lived
_______________________ 11. God who gave Oenomaüs a team of horses
_______________________ 12. What twelve suitors lost trying to win Hippodamia
_______________________ 13. Person who exchanged the wooden pins for wax pins
_______________________ 14. The plain where the athletic games were held in honor of King Oenomaüs
_______________________ 15. Contests held every four years
AASI ONMIR EERGCE ADEH

ICPMYOL SAGEM RYOIV AUNHM CFIERISAC
POMYIAL AÜOESNOM LIES
POHIDPIAAM BESTLA YBO SEPIDOON
OSLEPP SREA ATALSTNU

CHRONOLOGY OF “THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS”

Number these events in the order in which they happen.
_______ Sisyphus remains on earth until he dies of old age.
_______ Sisyphus confuses Hades, chains him, and prevents death.
_______ Hades sends Hermes for Sisyphus.
_______ Zeus sends Hades to take Sisyphus to the underworld.
_______ Asopus asks Sisyphus for information about Aegina.
_______ Zeus makes Sisyphus push a boulder up a hill for eternity.
_______ Sisyphus gives information in exchange for a spring.
_______ Sisyphus’ wife does not give him proper burial.
_______ Hades sends Sisyphus back to punish his wife.
_______ The gods threaten Sisyphus, and he is forced to let Hades go.

WHO? WHAT? WHERE?

This activity reinforces information from pages 96-99, 112-113, and 126-127 in d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths.
Select a word from the word bank for each statement. You may use words more than once.
WORD BANK
Asclepius gold Mount Pelion

Apollo Hades rolling a boulder
Centaurs Hera Sisyphus
Chiron Hygeia Tantalus
Cronus Ixion thirst and hunger
Fates Lapiths Zeus
flaming wheel
1. I am Ixion’s punishment in the Underworld. _____________________________
2. I am Tantalus’ punishment in the Underworld. _____________________________
3. I am Sisyphus’ punishment in the Underworld. _____________________________
4. Ixion mistook a cloud for me. _____________________________
5. I laid a trap for Ixion. _____________________________
6. I am the father of the centaurs. _____________________________
7. We were upset because Asclepius brought the dead back to life. _____________________________
8. I served my son, Pelops, in a stew to the gods. _____________________________
9. I caused the death of Asclepius. _____________________________
10. I was a king of the Lapith people. _____________________________
11. I am the father of Tantalus. _____________________________
12. I was the first great doctor. _____________________________
13. I am the father of Chiron. _____________________________
14. I am the father of Asclepius. _____________________________
15. I am the daughter of Asclepius. _____________________________

WHO? WHAT? WHERE? (continued)
WORD BANK
Asclepius gold Mount Pelion

Apollo Hades rolling a boulder
Centaurs Hera Sisyphus
Chiron Hygeia Tantalus
Cronus Ixion thirst and hunger
Fates Lapiths Zeus
flaming wheel
16. I was a king of Corinth. _____________________________
17. Chiron is my mentor. _____________________________
18. We are creatures that are half man/half horse. _____________________________
19. I am the home of Chiron. _____________________________
20. I was upset because Asclepius was depriving me of dead souls. _____________________________
21. We are the people ruled by King Ixion. _____________________________
22. I am a centaur with different parents than the lawless centaurs. _____________________________
23. Asclepius accepted me when he raised people from the dead. _____________________________
24. I chained Hades to a post. _____________________________
25. My son held the very first Olympic games. _____________________________

NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED

It would seem that reviving the dead is a “good deed,” but Asclepius aroused the anger of Hades and the
Fates and was subsequently killed by Zeus’ thunderbolt for his efforts. Nonetheless, contrary to the cynical
proverb quoted in the title of this activity, Asclepius did much good for which he is remembered. List five
things in Asclepius’ life that are undisputedly “good.”
1. ___________________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________________

WHY ARE WE IN THIS PACKET?

Asclepius, Eurydice, Ixion, Muses, Orpheus, Sisyphus and Tantalus are all featured in the Underworld Packet.
Write the name of the person/people next to the explanation for their inclusion.
1. ______________________________When I entered the underworld, my music affected

everyone I encountered.
2. ______________________________Zeus discovered that I was in love with Hera. As

punishment, he made me whirl on a flaming wheel in the
underworld forever.
3. ______________________________I cheated Hades out of dead souls coming to the

underworld because I could bring the dead back to life.
4. ______________________________Condemned because I repeatedly attempted to cheat

death, I continuously tried to push a boulder up a hill in
the underworld.
5. ______________________________Our relative, Orpheus, was one of a very few mortals to

visit the underworld and return.
6. ______________________________I almost escaped from the underworld, but alas, my

husband doubted that I was following him to the upper
world.
7. ______________________________When I sacrificed my son, I did not please the gods as I had

intended. As a punishment, I was always hungry and
thirsty in the underworld.

VINCO
Below is a blank VINCO (Bingo) Card. Fill in using the following list of words connected with the underworld.
Your teacher will read out clue about the person. Mark your card when the clue gets read. Yell Vinco when
you get 5 across, down or diagonal. Alternative- First person to fill all the squares gets to yell Vinco.
V I N C O
GRATIS
Terpsichore Demeter/Ceres Aphrodite/Venus

Euterpe Cerberus Typhon
Urania Juno/Hera Eros/Cupid
Calliope Jupiter/Zeus Orpheus
Erato Ixion Charon
Melpomene Tantalus Elysium
Polyhymnia Asclepius Eurydice
Clio Cronus Hermes/ Mercury
Thalia Apollo Mnemosyne
Pluto/Hades Hygeia Rhadamanthus
Proserpina/Persephone Sisyphus

TEACHER’S CLUES
Feel free to make your own clues if you want. This game works well if you can print these clues off and then draw
them out of a hat.
Mnemosyne- Mother of the muses Asclepius- raised people from the dead
Terpsichore- Muse of dance and the chorus Cronus- Father of Chiron
Euterpe- Muse of music Apollo- God of Music
Urania- Muse of astronomy Hygeia- Daughter of Asclepius
Calliope-Muse of epic poetry Sisyphus- pushing a rock forever uphill
Erato- Muse of love poetry Aphrodite/Venus- Mother of Cupid
Melpomene- Muse of Tragedy Typhon- Hundred-headed monster who fought
Polyhymnia- Muse of hymns against Jupiter
Clio- Muse of History Eros/Cupid- God of love
Thalia- Muse of Comedy Orpheus- Traveled to the underworld to save his
Pluto/Hades- God who stole Proserpina wife
Proserpina/Persephone- Wife of Pluto Charon- Ferryman in the underworld
Demeter/Ceres- Caused winter with her worrying Elysium- area of the underworld for heroes and
for her daughter good souls
Cerberus- Three-headed guardian Eurydice- died of a snake bite on her wedding day
Juno/Hera- Queen of the Gods Hermes/ Mercury- guider of souls to the
Jupiter/Zeus- King of the Gods underworld
Ixion- Tied to a wheel of fire Rhadamanthus- Judge of the dead
Tantalus- Forever thirsty and hungry
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

TRUE or FALSE -CENTAURS

The following are statements based on the stories from d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths pp. 96-97. Write
true or false on the line following.
1. The centaurs were the offspring of Sisyphus.

2. The centaurs were half horse and half men.
3. King Ixion ruled over the Lapith.
4. Jupiter made a cloud image of Juno to trick Tantalus.
5. The centaurs were a scourge to the Athenians.
6. Ixion whirled on a wheel of fire in the underworld.
7. The centaurs drank pure wine and ate raw meat.
8. Chiron was not like the other Centaurs.
9. Apollo was the father of Chiron.
10. Chiron lived on Mount Pelion as a teacher.
VERUM AUT FALSUM

Scribite in Latine verum aut falsum. Decem sententiae sunt de libero d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths pp 96-97.
1. Centauri erant filiī Sisyphi.
2. Centauri erant semiequus et semivir.
3. Rex Ixion Lapithas regnavit.
4. Iupiter imaginem Iunonis nube fecit ut Tantalum deciperet.
5. Centauri erant flagella Atheniensibus.
6. Ixion in rotā ignis in Tartaro torquebat.
7. Centauri vinum purum biberunt et carnem crudam consumpserunt.
8. Chiron erat dissimilis aliis Centauris.

9. Apollo erat pater Chironis.
10. Chiron in monte Pelione habitabat et erat magister.
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

UNDERWORLD WORD SEARCH

Find the words in this word search based on the clues below.
The healer Always thirsty Epic Poet

The home of Chiron Father of Chiron Lyric poet
The teacher of muses Mistaking a cloud for a goddess Tragedian
Another name for Pluto Confused by Sisyphus Hymn singer
Offspring of Ixion People terrorized by centaurs Historian
Tricked Ixion with a cloud Father of many heroes Comedian
Tied up Hades Dancer Mother of Muses
Half-horse teacher Musician Student of Muses
Daughter of Asclepius Star gazer Wife of Orpheus

EUROPA AND CADMUS CROSSWORD REVIEW

1
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11 12
13
Across
4 So wise he became judge of the dead
6 Robot to protect Crete
10 Great-Great-Great Grandmother of Europa
11 Gift Zeus gave Europa
13 Killed all of Cadmus' men
15 King of Tyre, Father of Europa
Down
1 Only brother to keep looking, king of Thebes
2 Needed a queen for Crete
3 Form Zeus took to transport Europa
5 Where Cadmus heard that Europa was safe
7 Island that Europa was queen over
8 One of Europa's sons
9 Son of Europa, keeper of the labyrinth
12 Taken by a white bull
14 City which Agenor ruled
CERES, PERSEPHONE, AND PLUTO GLOSSARY

The myth of Ceres, Persephone and Pluto is often used to explain why we have different seasons. It is based
mainly on Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Book V, line 332 ff. (available many places online such as
bit.ly/Ovid_332ff). The Roman names have been retained except for Persephone, who is “Proserpine” in
Ovid. That seems more difficult to say, and not as harmonious as her Greek name.
GLOSSARY
ROMAN NAME GREEK NAME
Arethusa (ar-e-THU-za)
Nymph of a spring and stream in Sicily with the same name
Ceres (SEE-reez) Demeter (de-MEE-ter)

Goddess of grain & harvest, mother of Persephone, sister of Jupiter
Cupid (KYOO-pid) Eros (ERR-os)

God of love, son of Venus, shoots love arrows
Cyane (SY-an-ee)
Nymph of a pool in Sicily with the same name
Jupiter (JYOO-pit-er) also Jove Zeus (zyoos)

Chief Olympian god, rules air & land, father of many
Muse (myooz)
Any one of the nine goddesses of the arts
Neptune (NEP-tune) Poseidon (po-SYE-don)

Chief god of the sea and its storms
Proserpine (PRO-ser-pine) Persephone (per-SEFF-oh-nee)

Daughter of Ceres and Jupiter, wife of Pluto
Pluto (PLUE-toe) Hades (HAY-deez)

Chief god of the underworld, likes darkness and gloom
Sicily (SISS-e-lee)
Island at the toe of Italy’s boot
Typhon (TYE-fon)
Hundred-headed monster who fought against Jupiter
Venus (VEE-nus) Aphrodite (aff-ro-DYE-tee)

Goddess of love & beauty, mother of Cupid

ACTIVITIES
1. Have students discover the connection of this myth with the seasons, and the connection
between Ceres and cereal.
2. Find a pomegranate in the grocery store and use it as a prop while telling this myth.
3. Have students retell or dramatize the myth, perhaps modernizing the story in some way.
4. Have students read the retelling of Pluto in love in the book Pluto: Fabula Amoris by Rachel Ash
and Miriam Patrick

CERES, PERSEPHONE, AND PLUTO WRITING ACTIVITY

Work with one or two partners and investigate a pomegranate. See how it looks, feels, smells, and tastes
on the outside. Record your observations on the organizer below. Then look at the inside of the
pomegranate. Record how it looks, feels, smells, and tastes inside also. After you have completed your
observations, write a haiku poem, following the instructions on the next page.
OUTSIDE
INSIDE
Susan K. Senechal
Virginia Beach, VA

POMEGRANATE HAIKU
A haiku is a three-line poem, usually about an aspect of nature. The poem contains only seventeen syllables:
five in the first line, seven in the second line, and five in the third line. There is usually no rhyme to a haiku
poem, but the images conveyed are strong and appeal to the senses.
The following are examples of haiku poetry.
POEMS SYLLABLES
Pelicans Pelicans
The pelican file, The / pel / i / can / file,

Determined, glides proudly on De / ter / mined, / glides / proud / ly / on
Fearing not the storm. Fear / ing / not / the / storm.
Daffodils Daffodils
Springtime daffodils Spring / time / daf / fo /dils

Bringing yellow sun to earth Bring / ing / yel / low / sun / to / earth
Brightening the day. Bright / en / ing / the / day.
Using the observations you have recorded on the previous page, compose your own pomegranate haiku
below.
LINE 1 should include the name of your subject (pome / gran / ate)
___________/___________/___________/___________/___________
LINE 2 should include descriptive adjectives about the subject in line one
___________/___________/___________/___________/___________/___________/__________
LINE 3 further describes line two
___________/___________/___________/___________/___________
Susan K. Senechal
Virginia Beach, VA

MAKE A CHARIOT
Sally Fox
Vermilion, OH

HADES PUPPET
N.B. You can skip steps 2 and 3 if your printer/copier is capable of printing on stiff paper.
Janeene Browne Blank

Birmingham, MI

PERSEPHONE PUPPET

Birmingham, MI

“PRAYER TO PERSEPHONE”
Edna St. Vincent Millay was a 20th century American poet who used many classical references in her writing.
When one of Edna St. Vincent Millay’s friends died, she wrote a series of poems for her which included one
entitled “Prayer to Persephone.” In this poem, Millay is asking Persephone to take care of her friend now
that she is no longer on earth. The last two lines of the poem are
Say to her, “My dear, my dear,

It is not so dreadful here.”
Explain why Millay might have chosen Persephone to comfort the spirit of her friend after she died. What
else might Persephone have said to her friend?
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If you want to read the entire poem, it can be found in Second April by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

THE MYTH OF ORPHEUS

A Retelling
Orpheus was the star of the country! Everyone agreed that he was the very
best musician ever! He sang all the latest hits, and he played the lyre and
wrote music. He was handsome and charming. It’s no wonder that every girl
for miles and miles around would like to marry him. He was a hunk . . . with
talent!
Orpheus didn’t pay much attention to the groupies that followed him around
because he was in love with a beautiful, sweet young woman whose name
was Eurydice. When they got married, Orpheus was the happiest man in the
world! They strolled across the fields together, he playing music, she
gathering flowers and laughing in the sunlight. They might have gone on very
happily for years, except for a sad thing that happened.
A snake bit Eurydice on the heel and poisoned her. She was whisked away to
the dark, cold palace of Hades. Orpheus was too unhappy to sing or play his
music. He decided that he must go to the underworld himself and see if the
unfriendly King Hades would allow him to bring her back to earth.
“After all,” he said, “she is too young and beautiful to be in that terrible place of the dead.” So he set out,
searching for the entrance to Hades’ domain.
At last he found a cave with a tunnel leading downward. He followed it into the chilling darkness, strumming
his lyre to keep up his spirits. At last he saw a dim light ahead and heard the sound of water. He had reached
the River Styx.
As he approached the banks of the river, he saw a hunched old man holding his hand palm outward. It was
Charon, the ferryman, waiting to be paid a gold coin to take Orpheus across the water.
Orpheus had no money with him, but he began to sing a sad love song about his lost bride. Even the heart
of that silent, reclusive old man was touched. Silently, he rowed Orpheus across to the other shore.
As Orpheus climbed out of the damp, leaky little boat, he heard the snarling growls and threatening barks
of Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the gate to the underworld. The dog leapt forward, ready to sink
his teeth into the frightened man. The proper way to get past this monster, Orpheus knew, was to throw
honey cakes to all three heads. While the dog was occupied with food, a soul could slip into the hallway
leading to Hades’ court.

THE MYTH OF ORPHEUS (continued)
But Orpheus had no honey cakes. He had only his voice and his musical
instrument. He began to sing softly, a song that made the dog think of
running across fields where rabbits play in the sunshine. The monster
stopped barking and came and lay down at Orpheus’ feet, looking at him with
adoring eyes. Orpheus stepped over the calm animal and entered the damp
cavern leading toward the center of the underworld.
On his way, he passed many terrible sights. He passed Ixion, tied forever to a wheel of fire that turns and
turns. He passed Tantalus who hungrily reaches for the fruit on the branch above his head, only to have it
jerk out of reach. Then, as Tantalus stoops to drink from the water where he stands, it recedes too low for
him to put his mouth to it.
He passed Sisyphus who is doomed forever to push a huge heavy rock to the top of a hill, only to watch it
roll down again. Orpheus shuddered and hurried on. He sang as he went, and for a moment these poor
unfortunates almost smiled at the sound of the music.
When Orpheus came to the palace of Hades, he caused much astonishment. This was a place for the dead,
and Orpheus was very much alive! He could see Hades himself staring at him, and across the huge room he
could see his beloved Eurydice, waiting for the judge Rhadamanthus. If Rhadamanthus found her worthy,
she could be sent to the Elysian fields to dwell in happiness.
“Why have you come here?” demanded Hades.
“I have come to seek my bride, Eurydice,” answered Orpheus as bravely as he dared. “Please let me take
her home with me!”
“And why should I treat this one any differently than any other who comes to my kingdom?” said the
fearsome Hades in a voice like ice. “How dare you ask me such a favor!”
“This is my reason,” Orpheus said, and he unslung his lyre from around his neck. He began to play the
saddest song anyone had ever heard. All those waiting in the judgment hall of the dead lifted their heads
and listened. Eurydice turned to look at her husband with longing in her eyes. Persephone lifted the corner
of her mantle and wiped a tear from her cheek. Even Hades leaned forward on his throne, elbows on his
knees, as he listened to the song of Orpheus.
At last Orpheus laid his hand on the strings of his lyre and stopped singing. He stood facing the lord of the
underworld, with his head down.

THE MYTH OF ORPHEUS (continued)

“Well,” said Hades in a kinder voice than anyone remembered hearing him use, “I do not usually grant any
request, but your song has pleased me. I will let you take your wife home with you. She can wait for another
day to come to my kingdom to stay. But you must obey one rule, or she will remain here.”
“Anything you say, sir,” Orpheus replied, his heart leaping for joy.
“When you leave, Eurydice will follow you. But you must not look back until you are both standing on the
surface of the earth. Do you promise me that?”
“I promise!” Orpheus said gladly. He turned to go and glimpsed Eurydice getting ready to follow. He started
up the narrow passageway, listening for the sound of her footsteps behind him. But he heard nothing. He
had forgotten that Eurydice was little more than a wisp of mist here in the underworld and would not gain
substance until she reached the surface.
They went further along the rock halls. Orpheus stopped and listened. Nothing but the sound of water
dripping from the cold walls reached his ears. Had Hades tricked him? Had he only pretended to release
Eurydice?
Orpheus walked further. He could see the gray blur in the distance that meant he was approaching the
surface. He stopped again, straining his ears, holding his breath. Nothing. That must be it! Hades was a
trickster! He had never intended to let her go!
Orpheus could stand it no longer! He turned quickly and looked behind him. As he did, he saw Eurydice
reach out for him, and then fly away like a leaf in a windstorm.
He called after her and tried to follow, but he was never again allowed to enter Hades’ domain alive. He
had to wait and join his beloved Eurydice in the Elysian Fields.
Source: Ovid’s Metamorphoses, tr. A.D. Melville
Retold by Joette McDonald

Vermilion, OH

WHAT IF . . . ?
After reading the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, describe briefly WHAT might have happened IF the
following things had occurred.
IF the snake had struck Orpheus rather than Eurydice . . .
IF Charon was deaf . . .
IF Orpheus had laryngitis and a broken lyre string as he approached Cerberus . . .
IF Orpheus, feeling sorry for Sisyphus, had volunteered to take his place for the day . . .
IF Orpheus, feeling sorry for Ixion, had volunteered to take his place for the day . . .


WHAT IF . . . ? (continued)
IF Orpheus, feeling sorry for Tanatlus, had volunteered to take his place for the day . . .
IF Hades had not liked the music of Orpheus, but Persephone did . . .
IF Orpheus had not looked back at the last moment . . .
IF Hades had allowed Orpheus another chance . . .
Susan Senechal
Richmond, VA

ORPHEUS PUPPET

Birmingham, MI
EURYDICE PUPPET

Birmingham, MI
HOMONYMS
Orpheus played the LYRE -- but he wasn’t a LIAR.
When two words are pronounced the same but are spelled differently, they are called homonyms.
Write the homonym for each word listed. Then use BOTH words in one sentence that is related to the myth of Orpheus
or to the underworld in general. Read your sentences to a friend but LEAVE OUT the pair of homonyms. See if your
friend can guess which words are missing. They will sound the same, but they will be spelled differently.
1. BOUGH /______________
2. BUY /______________
3. DEAR /______________
4. EIGHT /______________
5. FLOUR /______________
6. HEARD /______________
7. HERE /______________
8. KNEW /______________
9. KNOT /______________
10. KNOW /______________
11. KNOWS /______________
12. ONE /______________
13. SON /______________
14. THEIR /______________
15. THROUGH /______________
16. THROWN /______________
17. WEEK /______________
18. WEIGH /______________
19. WEIGHT /______________
20. WOULD /______________

ALL ABOUT THE MUSES

The parents of the Muses were Mnemosyne (nee-MOS-uh-nee) and Zeus. Allegorically, the parents were “memory”
and “divine help,” a combination that produced “inspiration.”
The Muses are a type of nymph, and they are associated with Apollo, their guardian and leader. Presiding over music,
poetry and the arts, each Muse is supreme in her field. Muses were easily offended, and they harshly punished those
who dared to compete with them.
The Muses lived near the Hippocrene fountain, a spring formed from a kick of Pegasus, on the slopes of Mount Helicon
in Boeotia. Mount Helicon was covered with plants which had the property of depriving snakes of their venom.
People seeking inspiration offered honey cakes to the Muses and poured libations of water, milk, or honey for them.
DERIVATIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE MUSES

A number of words are derived from the Muses and their spheres of influence. As you read the definitions below and
on the next page, choose an English word from the word bank at the bottom of the page. The English words are all
related to the following Latin/Greek words:
Musa, Musae (L) A Muse
ars, artis (L) a skill; an art; a profession
technikos (G) skilled; artistic
_______________________________ 1. one of the arts of the Muses
_______________________________ 2. made by human arts, not by nature
_______________________________ 3. the study of “how to do things”
_______________________________ 4. a person skilled in the fine arts
_______________________________ 5. the art of making fireworks
_______________________________ 6. a place containing reminders of art, history and science
WORD BANK
Muse artifact architect

musette artificial pyrotechnics
museum artillery technique
music artist technology

ALL ABOUT THE MUSES (continued)
_______________________________ 7. equipment (specifically guns) needing a skilled operator
_______________________________ 8. a goddess of the fine arts
_______________________________ 9. a master builder (originally, a carpenter)
_______________________________ 10. something that has been made by hand
_______________________________ 11. a way of using skills
_______________________________ 12. a small bagpipe; a soft pastoral melody
WORD BANK
Muse artifact architect

musette artificial pyrotechnics
museum artillery technique
music artist technology

MNEMONICS
Mnemosyne, whose name means “memory,” was the mother of the nine Muses. Calliope was one of the Muses, and
she was the mother of Orpheus. So Orpheus was Mnemosyne’s grandson.
From Mnemosyne’s name, we have derived the word “mnemonic.” A “mnemonic device” is a technique to help you
remember information. For example, if you want to remember the order of the colors in the rainbow, you can think
of the name Roy G. Biv. The letters in this name stand for colors:
R for red
O for orange
Y for yellow
G for green
B for blue
I for indigo
V for violet
Similarly, if you want to remember the order of operations in math, think of “My Dear Aunt Sally.” This tells you that
Multiplication and Division (My Dear) should precede Addition and Subtraction (Aunt Sally).
Make up your own mnemonic devices to help you remember what you need to know! Maybe you must memorize
the names of the oceans, the twelve Olympians, the names of the nine Muses, the first twenty presidents, or the
seven kings of Rome. Whatever information you need to memorize, it will be easier if you devise your own personal
mnemonic devices. Share them with your friends.
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FURTHER EXPLORATION
“Demeter and Persephone”
“Orpheus and Eurydice”
1. Orpheus accompanied Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. He was invaluable on two occasions
during this journey. What two services did he perform for the Argonauts?
2. The Greeks explained the seasons by Demeter’s grief and Demeter’s joy. What is the scientific
explanation for the seasons?
3. Some scholars believe that there might have been an actual catastrophe that caused the earth to stop
producing food. What could this catastrophe have been? Think of as many possibilities as you can.
4. Why is the geographic location of Greece partially responsible for the existence of the
Demeter/Persephone myth? Would the inhabitants of the Arctic or the Caribbean have needed a
myth of this sort? What elements of nature could be explained by myths from these regions?
5. Many composers have used the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as a basis for their compositions. Find
one of these compositions and listen to it. Write a paragraph about the connection between the
myth and the music.
Suggested composers: Monteverdi, Gluck, Haydn, Offenbach, Liszt, Schubert
6. Orpheus, a 1949 French film directed by Jean Cocteau, presents a variation of the story of Orpheus and
Eurydice that is set in Paris. Write a paragraph showing how the director kept some parts of his
film the same as the original myth and yet changed other parts.
7. There is an earlier version of the Greek myth of the origin of the seasons that does not include a
kidnapping. In this version, Persephone goes to the underworld voluntarily. If you would like to
read this myth, it can be found in Lost Goddesses of Early Greece, A Collection of Pre-Hellenic
Myths by Charlene Spretnak. Compare the elements of Spretnak’s version with d’Aulaires’ version.

BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY

“Demeter and Persephone”
“Orpheus and Eurydice”
Most authors say that it was a flower called the narcissus that caused Persephone to stray from the sight
of her mother. It is generally agreed that it was a viper that gave Eurydice a fatal bite.
NARCISSUS
1. Look in the encyclopedia or online for information about the narcissus. Write five facts about
this flower.
2. Sketch a picture of the narcissus flower.
3. Read “Echo and Narcissus,” the myth that explains how the narcissus got its name. Write a
summary of this myth.
VIPER
1. Look in the encyclopedia or online for information about the viper. Write five facts about this
snake.
2. Sketch a picture of the viper.
3. Read the part of the Hercules myth that tells about his adventures when he was a baby.
(d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, p. 132) What part do snakes play in this myth?
4. Look at the image of Perseus fleeing the Gorgons (d’Aulaires’ p. 119). What is forming from the
drops of Medusa’s blood? Explain the significance of the other snakes that appear in this image.

A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
FOR FURTHER READING
If you would like to read other versions of “Orpheus and Eurydice” and “Demeter and Persephone,” try
some of the sources listed below.
Gibson, Michael. Gods, Men and Monsters from Greek Myths. New York: Peter Bedrick Books, 1991.
(“Persephone,” pp. 25-28; “Orpheus,” pp. 113-118)
Lewis, Shari. One-Minute Greek Myths. New York: Doubleday, 1987.

(“Persephone,” pp. 20-21)
Low, Alice. The Macmillan Book of Greek Gods and Heroes. New York: Macmillan, 1985.
McCaughrean, Geraldine. Greek Myths. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1992.
Osborne, Mary Pope. Favorite Greek Myths. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1995.
Richardson, I. M. Demeter and Persephone, the Seasons of Time. Mahwah, N.J.: Troll Associates, 1983.
Williams, Marcia. Greek Myths. London: Candlewick Press, 1995.

(The story of Orpheus appears in a cartoon version.)

ANCIENT GREEK MEDICINE

Asclepius
Asclepius, the first great physician, was the son of Apollo and Coronis. Both
Apollo and Ascelpius are referred to as a “paean,” a word meaning “healer.”
Coronis, a daughter of the Thessalian prince, Phlegyas, was the sister of Ixion.
When Phlegyas learned that Apollo was the father of Coronis’ child, he was so
angry that he burned his temple. In revenge, Apollo sent Phlegyas to Tartarus
and hung a huge stone over his head. The fear that the stone would fall on him
kept Phlegyas in alarm for eternity. Asclepius had a daughter, Hygeia, whose
name has given us the word hygiene. Although he is called the first great
physician, Asclepius is a purely mythological figure.
Asclepius’ cures were based on information he received from serpents and from
listening to his patients talk in their sleep or recount their dreams. After Zeus
killed Asclepius for accepting gold in payment for reviving the dead, the Greeks
built temples in his honor and brought the sick there to be healed. The priests
prescribed sleep so that Asclepius could appear to the patients in their dreams
and guide their treatment. As a result, the temples were more like spa
complexes where the patients were placed on special diets, bathed in hot
springs, or given medicine, massage, or exercise.
Hippocrates
Hippocrates, born in about 460 BC on the Greek island of Kos, followed in the footsteps of his physician
father. He practiced medicine on his home island and also in Athens. Rather than relying on the intervention
of the gods, Hippocrates took a scientific approach to healing. He believed that diseases had natural causes
which could be cured by a skillful doctor and the healing power of nature. Drugs and surgery were his least
favorite remedies. He frequently prescribed concoctions of water, honey, and vinegar to alleviate pain. He
told his patients that they must rest a great deal and eat
healthy food in order to recover. Hippocrates wrote down
many of his ideas about medicine. For example, he said, “If
there be a painful affliction in any part of the body and yet no
suffering, there is a mental disorder,” “Weariness without
apparent cause indicates disease,” and “Those naturally very
fat are more liable to sudden death than the thin.” Because he
replaced magic and superstition with scientific principles based
on observation, Hippocrates is known as the Father of Modern
Medicine.
Students earning a medical degree generally take the Hippocratic Oath, an ethical code for the medical
profession attributed to Hippocrates. See the original version on the next page.

ANCIENT GREEK MEDICINE (continued)
THE OATH OF HIPPOCRATES

ca. 400 BC
I SWEAR by Apollo the physician and Æsculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods
and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment,
I will keep this Oath and this stipulation — to reckon him who taught me this Art equally
dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if
required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach
them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept,
lecture, and every other mode of instruction,
I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to
disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none
others.
I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgement, I
consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and
mischievous.
I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like
manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with
holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art.
I will not cut persons labouring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who
are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the
benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption;
and, further, from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in
connection with my professional service, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the
life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad,
I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep
this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art,
respected by all men, in all times. But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the
reverse be my lot.
Source: Oath of Hippocrates. In: Harvard Classics, Volume 38. Boston: P.F. Collier and Son, 1910.

Tantalus/Pelops
Women of Hera
Women of ancient Greece had very few rights. They could not vote or own property, and they were
not permitted to go about without a chaperone or slave. This lack of rights also extended to the festival at
Olympia held every four years. While very young girls were not refused entrance to the ancient Olympic
games and female dancers and singers could entertain the crowds along the outskirts of the region, Olympic
judges refused to permit women to participate in the Olympic festivities or to include women’s events.
However, one woman, seated by herself on a marble altar across from the judges’ podium, was required to
watch the Olympic games. She was a married woman who acted as a priestess of Demeter, Goddess of
Fertility.
Instead of participating in the Olympic games, women of ancient Greece held their own celebration
called the Games of Hera, the Heraia, likewise offered every four years. At these games, there existed only
one event, the foot race, which was similar to the Olympic stadion but slightly shorter, approximately 160
meters. The foot race was divided into three different age groups: children, adolescents, and young women.
Women ran the race with their hair free-flowing, wearing a shortened chiton, and they kept their right
shoulder uncovered to the breast. The winners of the foot race were awarded olive wreaths, and statues or
artwork depicting their likenesses were placed in the Temple of Hera.
There are several interesting stories connected with women and the ancient Olympic festival.
Because women were allowed to enter their horses in the chariot race, Kyniska, daughter of King Archidamos
of Sparta, entered a lightning-fast team of horses in the chariot race during the fourth century B.C. These
horses ultimately won the race, and Kyniska commissioned a statue of herself erected and inscribed with a
recounting of her victory. In another case, Kallipateira of Rhodes came from a line of Olympic boxers. At
the death of her husband, she took over the training of her son, Pisidoros, and traveled with him to the
Olympic festival. However, the only way for her to enter was disguised as a male trainer. She was so thrilled
to see her son win the boxing event that she ran out of the trainers’ box and lost her clothes, giving away
her identity as a woman. Since the punishment for disobeying the Olympic limitations of gender was death,
Kallipateira was frightened. Out of respect for Kallipateira’s family, the judges pardoned her, but after that
time, Olympic trainers had to be just as naked as the athletes.
Over the centuries, rules connected with the Olympic games changed. By the 128th Olympics, women
were at last allowed to watch and compete in the games. Indeed, according to Olympic records, the chariot
race was won by a woman, Belische, who had journeyed to the games from Macedonia. Throughout the
centuries, thereafter, women continued to win a variety of events at the Olympic Games.
Andrea Watson
Denver, Colorado

Tantalus/Pelops Women of Hera (continued)
CREATIVE WRITING AN ACROSTIC

Like Kyniska and her team of horses, you can recount your athletic prowess or victory as you imagine yourself
competing in the Games of Hera or the Olympic festival. Using your own name, or a Greek name or persona,
design an Acrostic Poem which begins each line with the letters of your first name. This poem may rhyme
or be free verse, as you wish. In your Acrostic Poem, recount your athletic ability in the foot race of the
Heraia or select a different event in which women were finally allowed to participate. Remember to describe
power, speed, strength, and your emotions. Try to capture the moment of victory. A sample of an Acrostic
Poem is printed below to help you get started. Note that the first letter of each poetic line appears in
boldface to emphasize your name.
H eraia
E ach heartbeat
L ike a swift
E agle in soaring flight
N ow I effortlessly move beyond the others
A t last – victory of the race is mine!

Andrea Watson
Denver, Colorado

SISYPHUS
The Family Tree of Sisyphus
Family Trees are important for understanding relationships between people. Below are the people in
Sisyphus’ family and the tree helps explain the generations and relationships. What does your family tree
look like? Can you make the family tree of Tantalus or Ixion? Try filling out the family tree on Cadmus and
Europa on the following page.
Great Grandparents: Deucalion and Pyrrha Their story is on pp.76-77 of d’Aulaires’
Grandfather: Hellen Ruler of the ancient Greeks whose name is still

used to refer to their culture and art (Hellenic)
Father: Aeolus Ancestor of Aeolian race, not to be confused

with Aeolus, King of Winds
Brother: Athamas Father of Phrixus and Helle

Their story is included in The Golden Fleece on
pp. 162-175 of d’Aulaires’
Son: Glaucus A king of Corinth whose death was a result of

offending Aphrodite
Grandson: Bellerophon Killed the Chimera

His story is on pp. 128-129 of d’Aulaires’
Nephews: Aeson and Pelias Father and uncle of Jason

See The Golden Fleece on pp. 162-175 of
d’Aulaires’
Wife: Merope One of the Pleides, the seven daughters of

Atlas; she is the only Pleid married to a mortal
and thus she shines less brightly in the
constellation

Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

IO’S FAMILY TREE

Using the clues on the following page fill in the blanks of Io’s family tree. The Family Tree on page 108-109
of d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths will also be helpful.

IO’S FAMILY TREE (CONT.)

Clues:
I am the daughter of Inachus and Melia.
I turned her into a bull.
I am the god of the sea and partner of Libya.
I am the king of Tyre and son of Libya.
I am the child of Agenor and founder of Thebes.
I am the Queen of Crete and mother of Sarpedon.
I am the person who made Europa the queen of Crete.
I am the wisest man living or dead.
I am the son of Europa and made a maze.
I am the daughter of Minos and was the partner of Dionysus.
I am the daughter of Cadmus and mother of Dionysus.
After my mother burned up, Zeus sewed me into his thigh to save me.
Word Bank
Rhadamanthus Cadmus
Ariadne Minos
Europa Io
Zeus Zeus
Poseidon Semele
Dionysus Agenor
Think about this: Look at a map of the Mediterranean area and then look at your completed family tree.
What similarities do you notice? Why do you think these similarities are there? Which name came first?
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

INSPIRATION FROM THE MUSES
Apollo and the Muses on Mount Helicon (1680) by Claude Lorrain, public domain
The Muses have inspired many artists and writers both ancient and modern. Homer and Vergil ask them for help in
their works and many European painters have added Muses to their paintings. With help from your parents or teacher
look for some of these paintings that include the Muses. What do they all share in common? How does the artist
depict the Muses? If the Muses were around today how do you think they would look? How would they be similar or
different from their ancient Greek counterparts. Draw your modern Muses and with help from your teacher or parent
please send pictures of your drawings to resources@etclassic.org for inclusion in Prima.
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

I MIGHT HAVE SAID THAT

The following are quotes that each of the people in our stories might have said at one point. See if you can
match them to the correct person from the word bank.
1. I love playing with my maidens but this bull seems more interesting. I
think I’ll go with him.
2. Ouch, a snake just bit me!
3. I love staring at the stars!
4. I may look like those dimwitted Centaurs, but I’m nothing like them.
I’d rather teach music.
5. Do you have a bite to eat or a drink to spare?
6. Whenever it rains, my ivory shoulder acts up.
7. You mean those teeth are warriors I have to fight!? There has to be
an easier way. Oh look a rock! I have an idea.
8. My father won’t give me away without a horse race and his horses
are from Ares. They never lose.
9. My father can bring people back from the dead. I don’t think Hades
will like that.
10. My mother will be so mad that I ate some pomegranate seeds, oh no.
Tantalus Chiron Pelops

Cadmus Ixion Europa
Apollo Sisyphus Orpheus
Clio Hygeia Euridice
Hippodamia Asclepius Pluto
Agenor Urania Proserpina
Thalia
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

ANCIENT TOUR GUIDES

The souls of the dead did not have GPS or Google Maps to find their way through the underworld. They
needed guides like Vergil did for Dante. Also, no one could quite agree on how to get to the underworld or
how to travel through it (Odysseus and Aeneas entered in two different places). Do a little research using
d’Aulaires and Guerber to find the different parts of the underworld. Take some time to make a map of the
underworld to help someone get to Pluto’s Palace or to Elysium.
Map of Virgil's Underworld, from Andrea de Jorio, Viaggio di Enea all' inferno ed agli elisii secondo Virgilio (3rd ed.; Naples: Fibreno,
1831)., map in public domain
Advanced: Hades has decided to open the underworld to tour companies. He needs tour guides and you
have been selected as one. Make a brochure to advertise your part of the underworld. Explain what is there
and why someone should visit it. Be sure to include hours, cost, and any other important information for a
person to know when coming to your part of the underworld.
Be sure to share your maps and brochures with resources@etclassics.org for inclusion in Prima.
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

QUIS SUM EGO?

The following is a set up for the party game Who am I? This game can be done either in English, Latin or
Latglish. Some helpful questions and words are provided below for the Latin version. Do not be afraid to use
even just a little Latin in the game. You can always answer yes (certe) or no (minime) in Latin to start. Feel
free to add more people to the list. This is just a sample of all the people you read about in the stories this
year.
Personae (write them on a post-it note for quick set up)

Sisyphus Pelops Melpomene
Ixion Zeus Polyhymnia
Cadmus Terpsichore Clio
Europa Euterpe Thalia
Eurydice Urania Mnemosyne
Orpheus Calliope
Tantalus Erato
Regulae:
1. Your teacher will either tape a sheet of paper to your back or put a post-it note on your forehead, so
everyone can see who you are but you can’t see.
2. You can ask 1 question per round to find clues as to who your person is. Someone else playing with
you needs to answer the question correctly. A round consists of everyone asking a question. There
can be as many rounds as needed in each game.
Example Questions:
Sumne ego deus/dea?
Estne Zeus meus pater?
Habeone ego octo sorores?
Sumne ego regina/rex?
Sumne ego mortalis?
Adding –ne on the end of the first word in Latin makes it a yes or no question to which the
group can answer certe aut minime.
3. If you know who your person is say “Ego Scio” and you will get a chance to guess by saying “Ego sum
Nomen Personae” Be careful you only get 3 guesses before getting knocked out of the game.
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

A MODERN VIEW OF SISYPHUS

In his book, The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus, a 20th century French philosopher and writer, conveys his
ideas about the absurdity of man’s condition. He says that man’s first step into consciousness of the absurd
is the realization that he, who has taken life for granted and enjoyed some of its pleasures, will die. The
absurd is, Camus writes, the “divorce between the mind that desires and the world that disappoints.” Camus
has also written of the absurdity man perceives as he recognizes the fatal power of time, the indifference or
hostility of the natural world, and the machinelike rigidity of the human being.
In the final essay in this book entitled “Myth of Sisyphus,” Camus’ concern is why man, sensing the absurdity
of his existence, does not commit suicide. His answer is acceptance of the human condition on its own
terms: revolt, liberty, and passion. He says it is possible to find the means to proceed beyond nihilism. “The
Myth of Sisyphus” is an invitation to live and to create in the very midst of the desert.
The first three paragraphs of the essay summarize the myth. In the fourth paragraph, Camus calls Sisyphus
an “absurd hero” because he exerts his whole being toward accomplishing nothing. Camus then “imagines”
how Sisyphus functions in the underworld since there are no descriptions for us from classical mythology.
In the fifth and sixth paragraphs, Camus sees Sisyphus’ return to the plain as the point in time where he is
superior to his fate. Sisyphus knows he can never “succeed,” and he thinks about this absurdity as he walks
back down. Camus states that he surmounts his fate through scorn.
Read the remainder of the essay yourself. Answer the guiding questions to help you understand Camus’
view of the story of Sisyphus.
Guiding Questions
Paragraph 7:
1. According to Camus, in what two states of mind does Sisyphus walk down the mountain?
2. What happens when Sisyphus allows himself to be overcome with melancholy?
3. Does Sisyphus allow himself to continue to feel melancholy?
4. How does Oedipus’ statement apply to Sisyphus?
Paragraph 8:
5. Camus discusses the relationship between two things. What are they?
6. Who does Camus believe is the master of man’s fate?
7. How does Camus diminish the power of Zeus in his description of “futile suffering?”
Paragraph 9:
8. According to Camus, what is the word that Sisyphus says to life?
9. Why does he say this word?
10. How does he then proceed?
Paragraph 10:
11. According to Camus, where does Sisyphus find happiness?
12. Where does Sisyphus’ strength come from?
13. How can you describe Sisyphus’ focus in terms of “process” and “product?”

PUNISHMENT: SISYPHUS, IXION, AND TANTALUS

When Orpheus went to the underworld searching for his bride, Eurydice, he saw three people who were
being punished for their evil ways. They were Sisyphus who had to push a stone to the top of a hill, only to
have it roll down again so he must do it over; Ixion who was tied to a wheel that turned forever; and Tantalus
who stood in a pool of clear water with a branch bearing ripe fruit hanging overhead. Tantalus was forever
thirsty and hungry, but whenever he reached for the fruit, the branch rose too high for him to reach, and
when he stooped to drink, the water sank too low for him to touch.
Sometimes in life there are things which may seem a little like these punishments to us (but they don’t go
on forever!).
Sometimes we may do a job, and then when we finish, we have to do it all over again. Sometimes cleaning
our room seems a bit like that.
Sometimes we seem to get caught running around in a circle, and we can’t seem to get out. We might get
in a terrible habit of watching TV so that we have a hard time pulling away to do other things. This might be
like Ixion’s punishment.
All of us probably have had times when people we know have something -- a toy or some food or some other
thing -- that we would really, really like to have. Watching them eat the candy or play with the toy is a little
like Tantalus’ punishment, so much so that we call it “tantalizing” when we see something we like but can’t
have.
Which do you think is worse? Is it harder for you to do the same thing over and over, or to get stuck in one
spot, or to wish for something you can’t have? Write your feeling about this in the space below.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Have a debate with two other persons. Prove that your idea of the worst punishment is really the worst!
Think of arguments to prove your point.
Joette McDonald
Vermilion, OH

UNDERWORLD MATHEMATICS
Solve the following problems.
1. Subtract the number of Furies from the number of eyes on Cerberus.
ANSWER: ____________________________________________
2. Multiply the number of underworld judges by the number of exit gates from the underworld.
ANSWER: ____________________________________________
3. Divide the number of years the unburied souls had to wander the shore by the number of rivers in
the underworld.
ANSWER: ____________________________________________
4. “It’s not fair!” Persephone exclaimed. “You are making me stay down here for half a year. I counted
all the seeds in that pomegranate, and they totaled 84. I could understand six months for eating 42,
but I think some adjustment should be made for my eating just seven seeds.” How long does
Persephone think she should stay in the underworld.
ANSWER: ____________________________________________
5. One day, while Ixion was extremely bored, he decided to count the number of rotations he was
making. He was amazed to discover that he made 180 rotations each hour. By using his math skills,
he realized how many rotations he was making each minute. Can you determine this figure also?
ANSWER: ____________________________________________
6. Sisyphus, not to be outdone by his neighbor, Ixion, also applied some math knowledge to his
situation. He decided to measure the distance he was pushing the boulder up the incline. Since he
was being punished, no one would provide him with a ruler. However, he knew from past experience
that his feet were exactly 11 inches long. Carefully placing one foot in front of the other, he counted
off the distance in steps. His grand total was 264. He then had to convert this figure into inches,
and then feet. How far did he have to push that boulder?
ANSWER: ____________________________________________
Susan Senechal
Virginia Beach, VA

BONES IN THE SKELETON

Draw a line to connect the name of the bone with the bone in the skeleton. If you need help, the bones
are listed on the next page.
cranium
clavicle humerus
sternum
radius
pelvis ulna
phalanges
femur
patella
tibia
fibula
phalanges

BONES IN THE SKELETON (continued)
clavicle collarbone
cranium skull
femur thighbone
fibula lower leg bone (connected to the ankle)
humerus (umerus) upper arm bone
patella kneecap
pelvis hip and basin-shaped cavity of bone
phalanges toes and fingers
radius lower arm bone (connected to the thumb)
sternum breastbone
tibia lower leg bone (shin bone)
ulna lower arm bone (connected to the elbow)
When you sing the song, point to the bone you are naming. The tune of this song is based on “Did You
Ever See a Lassie?”

INFERI
Journey to the Underworld
Rules
● Inferi can be played with 2-5 players. Each player must roll the dice to see who gets the biggest
number to go first. The players must roll the dice and make their way through the underworld by
answering questions, which another player has drawn and asked from the correct level number. As
you answer questions correctly you will advance to Pluto’s palace. YOU CAN NOT proceed ahead
until you answer a question correctly from that level. Whoever reaches Pluto’s Palace first is the
winner.
Characters
● Hercules
○ Hercules is the son of Jupiter king of the gods, and must travel to the Underworld to fulfil
his final labor. Will you join Hercules on his quest to finish his twelve labors?
● Theseus
○ Theseus needs to go to the underworld to repay a debt to his friend Pirithous, by getting
Persephone queen of the Underworld to marry Pirithous. Will you help Theseus repay a
debt?
● Orpheus
○ Orpheus is an amazing musician who lost his wife Eurydice from a snakebite, and must
travel to the Underworld to convince Hades, King of the Underworld to get his wife back.
Will you help Orpheus convince Hades to get Eurydice back?
● Aeneas
○ Aeneas needs to visit the Underworld so he can talk to his father Anchises to get advice on
where to find a new home for his people. Will you join Aeneas on a trip to get advice from
his father?
● Psyche
○ Psyche must travel to the underworld to ask Proserpina for a special box with a magic
cosmetic for Venus so she could be with her husband Cupid. Will you join Psyche on her
journey to the Underworld to complete Venus’ tasks?
n.b. Not all these stories were taken from the d’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. Some are from Guerber’s
The Myths of Greece and Rome and others are directly from the epic poems themselves.
Game Created by
Jami Nobbe and Lily Mullis
Students of Debra Schneider
Seymour, Indiana

INFERI: CHARACTER PIECES

INFERI
Playing cards
Level I Level I Level I
Name one of the fields in the Was the Underworld on Earth? What is Pluto's wife's name?
underworld.
Yes, the Underworld was hidden

Elysian Fields, Tartarus, or away on Earth. Proserpina
Asphodel
What is the name of the place What is the Greek name for What is the name of the
where Pluto lives? Pluto? ferryman of the Underworld?
Pluto’s Palace Hades Charon
How many rivers are there in Who was Pluto's father? Who was Pluto's mother?
the underworld?
5 Saturn Opis
Name one of Pluto's siblings. How many Fates are there? Do the souls need to pay the
ferryman?
3 Yes
Jupiter, Neptune, Juno, Ceres,
or Vesta

Level II Level II Level II
What is the name of the land in Who/what guards the What river will cause you to lose
the underworld, where heroes Gateway to the underworld? your memory if you drink out of
go when they die? it?
Elysian Fields Cerberus, a three headed dog Lethe
What is the name of the river of Who leads the souls to the What is the name of the land in
fire? underworld? the underworld, where people
who have been bad go when
they die?
Phlegethon Charon, the ferryman Tartarus
For 6 months of the year where What is Proserpina's mother’s How did Pluto become god of
does Proserpina go? name? the Underworld?
When he and his brothers drew

lots, he drew the shortest
Back to her mother Ceres straw.
What is Proserpina’s Greek Who is always thirsty? Who tied up Pluto?

name?
Tantalus Sisyphus
Persephone

Level III Level III Level III
Other than guarding the How did Eurydice die? What happened when
entrance to the underworld Proserpina ate the
what did Cerberus do? pomegranate?
Cerberus also prevented She was bitten by a snake She had to stay with Pluto
anyone from leaving.
Name three of the five rivers in What is another name for the Name two of the Furies.
the Underworld Furies?
Archeon, Styx, Lethe, Cocytus,

Phlegethon Erinyes Alecto, Megaera, Tisiphone
What did Theseus’ friend How did Pluto get his wife? What did Proserpina’s return to
Pirithous do when they went to her mother mark?
the underworld?
He kidnapped her
Tried to kidnap Proserpina Spring
What is Pluto the god of other Who are the offspring of Ixion? Name 2 of the fates?
than the Underworld?
Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos

Centaurs
Wealth

Bonus Aeneas Questions Bonus Aeneas Questions Bonus Aeneas Questions
Who was Aeneas’ father? What war was Aeneas in? Who tells Aeneas about the
Golden Bough?
Anchises Trojan War Sibyl
Bonus Aeneas Questions Bonus Aeneas Questions Bonus Aeneas Question
Who is Aeneas’ mom? In what city was Aeneas’ dad a Who scorned Aeneas when she
prince? saw them in the underworld?
Dido
Venus Troy

INFERI GAME BOARD






TEACHER’S KEYS
MATCH THE MUSES
1. B 4. F 7. E
2. I 5. C 8. D
3. G 6. A 9. H
MUSES DEPICTED IN ART

Terpsichore Euterpe Urania
Calliope Erato Melpomene
Polyhymnia Clio Thalia
EUROPA AND CADMUS SCRAMBLE

3 Zeus turns into a white bull and comes to Europa.
8 King Agenor of Tyre sends his three sons to look for Europa.
6 Zeus makes Europa queen of Crete.
13 Cadmus fights and kills the Dragon and then plants its teeth.
1 Europa plays with her maidens.
14 Warriors grow from the dragon teeth.
9 Cadmus refuses to give up looking for his sister.
12 Dragon eats Cadmus’ men.
2 Europa attracts the eye of Zeus.
17 Cadmus founds Thebes.
15 Cadmus uses a stone to make the warriors attack one another.
4 Europa is scared at first by the bull but then climbs on his back.
10 Cadmus lands in Greece and finds out from the Oracle that his sister is safe.
5 Zeus travels across the ocean to Crete.
7 Europa has three sons with the king of Crete.
16 Cadmus spares the last five warriors and makes them his companions.
11 Cadmus follows a white cow to a field.

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE CROSSWORD PUZZLE
J H
O E
Y R
F M
U E M
L E S B O S L O O K
U U R
C E R B E R U S P
Y N N Y M P H S
C R I E D F A U E P
I U K S U E
C L E E S R
H A D E S B S S
I E
T L P
E R I N Y E S H
I R O
V W E D D I N G
E E

THE ORIGIN OF THE OLYMPICS

1. ivory 6. Asia Minor 11. Ares
2. human sacrifice 7. Greece 12. head
3. Poseidon 8. Hippodamia 13. stable boy
4. Tantalus 9. Oenomaüs 14. Olympia
5. Pelops 10. Elis 15. Olympic games
CHRONOLOGY OF “THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS”

9 Sisyphus remains on earth until he dies of old age.
4 Sisyphus confuses Hades, chains him, and prevents death.
6 Hades sends Hermes for Sisyphus.
3 Zeus sends Hades to take Sisyphus to Underworld.
1 Asopus asks Sisyphus for information about Aegina.
10 Zeus makes Sisyphus push a boulder up a hill for eternity.
2 Sisyphus gives information in exchange for a spring.
7 Sisyphus’ wife does not give him proper burial.
8 Hades sends Sisyphus back to punish his wife.
5 The gods threaten Sisyphus, and he is forced to let Hades go.
WHO? WHAT? WHERE?

1. flaming wheel 14. Apollo
2. thirst and hunger 15. Hygeia
3. rolling a boulder 16. Sisyphus
4. Hera 17. Asclepius
5. Zeus 18. Centaurs
6. Ixion 19. Mount Pelion
7. Fates 20. Hades
8. Tantalus 21. Lapiths
9. Zeus/gold 22. Chiron
10. Ixion 23. gold
11. Zeus 24. Sisyphus
12. Asclepius 25. Tantalus
13. Cronus
NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED

1. He studied hard to increase knowledge of healing the sick.
2. He became the first physician.
3. He built the first hospitals.
4. He listened to his patients.
5. He communicated with the natural world to learn more cures.
6. He inspired his children to follow in his footsteps.

WHY ARE WE IN THIS PACKET?

1. Orpheus 5. Muses
2. Ixion 6. Eurydice
3. Asclepius 7. Tantalus
4. Sisyphus
TRUE or FALSE -CENTAURS

Teachers: The English and Latin statements are the same, the writers just wanted to provide some variety
for the teacher who might be using these as a review activity.
1. False 6. True
2. True 7. True
3. True 8. True
4. False 9. False
5. False 10. True
VERUM AUT FALSUM

1. Falsum 6. Verum
2. Verum 7. Verum
3. Verum 8. Verum
4. Falsum 9. Falsum
5. Falsum 10. Verum
UNDERWORLD WORD SEARCH:

EUROPA AND CADMUS CROSSWORD REVIEW

1
T
Y
2 3
R J M
4 5
C R E T E D E L P H I
A W R N
6 7
D E S A R P E D O N
M L G U S
U E O R
8 9
S D N I O Z
C P E
10 11 12
R H A D A M A N T H U S
O G A S
13
W H I T E B U L L
N N O
O S
R
HOMONYMS
1. bow 11. nose
2. by, bye 12. won
3. deer 13. sun
4. ate 14. there, they’re
5. flower 15. threw
6. herd 16. throne
7. hear 17. weak
8. new 18. way
9. not 19. wait
10. no 20. wood
ALL ABOUT THE MUSES

1. music 7. artillery
2. artificial 8. muse
3. technology 9. architect
4. artist 10. artifact
5. pyrotechnics 11. technique
6. museum 12. musette

IO’S FAMILY TREE

I MIGHT HAVE SAID THAT

1. Europa 6. Pelops
2. Euridice 7. Cadmus
3. Urania 8. Hippodamia
4. Chiron 9. Hygeia
5. Tantalus 10. Proserpina
A MODERN VIEW OF SISYPHUS

Paragraph 7
1. Sorrow and Joy
2. The rock wins.
3. At first he allowed himself to wallow in melancholy, but he does not continue to do so.
4. Oedipus says, “. . . my advanced age and the nobility of my soul make me conclude that all is
well.” Sisyphus takes this to heart, and he changes his attitude from one of melancholy to one of
contentment.
Paragraph 8
5. Absurd Situations and Happiness
6. Man himself
7. He refuses to accept the idea that man is at the mercy of a god who prescribes futile
suffering.
Paragraph 9
8. Yes
9. He accepts his fate.
10. With passion
Paragraph 10
11. In the struggle
12. His attitude
13. His interest lies in the process, not the product.
UNDERWORLD MATHEMATICS
1. 3
Three Furies (Megaera, Allecto, and Tisiphone) subtracted from six eyes (two per head)
2. 6
Three judges (Minos, Aeacus, and Rhadamanthos) times two gates (Horn and Ivory)
3. 20
One hundred years divided by five rivers (Acheron, Cocytus, Styx, Phlegethon, and Lethe)
4. 1 month
Seven seeds are one-twelfth of the eighty-four seed total.
5. 3 rotations per minute
One hundred eighty rotations per hour divided by sixty minutes per hour
6. 242 feet
264 steps times eleven inches per step equals 2,904 inches which are then divided by twelve

MINI-UNIT
MINI-UNIT
GUIDED TOURS
THROUGH THE UNDERWORLD
MILTON

MINI-UNIT
SPECIAL MINI-UNIT:
GUIDED TOURS THROUGH THE UNDERWORLD
8TH CENTURY BCE TO 17TH CENTURY CE
A visit to the underworld by a mortal was rare in classical literature because, as the Sibyl, Aeneas’ guide,
tells him...
“. . . The downward path to death

Is easy; all the livelong night and day
Dark Pluto’s door stands open for a guest.
But O! remounting to the world of light,
This is a task indeed, a strife supreme.”
Aeneid, Book IV, lines 124-127
Odysseus expresses to Circe his fear of visiting the house of Hades when he learns he must consult with
the soul of Teiresias before he can return home.
“Circe, who will be our guide on that journey? No one

has ever yet in a black ship gone all the way to Hades.”
Odyssey, Book X, lines 501-502
Similarly, the Gate to Hell which stands at the entrance to the Inferno bears the following fearsome
inscription:
“Only those elements time cannot wear

Were made before me, and beyond time I stand.
Abandon all hope ye who enter here.”
Inferno, Canto III, lines 7-9
Milton expresses a like sentiment as Satan describes the plight of the fallen angels:
“. . . long is the way

And hard, that out of hell leads up to light . . .”
Paradise Lost, Book II, lines 432-433

MINI-UNIT
VIEWS OF THE UNDERWORLD

Homer, Virgil, Dante, and Milton
Homer, in Book XI of the Odyssey, and Virgil, in Book VI of the Aeneid, gives us glimpses of the classical
perception of the underworld.* Their descriptions strongly influenced the poets Dante (1265-1321) and
Milton (1608-1674).
Dante, in The Inferno, an allegorical tale of mankind’s search for earthly immortality and life everlasting
(Ciardi, xv), made reference to precise geographical locations in much the same manner that Virgil in the
Aeneid pinpointed the entrance to the underworld for Aeneas and traced his journey therein. Virgil,
personified as Human Reason, served as Dante’s guide through the Inferno just as the Sibyl led Aeneas
through the underworld.
Milton, in Paradise Lost, another allegorical poem which gave “an account of the whole situation in which
man finds himself and how that situation came to be” (Fletcher, 139), presented a vast and vague view of
the underworld beyond geography not unlike the shadowy, miserable dreamworld which Homer described
in the Odyssey.
Both Dante and Milton drew heavily on classical mythology to create their visions of Hell, but they also
employed a multitude of mythological references in the telling of their stories. Knowledge of the myths
associated with these references is essential to the enjoyment and understanding of both Dante and Milton.
*Other characters from mythology visit the underworld and return, notably Hercules (Gates, 80-82), Orpheus
(d’Aulaire, 102-104), Adonis (Guerber, 86-88), Persephone (d’Aulaire, 58-62), and Psyche (Osborne, 57-65).

MINI-UNIT
GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNDERWORLD

Virgil and Dante
Virgil’s underworld was divided into three regions: Tartarus for eternal punishment, the Elysian Fields for eternal
happiness, and the Plains of Asphodel, a place of mists and shadowy trees where mortals who had no special claim to
make when they were judged drifted aimlessly about (Gibson 22).
Dante’s Inferno was likewise divided into three sections, but all three sections were devoted to varying degrees of
punishment. Eternal happiness was located elsewhere. In the Inferno, souls were punished for crimes of Incontinence
(Circles 1 through 6), Violence (Circle 7), and Fraud (Circles 8 and 9). Within these three main sections were nine
subdivided circles where souls were sent depending upon the relative wickedness of their lives. (See illustration below
from Ciardi, p. 48.) Along the descent, Dante put people, places, and monsters from mythology, all of whom are
present in the Aeneid.
Gate to the Underworld

River Acheron
Charon
CIRCLE I Homer/Horace LIMBO

Ovid/Lucan
CIRCLE II Minos/Dido/Helen CARNAL

Achilles/Paris
CIRCLE III GLUTTONS

Cerberus
CIRCLE IV HOARDERS AND WASTERS

Plutus
CIRCLE V River Styx WRATHFUL AND SULLEN

King Phlegyas
CIRCLE VI Walls of Dis HERETICS

Furies/Medusa
River Phlegethon
CIRCLE VII Harpies/Minotaur VIOLENCE
Centaurs/Geryon
CIRCLE VIII Jason/Ephialtes FRAUD

Briareus/Typhon
CIRCLE IX Pluto/Brutus/Cassius TREACHERY

River Cocytus/River Lethe

MINI-UNIT
THE AENEID AND THE INFERNO

A COMPARISON OF PEOPLE, PLACES, AND MONSTERS
The quotes below are taken from Ciardi’s translation of various Cantos from Dante’s Inferno. (See
bibliography.) Once you have read the quote, look for the same mythological reference in Book VI of the
Aeneid. Line numbers are indicated to help you in your research. Write the sentence in which the reference
appears. Make sure you understand the reference. Write a short explanation of the reference in terms of
classical mythology.
1. INFERNO, CANTO III, 73-74 AENEID VI, 295
All this shall be made known to you when we stand on

the joyless beach of Acheron . . . (p. 44)
EXPLANATION:
There, steering toward us in an ancient ferry

came an old man with a white bush of hair,
bellowing: “Woe to you depraved souls! . . .” (p. 44)
EXPLANATION:
3. INFERNO, CANTO V, 1-4 AENEID VI, 432
So we went down to the second ledge alone;

a smaller circle of so much greater pain
the voice of the damned rose on bestial moan.
There Minos sits, grinning, grotesque, and hale. (p. 57)
EXPLANATION:
4. INFERNO, CANTO VI, 13-15 AENEID VI, 417
Here monstrous Cerberus, the ravening beast

howls through his triple throats like a mad dog
over the spirits sunk in that foul paste. (p. 66)
EXPLANATION:

MINI-UNIT
THE AENEID AND THE INFERNO (continued)
5. INFERNO, CANTO VII, 106-108 AENEID VI, 439
Beyond its rocky race and wild descent

the river floods and forms a marsh called Styx,
a dreary swampland, vaporous and malignant. (p. 75)
EXPLANATION:
6. INFERNO, CANTO IX, 40-45 AENEID VI, 280
My Master, who well knew

the handmaids of the Queen of Woe, cried: “Look:
the terrible Erinyes of Hecate’s crew.
That is Megaera to the left of the tower.
Alecto is the one who raves on the right.
Tisiphone stands between.” And he said no more. (p. 89)
EXPLANATION:
7. INFERNO, CANTO XII, 55-57 AENEID VI, 286
A file of Centaurs galloped in the space

between the bank and the cliff, well armed with arrows
riding once on earth they rode to the chase. (p. 112)
EXPLANATION:
8. INFERNO, CANTO XIII, 10-12 AENEID VI, 289
Here nest the odious Harpies on whom my Master

wrote how they drove Aeneas and his companions
from the Strophades with prophecies of disaster. (p. 119)
EXPLANATION:
9. INFERNO, CANTO XXXIV, 131-135 AENEID VI, 714
. . . there is a space
not known by sight, but only by the sound
of a little stream descending through the hollow
it has eroded from the massive stone
in its endlessly entwining lazy flow. (p. 287)
EXPLANATION:

MINI-UNIT
A NEBULOUS UNDERWORLD
HOMER AND MILTON
Homer’s underworld was inhabited primarily by spirits in one place wandering aimlessly and joylessly
(Morford 256). There were no Elysian Fields for Homer (Bulfinch 273). Some unfortunate souls, however,
like Tantalus and Sisyphus, endured eternal punishment as described in Book XI of the Odyssey. Milton’s
Paradise Lost was inhabited by fallen angels who endured both punishment and comparative gaiety
somewhere in the indefinite “cosmic map” (Samuel 71).
References to classical mythology appear in nearly every book of Paradise Lost. Using the Student Worksheet
for “A Nebulous Underworld,” identify and explain the mythological reference(s) in each quote from
Fletcher’s edition of Paradise Lost. (See bibliography.)
BOOK I: . . . in bulk as huge

As whom the fables name of monstrous size
Titanian, or earth-born, that warred on Jove,
Briareos or Typhon . . .
(p. 159, lines 196-199)
BOOK II: . . . harder beset

and more endangered, than when Argo passed
Through Bosporus betwixt the justling rocks:
Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunned
Charybdis, and by the other whirlpool steered.
(p. 196, lines 1016-1020)
BOOK III: And where the river of bliss through midst of heaven
Rolls o’er Elysian flowers her amber stream;
(p. 205, lines 358-359)
BOOK IV: . . . Not that fair field

of Enna, where Proserpin gathering flowers
Herself a fairer flower by gloomy Dis
Was gathered, which cost Ceres all that pain
To seek her through the world;
(p. 220, lines 268-272)
BOOK V: . . . Like Maia’s son he stood,

And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance filled
The circuit wide.
(p. 243, lines 285-287)
MINI-UNIT
A NEBULOUS UNDERWORLD (continued)
BOOK VI: Into their place of punishment, the gulf

Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide
His fiery chaos to receive their fall.
(p. 258, lines 53-55)
BOOK VII: Lest from this flying steed unreined, (as once
Bellerophon, though from a lower clime)
Dismounted, on the Aleian field I fall
Erroneous there to wander and forlorn.
(p. 277, lines 16-20)
BOOK IX: . . . Sad task, yet argument

Not less but more heroic than the wrath
Of stern Achilles on his foe pursued
Thrice fugitive about Troy wall; or rage
Of Turnus for Lavinia disespoused,
Or Neptune’s ire or Juno’s, that so long
Perplexed the Greek and Cytherea’s son;
(p. 304, lines 13-19)
BOOK X: . . . and from the door

Of that Plutonian hall, invisible
Ascended his high throne, . . .
(p. 339, lines 443-445)
BOOK XI: . . . yet their port

Not of mean suitors, nor important less
Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair
In fables old, less ancient yet than these,
Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha to restore
The race of mankind drown, before the shrine
Of Themis stood devout.
(p. 355, lines 8-14)
MINI-UNIT
STUDENT WORKSHEET
FOR “A NEBULOUS UNDERWORLD”
REFERENCES EXPLANATIONS
BOOK I
BOOK II
BOOK III
BOOK IV
BOOK V

MINI-UNIT
STUDENT WORKSHEET FOR “A NEBULOUS UNDERWORLD” (continued)

REFERENCES EXPLANATIONS
BOOK VI
BOOK VII
BOOK IX
BOOK X
BOOK XI

MINI-UNIT
A NEBULOUS UNDERWORLD
HOMER AND MILTON
BOOK I: Titanian Titans were giant sons of Gaea and Uranus

Jove Jupiter / Zeus, the king of the gods
Briareos one of the Hecatonchiries, 100-handed, 50-headed monsters
Typhon monster sent by Gaea to fight against Zeus; banished below Mt. Aetna
BOOK II: Argo Jason’s ship

Bosporus narrow strait where Io crossed justling rocks – Symplegades
Ulysses Latin name of Odysseus; king of Ithaka; Trojan war hero
Charybdis whirlpool
Scylla monster woman with dogs growing from her hips
BOOK III: Elysian flowers Elysian Fields was the place of eternal happiness in Hades
BOOK IV: Proserpina Persephone, daughter of Ceres / Demeter, kidnapped by Pluto / Hades
Dis Pluto / Hades, god of the Underworld
Ceres Demeter, goddess of grain
BOOK V: Maia mother of Mercury / Hermes
BOOK VI: Tartarus place of punishment in Hades
BOOK VII: Bellerophon rider of Pegasus; the slayer of the Chimaera
BOOK IX: Achilles Greek hero in the Trojan War who dragged Hector’s body behind his chariot
Turnus & Lavinia betrothed before the arrival of Aeneas
Neptune’s ire Neptune / Poseidon hated Odysseus because he blinded Polyphemus
Juno’s ire Juno / Hera hated Paris because he chose Venus / Aphrodite as the fairest
Cytherea Venus / Aphrodite
Cytherea’s son Aeneas
BOOK X: Plutonian Dis / Hades, refers to the underworld
BOOK XI: Deucalion & Pyrrha saved by Jupiter / Zeus from the flood
Themis goddess of laws, ceremonies, and oracles

MINI-UNIT
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GUIDED TOURS THROUGH THE UNDERWORLD
Bulfinch, Thomas. Bulfinch’s Mythology. New Jersey: Crown, 1979.
Dante, Alighieri. The Inferno. Trans. John Ciardi. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press,
1954.
d’Aulaire, Ingri, and Edgar Parin. Book of Greek Myths. New York: Doubleday and Co., 1962.
Fletcher, Harris, ed. The Complete Poetical Works of John Milton. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Houghton
Mifflin Co., 1941.
Gates, Doris. Heracles, Mightiest of Mortals. New York: Penguin Books Ltd., 1984.
Gibson, Michael. Gods, Men and Monsters from the Greek Myths. New York: Peter Bedrick Books, 1991.
Guerber, H.A. Myths and Legends Series: Greece and Rome. New York: Avenel Books, 1985.
Homer. The Odyssey of Homer. Trans. Richard Lattimore. New York: Harper Perennial, 1965.
Morford, Mark and Robert Lenardon. Classical Mythology. 3rd ed. New York: Longman, 1985.
Osborne, Mary Pope, ed. Favorite Greek Myths. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1989.
Samuel, Irene. Dante and Milton. New York: Cornell University Press, 1966.
Virgil. The Aeneid of Virgil. Trans. Theodore C. Williams. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1908.

MINI-UNIT
TEACHER’S KEY
All this shall be made known to you when we stand on Hence the way leads to that Tartarean stream
the joyless beach of Acheron... Of Acheron, whose torrent fierce and foul
(p. 44) Disgorges in Cocytus all its sands. (p. 193)
EXPLANATION: The Acheron was one of the rivers of the underworld.
There, steering toward us in an ancient ferry A ferryman of gruesome guise keeps ward
came an old man with a white bush of hair, upon these waters, — Charon, foully garbed,
bellowing: “Woe to you depraved souls!...” With unkempt, thick gray beard upon his chin,
(p. 44) And staring eyes of flame;
(p. 194)
EXPLANATION: Charon was the ferryman who carried souls into the underworld.
3. INFERNO, CANTO V, 1-4 AENEID VI, 432
So we went down to the second ledge alone; Not without judge or law these realms abide.
a smaller circle of so much greater pain Wise Minos there the urn of justice moves,
the voice of the damned rose on bestial moan. And hold assembly of the silent shades,
There Minos sits, grinning, grotesque, and hale. Hearing the stories of their lives and deeds.
(p. 57) (pp. 199-200)
EXPLANATION: Minos was the son of Europa and Zeus, king of Crete. He kept the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. After
his death, he was made a judge of the dead.
4. INFERNO, CANTO VI, 13-15 AENEID VI, 417
Here monstrous Cerberus, the ravening beast Here Cerberus, with triple-throated roar,
howls through his triple throats like a mad dog Made all the region ring, as there he lay
over the spirits sunk in that foul paste. At vast length in his cave.
(p. 66) (p. 199)
EXPLANATION: Cerberus was the three-headed dog who guarded the entrance to the underworld. He kept souls
from escaping.

MINI-UNIT
TEACHER’S KEY (continued)

5. INFERNO, CANTO VII, 106-108 AENEID VI, 439
Beyond its rocky race and wild descent Around them winds the sad, unlovely wave
the river floods and forms a marsh called Styx, of Styx; nine times it coils and interflows.
a dreary swampland, vaporous and malignant. (p. 75) (p. 200)
EXPLANATION: The Styx was one of the rivers of the underworld.
6. INFERNO, CANTO IX, 40-45 AENEID VI, 280
My Master, who well knew . . . Death-dealing War

the handmaids of the Queen of Woe, cried: “Look: Is ever at the doors, and hard thereby
the terrible Erinyes of Hecate’s crew. The Furies’ beds of steel, where wild-eyed Strife
That is Megaera to the left of the tower. Her snaky hair with blood-stained fillet binds.
Alecto is the one who raves on the right. (p. 193)
Tisiphone stands between.” And he said no more. (p. 89)
EXPLANATION: The Furies, also known as the Eumenides or the Erinyes, were punishers of evildoers. They
personified rage, slaughter, and envy.
7. INFERNO, CANTO XII, 55-57 AENEID VI, 286
A file of Centaurs galloped in the space Then come strange prodigies of bestial kind:
between the bank and the cliff, well armed with arrows Centaurs are stabled there, . . .
riding once on earth they rode to the chase. (p. 112) (p. 193)
EXPLANATION: The Centaurs were creatures who were half man and half horse.
8. INFERNO, CANTO XIII, 10-12 AENEID VI, 289
Here nest the odious Harpies on whom my Master . . . Briareus clutching far
wrote how they drove Aeneas and his companions His hundred hands, Chimaera girt with flame,
from the Strophades with prophecies of disaster. (p. 119) A crowd of Gorgons, Harpies of foul wing,
And giant Geryon’s triple-monstered shade. (p. 193)
EXPLANATION: The Harpies were creatures with heads of women and the bodies of birds. They poisoned all with
which they came into contact.
9. INFERNO, CANTO XXXIV, 131-135 AENEID VI, 714
. . . there is a space Here, at the river Lethe’s wave, they quaff

not known by sight, but only by the sound Care-quelling floods, and long oblivion.
of a little stream descending through the hollow (p. 212)
it has eroded from the massive stone
in its endlessly entwining lazy flow. (p. 287)
EXPLANATION: Lethe was the river of forgetfulness in the underworld.

AENEID BOOK VI
THE AENEID
BOOK 6

AENEID BOOK VI
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: AENEID VI

Match the words in the word box with their descriptions.
Achates Dardans Horn Gate Proserpina

Acheron Deiphobus Ivory Gate Rhadamanthus
Anchises Dis Latium Romulus
Apollo Elysium Lavinia Sibyl
Avernus Erebus Lavinium Styx
Blessed Groves Fields of Mourning Lethe Tartarus
Brutus Fiery River (Phlegethon) Minos Teucrians
Cerberus Glaucus Misenus Tiber
Charon Golden Bough Orcus Tisiphone
Cocytus Hecate Palinurus Venus
Cumae Hesperia Pergamum
1. We are other names for the underworld. _________________________________
_________________________________
2. I am the priestess of Apollo at Cumae. _________________________________
3. I am the son of Priam; I was mutilated during the sack of Troy. _________________________________
4. I am the citadel in Troy. _________________________________
5. I am the goddess to whom the Sibyl made sacrifice

before entering the underworld. _________________________________
6. I am the future wife of Aeneas. _________________________________
7. I am a three-headed dog who is drugged by the Sibyl. _________________________________
8. I sent doves to my son to lead him to the golden bough. _________________________________
9. I am the river in Italy on which Rome is located. _________________________________
10. I am the father of Aeneas; Aeneas carried me

out of burning Troy on his shoulders. _________________________________
11. I am a Trojan warrior who drowned. _________________________________
12. I am a Trojan, one of the unburied dead,

who was killed by savages; I did not drown. _________________________________

AENEID BOOK VI
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: AENEID VI (continued)

13. We are the five rivers in the underworld. _________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
14. We are other names for Trojans. _________________________________
_________________________________
15. We are two of the judges of the dead; the third is Aeacus. _________________________________
_________________________________
16. I am the section of the underworld where Orpheus

plays his lyre and where there is singing and dancing. _________________________________
17. We are the two exits from the underworld. _________________________________
_________________________________
18. I am the father of the Sibyl. _________________________________
19. I am the home of the Sibyl. _________________________________
20. I am the queen of the underworld. _________________________________

AENEID BOOK VI
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: AENEID VI (continued)

21. I am the first consul of Rome. _________________________________
22. I am a lake near the entrance to the underworld. _________________________________
23. I am one of the three Furies;

my sisters are Allecto and Megaera. _________________________________
24. I am the first king of Rome; my father is Mars. _________________________________
25. Doves led Aeneas to me. _________________________________
26. I brought the Sibyl to Aeneas. _________________________________
27. I am the first Trojan settlement in Italy. _________________________________
28. I am the underworld home of Dido, queen of Carthage,

who died by her own hand. _________________________________
29. I am another name for Pluto or Hades. _________________________________
30. I am a region of happiness in the Blessed Groves. _________________________________
31. I am the god who speaks through the Sibyl at Cumae. _________________________________
32. I am the region of Italy where Aeneas first landed. _________________________________
33. I ferried the Sibyl and Aeneas across the Styx. _________________________________
34. I am surrounded by the Fiery River;

punishments are dealt out here. _________________________________
35. I am another name for Italy. _________________________________

AENEID BOOK VI
NOTABLE QUOTES: AENEID VI

Match each person with a quote. Choose from the names listed below.
You may use the names more than once.
A. Aeneas
B. Anchises
C. Charon
D. Deiphobus
E. Palinurus
F. Sibyl
_____ 1. “Now is the time to ask your destinies!”
_____ 2. “On the fourth dawn I sighted Italy dimly ahead, as a wave-crest lifted me. By turns I swam and
rested, swam again and got my footing on the beach . . .”
_____ 3. “Turn your two eyes this way and see this people, your own Romans. Here is Caesar, and all the
line of Iulus, all who shall one day pass under the dome of the great sky.”
_____ 4. “Who are you in armor, visiting our rivers!”
_____ 5. “She, my distinguished wife, moved all my arms out of the house — as she had slipped my
sword, my faithful sword, out from beneath my pillow . . .”
_____ 6. “Have you at last come, has that loyalty your father counted on conquered the journey?”
_____ 7. “Wing on, into that woodland where the bough, the priceless bough, shadows the fertile
ground. My divine mother, do not fail your son in a baffling time.”
_____ 8. “The man of Troy, Aeneas, remarkable for loyalty, great in arms, goes through the deepest
shades of Erebus to see his father.”
_____ 9. “. . . deliver me from this captivity, unconquered friend! Throw earth on me -- you can -- put in
to Velia port!”
_____ 10. “Dido, so forlorn, the story then that came to me was true, that you were out of life, had met
your end by your own hand.”

AENEID BOOK VI
TEMPLE OF APOLLO
Greek and Roman temples were not designed to hold religious services the way modern buildings of worship do. In
Greco-Roman temples, sacrifices were performed outside the temple. The temple itself generally consisted of a cella,
main room, and several smaller rooms. The cella held the statue of the deity to whom the temple was dedicated.
Worshippers left votives, or offerings, to the god. Priests stored the votives in the smaller rooms.
When you think of a Greco-Roman temple you might picture a white marble building, but that is not what a Greek or
Roman would have seen! The temple’s pediments and metopes were adorned with statues and a temple was painted
with lots of blue and red. The doors of the temple were decorated with carved images.
Read the description of the temple of Apollo that Aeneas sees in the beginning of Book VI of the Aeneid. Then decorate
the temple doors below with the story of Icarus.
AENEID BOOK VI, TRANSLATED BY H. R. FAIRCLOUGH

“Daedalus, it is said, when fleeing from Minos’ realm, dared on swift wings to trust himself to the sky… Here first
restored to earth, he dedicated to thee, Phoebus, the orange of his wings and built a vast temple. On the doors is the
death of Androgeos; then the children of Cecrops, bidden, alas, to pay as yearly tribute seven living sons; there stands
the urn, the lots now drawn. Opposite...a maze inextricable; but Daedalus pitying the princess’s great love, himself
unwound the deceptive tangle of the palace, guiding blind feet with the thread. You, too, Icarus, would have large
share in such a work, did grief permit: twice had he essayed to fashion your fall in gold; twice sank the father’s hands…”

AENEID BOOK VI
VIRGIL’S UNDERWORLD
Briefly describe each of the following places, people, or creatures from Book VI of the Aeneid.
PLACES
1. Phlegethon _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. Styx _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. Lake Avernus _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
4. Fields of Mourning _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
5. Elysium _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
6. Entrance _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
7. Exit for true dreams _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
8. Exit for false dreams _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
9. Tartarus _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
10. Lethe _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

AENEID BOOK VI
VIRGIL’S UNDERWORLD (continued)

11. Dwelling Place of Disease, Old Age and Hunger _____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
12. Pluto’s Palace _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
PEOPLE/CREATURES
13. Charon _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
14. Palinurus _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
15. Tisiphone _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
16. Dido _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
17. Anchises _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
18. Sisyphus _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
19. Deiphobus _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
20. Cerberus _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

AENEID BOOK VI
VIRGIL’S UNDERWORLD (continued)
21. Gorgons _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
22. Unburied dead _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
23. Orpheus _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
24. Ixion _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
25. Romulus _____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

AENEID BOOK VI
TRAVELING TO THE UNDERWORLD

Aeneas had a long journey from Troy to Hesperia. Before he reached Latium, he had to stop near Naples to visit the
Sibyl and go to the underworld. There are many important Roman places around the Bay of Naples. Label the
following places on the close-up of the Bay of Naples map below.
Word Bank
(your teacher may change this as needed)
Bay of Naples
Misenum
Lake Avernus
Cumae
Naples
Vesuvius
Pompeii
Capri
Baiae
Solfatara
Andrea Weiskopf
Ashburn, Virginia
Maps created by NordNordWest CC BY-SA 3.0

AENEID BOOK VI
CROSSWORD: AENEID VI
Fill in the puzzle using the clues on the next page along with the words and names below.
2 3 4
5 6
7 8
10
11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19
20
21
22
23
24
Avernus Dardans Ivory

Acheron Deiphobus Lethe
Achates Dido Misenus
Anchises Dis Orcus
bough Erebus Scylla
Blessed Groves Glaucus Sibyl
Cerberus Hecate Styx
Charon Hesperia Tiber

AENEID BOOK VI
CROSSWORD: AENEID VI (continued)

Across
7. The shipmate of Aeneas who drowns just before the Sibyl leads Aeneas to the underworld
8. Former queen of Carthage whom Aeneas meets in the Fields of Mourning
10. The golden item to which the doves lead Aeneas
11. One of the monsters at the doorway to the underworld
17. The ferryman
20. Another name for the underworld
22. The lake at the entrance to the underworld
23. Another name for Hades
24. The river across which the ferryman transports souls
Down
1. The father of the Sibyl

2. The maimed Trojan warrior in the underworld; husband of Helen after the death of Paris
3. A place of joy in the underworld (2 words)
4. The gate through which Aeneas leaves the underworld
5. The priestess of Apollo at Cumae
6. A river thick with mud in the underworld
9. River in Italy on which Rome is located
12. Three-headed watchdog of the underworld
13. The river of forgetfulness in the underworld
14. Father of Aeneas
15. Another name for Italy
16. Goddess to whom the Sibyl sacrifices before entering the underworld
18. Shipmate of Aeneas who fetches the Sibyl
19. Yet another name for the underworld
21. Another name for the Trojans

AENEID BOOK VI
ART OF AENEAS
Look at the following picture and then answer the questions on this page and the next.
Public Domain
What is the first thing you notice about this picture?
Name 15 items that you see in the picture.
Get with a partner. Compare and combine lists. What items can you add?

AENEID BOOK VI
ART OF AENEAS (CONT.)

How can you tell who the figures are? Write you answer in complete sentences.
This picture engages your sense of sight, but now imagine yourself inside the picture.
What do you hear?
What do you smell?
What is the air like in the cave?
Do you like this picture? Why or why not?
Andrea Weiskopf
Ashburn, Virginia

AENEID BOOK VI
AENEID MINI-BOOK
Using what you know about book VI of the Aeneid create your own summary of the book. You can use any resources
that your teacher has for this.
1. Give each student a 8 ½” x 11” piece of blank paper to create a mini-book. Once finished, the book will have
eight pages including the front and back cover. The book is made by folding and making one cut.
a. Fold the page in half long way (hotdog style)
b. Unfold and then refold the page in half short way (hamburger style)
c. Keeping it folded, fold the page in half again the short way (hamburger style) back and forth.
d. Pick up the center of the fold, the page should flap like a bird now.
e. Cut the crease from the first fold (hotdog style) up to the wings.
f. Grasp the outer rectangles and push the paper together. The cut that you made will become a
diamond. Keep pushing the ends together.
g. Fold to close the book
This website provides pictures on how to make the booklet:

https://www.learningprops.com/Mini%20folded%20books%20directions%20for%20support%20page.pdf
Aeneid Book VI Outline

2. After students make the booklets, have students put their names in the upper right corner.
3. Write the title on the cover.
4. Have students brainstorm the 8 major plot points for Book VI and try to provide 1-3 details for each major
plot point.
5. After discussing as a class have the students write the plot points down with the details. Then illustrate each
page to help explain what is happening.
Wenceslaus Hollar Aeneas in the underworld, Public Domain
Andrew Carroll and Andrea Weiskopf

Colorado Virginia
AENEID BOOK VI
AENEAS AND THE UNDERWORLD

A RETELLING
Aeneas, leader of the survivors of the Trojan War, needed advice and sought it from his father who had died.
Like noble ancients who lived honorably and were properly buried, Anchises was in the underworld. The
only way to speak to him was to enter the underworld and then to find a way back out. For this, Aeneas
sought help from the Sibyl, an oracle who lived in a cave at Cumae. She counseled him to find a golden
bough which would ensure his return from Pluto’s kingdom. Once Aeneas located it, the two left the warmth
of the earth’s surface for the underworld.
At the entrance, they passed the evils that plague men: age, dread, hunger, and toil. Nearby were monsters:
Centaurs, Scyllas, Briareus, the Hydra, the Chimaera, Gorgons, and Harpies. But Aeneas passed by without
harm, for he was led by the Sibyl and held the golden bough.
At last, Aeneas found himself on the bank of a great river, the Styx. On the shore were thousands of souls
who had remained unburied after dying. Among them was Palinurus, a helmsman who had manned one of
Aeneas’ ships. The sailor begged his leader to find his remains and give them a decent burial, and Aeneas
so promised. Without burial and the placement of a golden coin underneath the tongue of the dead, the
soul could not pay for passage across the River Styx and into the kingdom of final judgment. Instead, these
souls were destined to roam for one hundred years, begging the boatman to let them cross. Thus Aeneas
swore to help his old friend.
Clutching the golden bough, Aeneas and the Sibyl moved to the boat where Charon, the ferryman,
demanded payment and challenged the passage of a living man. Only the bough made his boarding possible.
At last, Aeneas stood before the gate into the kingdom of the dead.
There he faced a snarling, fierce three-headed dog, Cerberus. Guarding the post, the monster prevented
any escapes from within and prevented the living from entrance. Once more, the Sibyl and Aeneas were
allowed past because they held the golden bough.
Moving along, the Sibyl guided Aeneas past the lands of the Underworld. First, they passed by the Fields of
Mourning. Here people stood about in a grey mist, ones who had died before their time, often from
unreturned love. Looking toward it, Aeneas suddenly stood still, too shocked to move. From within, he saw
Dido, queen of Carthage. She had loved Aeneas and had received his party of tired and harried Trojans when
they sought rest from their travels. Hoping to marry him, the queen had extended the resources of her
kingdom and offered the Trojans equal standing with her people. While they stayed in Carthage, she came
to feel loved and was filled with joy. Alas, it was Aeneas’ destiny to marry a Latium princess, and so one
morning the Trojans secretly set sail and left. Heartbroken, the lovely queen took her own life.
Aeneas spoke to her, “I left your land against my will” (Fitzgerald, 6:620). But the spirit said nothing. Dido
turned away and moved deeper into the cloaking mist. The sadness of this moment filled Aeneas’ heart.

AENEID BOOK VI
AENEAS AND THE UNDERWORLD (continued)
The Sibyl prodded him onward until there could be heard a great din. Chains clanking, fire crackling, and
horrible screams of pain mixed as one. Ahead, surrounded by the Fiery River, stood the high walls of
Tartarus, and Aeneas stared as the Sibyl explained. Men who disobeyed the laws of the gods were sent
there. Those disloyal to their own family, cheaters of the poor and those who did not share their wealth
with relatives as well as traitors to their own countries were also condemned to live in Tartarus and to be
punished there for all time. Finally, the Sibyl led Aeneas farther along, and they left Tartarus.
In time, the land changed and became quite green and park-like. Here Aeneas could hear music and saw
light and dancing. This was the Blessed Groves. It was in this place of peace and beauty that heroes who
died for their countries could be found. Holy men who served the gods honorably, and “. . . those who
bettered life by finding out new truths and skills” (Fitzgerald, 6:887-889) were rewarded by finding their
home in the underworld in the tranquility of the Groves.
At last, Aeneas saw his beloved father. “Let me embrace you” (Fitzgerald, 6:936), he pleaded, and he tried
to hug the dear old man. But one cannot embrace a spirit, and Aeneas could not hold Anchises in his arms.
Sadly, he looked beyond his father and saw many men beside a body of water. Anchises explained these
were “Souls for whom a second body is in store; their drink is the water of the Lethe, and it frees from care
in long forgetfulness” (Fitzgerald, 6:956-959). There were the souls waiting to be born who would come
from the lineage of Aeneas. They were men who would lead Rome which did not yet even exist on the sunny
warmth of the world above. Romulus, Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Numa, and many others were in the
group of people here. Then Anchises told his son,
“Roman, remember by your strength to rule

Earth’s peoples - for your arts are to be these:
To pacify, to impose the rule of law,
To spare the conquered, battle down the proud.”
(Fitzgerald, 6:1151-1154)
Shortly thereafter, Aeneas emerged from the underworld, carrying the golden bough and led by the Sibyl.
David Baumbach
Pittsburgh, PA

AENEID BOOK VI
AENEAS AND THE UNDERWORLD

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
1. Make a map of the underworld. Then, in a small group, decide what historical figures from more
modern times would be found in each of the three lands described in the story. Be prepared to share
your answer with others.
2. Study the message Anchises gave to his son. Discuss the meaning. Then pretend your city-state has
been conquered by Rome. What can you expect by way of treatment? How would knowing
Anchises’ message affect your battle plans? Why?
After studying the message Anchises gave to his son, write a four-line expression of the founding
principles of America. Then create your own founding principles for a united world of peace.
3. RESEARCH: List the monsters and heroes of the story. Using reliable resources, describe each one.
Then create a game to teach other students the information you have learned.
4. VOCABULARY: There are several words which may be unfamiliar to you: plague, bough, helmsman,
harried, cloaking, prodded, din, embrace. Use a dictionary to find out the meaning of each word.
Then use a thesaurus to find two synonyms for each.
5. LIST the three areas of the underworld and review the kinds of behavior that determined where you
would be. Then, add other standards of behavior not included in the story and place them in the
Underworld. (For example: lying to the king - Tartarus)
6. Tartarus was a place of physical punishment. What non-physical punishment could be used on
residents of Tartarus from modern times? Be prepared to explain how the punishment matches the
offense.
7. Virgil wrote this story about Roman roots long after Rome had been founded - during the time of the
early empire (first century B.C.E.). What lessons or morals did he want to teach the Romans of his
times? Give examples from the story to back your answers.
8. If you could meet with a person who has died and communicate with him/her for one hour, whom
would you choose? What would you want to talk about? Why? List several questions you might
want to ask.
David Baumbach
Pittsburgh, PA

AENEID BOOK VI
WRITING ACTIVITY
A “golden bough” was Aeneas’ key to the underworld. If you had a golden bough, where would you want it
to take you? Where would you find the bough? How would you get it? What dangers might you face when
getting the bough?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Laurie Darman
Boca Raton, FL

AENEID BOOK VI
VINCO
Below is a blank VINCO (Bingo) Card. Fill in using any 24 of the following words connected with the underworld. Your
teacher will read a clue. Mark the square on your board if you have the answer to the clue. Yell Vinco when you get 5
across, down or diagonal. Alternative- First person to fill all the squares gets to yell Vinco.
V I N C O
GRATIS
Achates Cumae Latium Proserpina

Acheron Dardans Lavinia Rhadamanthus
Aeneas Deiphobus Lavinium Romulus
Anchises Dis Lethe Sibyl
Apollo Elysium Minos Styx
Avernus Erebus Misenus Tartarus
Brutus Glaucus Orcus Teucrians
Cerberus Golden Bough Palinurus Tiber
Charon Hecate Pergamum Tisiphone
Cocytus Hesperia Phlegethon Venus

AENEID BOOK VI
VINCO: TEACHER CLUES

Feel free to make your own clues if you want. This game works well if you can print these clues off and then draw
them out of a hat.
I see in 3 directions I am a river, but I forget where
I am the father of Aeneas I am a judge of the underworld and keeper of a half-
I lead Aeneas to the Sibyl bull
I am the first consul of Rome I was so smart they made me judge of the underworld
I am the sailor in the underworld I play the trumpet but was drowned for my hubris
I am the river of Lamentation I am the punisher of broken oaths
The Sibyl lives here I was the helmsman of Aeneas
Our name comes from Dardanus I am a prince of Troy and son of Venus
I was betrayed by Helen I got an apple that started a war
I was the original god of the underworld I am the queen of the dead
I am a field of good people I am the founder of Rome
I am a primordial god and father of Nyx The Sibyl works at my temple
I am a river on fire People are punished here
I am a prophetic sea god I am a later city in Asia Minor
I am the goddess of magic We are named for King Teucer
I was used to pay for Aeneas’ transportation across I lead Aeneas in the underworld
the Styx I am the river which gods swear on
I am the western land I am a Fury
Rome and Alba Longa are in my borders I am a lake and a way into the underworld
I will marry Aeneas I am the river through Rome
I am the town Aeneas will found
Andrew Carroll
Durango, CO

AENEID BOOK VI
TEACHER’S KEY
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS: AENEID VI
1. Orcus and Erebus 13. Acheron, Cocytus, Fiery 24. Romulus
2. Sibyl River, Lethe, and Styx 25. Golden Bough
3. Deiphobus 14. Dardans and Teucrians 26. Achates
4. Pergamum 15. Minos and Rhadamanthus 27. Lavinium
5. Hecate 16. Blessed Groves 28. Fields of Mourning
6. Lavinia 17. Horn Gate and Ivory Gate 29. Dis
7. Cerberus 18. Glaucus 30. Elysium
8. Venus 19. Cumae 31. Apollo
9. Tiber 20. Proserpina 32. Latium
10. Anchises 21. Brutus 33. Charon
11. Misenus 22. Avernus 34. Tartarus
12. Palinurus 23. Tisiphone 35. Hesperia
NOTABLE QUOTES: AENEID VI

1. F 5. D 9. E
2. E 6. B 10. A
3. B 7. A
4. C 8. F
VIRGIL’S UNDERWORLD
PLACES
1. river of fire surrounding Tartarus
2. river of death upon whom the gods fear to swear falsely; river which must be crossed in order to enter the underworld proper
3. sulphuric lake bordering the entrance to the underworld
4. place for those who died from unrequited love; sad place surrounded by Cocytus River
5. Elysian Fields; Edenic place reserved for heroes and other exceptional souls
6. a cave by Lake Avernus filled with all sorts of monsters and ills
7. the gate of horn through which true souls have easy exit
8. the gate of ivory through which false dreams are sent to the skies; gate used by Aeneas for his exit
9. place of punishment for the worst sinners; surrounded by triple walls and the Phlegethon River
10. river of forgetfulness in which souls preparing for reincarnation bathe
11. the entrance cave
12. erected by the Cyclopes; located near Elysium
PEOPLE / CREATURES
13. ferryman of the dead who carries those having proper funeral rites into the underworld proper on his boat
14. Aeneas’ helmsman who was condemned to wander outside of the underworld proper because he did not receive burial rites
15. Fury who rules and guards over Tartarus
16. former queen of Carthage and lover of Aeneas who killed herself upon his departure from her and her city; stationed in the
Fields of Mourning
17. Aeneas’ father who counsels him about Rome’s future; stationed in Elysium
18. inhabitant of Tartarus who rolls a boulder up an incline forever for his sins
19. Trojan prince who consults with Aeneas in the area of the Fields of Mourning reserved for those slain in battle
20. three-headed dog who guards the entrance to the underworld proper
21. snake-haired monsters who dwell in the entrance cave
22. those who did not have their bones covered by earth; condemned to roam on the river bank for one hundred years before
crossing into the underworld proper
23. gifted musician who plays his lyre in Elysium
24. sinner condemned to Tartarus on a revolving wheel
25. one of the souls waiting to be reborn through the gates into the world; a descendant of Aeneas

AENEID BOOK VI
TRAVELING TO THE UNDERWORLD
4
3 5
9 11 10
12 6
1. Bay of Naples
2. Misenum – The town named after Misenus, the dead crewman.
3. Lake Avernus – This is the entrance to the underworld. The lake was formed in the crater of a volcano. Avernus means
‘birdless’. The Romans claimed that birds could not fly over the lake without dying, because of the fumes.
4. Cumae – This is the home of the Sibyl and location of the temple of Apollo.
Not in Aeneid but helpful
5. Naples – This is the modern metropolis on the bay.
6. Vesuvius – A volcano which erupted in 79 AD and buried Pompeii with ash.
7. Pompeii - The city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
8. Capri – An island where the Roman emperors had a large villa. It is the origin of the name for Capri Suns.
9. Baiae (on the coast of the Bay between Misenum and Lake Avernus) - A wealthy seaside town of interest to students
who study Latin from the Ecce Romani textbook series.
10. Solfatara - A dormant volcano that still emits steam and reeks of sulfur, part of the Phlegraean Fields.
Other places that may interest students:
11. Puteoli - This town was a port city. Students who have read the New Testament may be interested to know that it is
where the apostle Paul landed in Italy on his way to Rome.
12. Mount Nuovo - This mountain’s name means ‘New Mountain’. It was formed over the period of a week in 1538. Its
creation demonstrates how active the area is geologically.

AENEID BOOK VI
CROSSWORD: AENEID VI
D B L I
E L A S V A
M I S E N U S D I D O C
P S C B R T H
B O U G H S U Y Y I E
O E S C Y L L A B R
B D E E N E O
H H U G R T C H A R O N
E R E B U S R B H H C R
S C O E E I H C
P A D V R S A U
E T A V E R N U S E T S
R E R S S D I S E
I D S T Y X
A A

AENEID BOOK VI
ART OF AENEAS
TEACHER AID
If possible, project the image of Aeneas and the Sibyl in the Underworld. Do not tell the students the name of the
drawing until the end of the lesson. You can also do this lesson over and over again with different art work.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/372029
This resource makes use of the Visual Thinking Strategies. You may also present this lesson without the worksheets.
Project the image on the board, ask students to look at the image silently for two minutes, then ask the students to
reflect on the questions. Think-Pair-Share works well with this activity.
Arnold Houbraken was a Dutch painter, but today he is better known as a biographer. His work, The Great Theatre of
Dutch Painters (1718–1721), is a reference for the lives of painters, such as Rembrandt, from the Golden Age of Dutch
painting.
Museum Information
Aeneas and the Sibyl in the Underworld
Artist: Arnold Houbraken (Dutch, Dordrecht 1660–1719 Amsterdam)
Medium: Pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, indented for transfer
Dimensions: sheet: 3 3/4 x 5 3/16 in. (9.6 x 13.1 cm)
Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisah Whittelsey Fund, 2006
Accession Number:2006.301
AENEID MINI-BOOK
Students should write down key points as you review the major plot points with them. This exercise may be
completed with younger students BEFORE reading to help them follow the plot. It may also be completed after
reading to review the story. Students may also be encouraged to draw a small picture on each page.
Page 1 - Arrival at Cumae Someone who pretended to Zeus

Plot Points: Ships land at Cumae Those who attacked goddesses
Description of Apollo’s temple with the story of Daedalus Those who fight against the state
Sacrifices and prophecies with the Sibyl
Page 6 - Elysian Fields
Page 2 - Before the Underworld Plot Points: Aeneas and Sibyl enter the Elysian Fields
Plot Points: Aeneas asks to enter Hades looking for Anchises
Aeneas buries Misenus
Aeneas finds golden bough with help from Venus Page 7 - Heroes of Rome
Sacrifices Plot Points: Aeneas meets Anchises
Anchises tells Aeneas about the future of Rome
Page 3 - Underworld Entrance
Plot Points: Charon is on the Styx Page 8 - Through the gate
Meeting with Palinurus Plot Points: There are two gates
Passes Cerberus Aeneas leaves through the Gate of Ivory
Page 4- Friends and Foes

Plot Points: Aeneas sees Dido
Aeneas sees Greek and Trojan warriors
Aeneas speaks with Deiphobus
Page 5- Punishments
Plot Points: The Titans who tried to overthrow Jupiter

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
THE ODYSSEY
BOOK 11

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: ODYSSEY XI

Match the words below with their descriptions.
Aegisthos Argives Ithaka Penelope

Agamemnon Ariadne Klytaimnestra Persephone
Aiaia Atreus Laertes Phaiakia
Aias Danaans lamb Poseidon
Akhaians Elpenor Leda Sisyphos
Akhilleus Eurylokhos milk Tantalos
Alkinoös Helios Minos Teiresias
Alkmene Herakles Neoptolemos Telemakhos
Antikleia honey Ocean Stream water
Arete Ilion Orion wine
1. We are the libations poured out for the unnumbered dead. ________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
2. I am the father of Odysseus; I am pining away on the

island of Ithaka awaiting the return of my son. ________________________________
3. I am the mother of Odysseus; I am one of the shades

with whom Odysseus speaks. ________________________________
4. I am the wife of Odysseus; I am trying to keep my suitors

at bay until Odysseus returns. ________________________________
5. I am the son of Odysseus; I am caring for my father’s

property the best that I can. ________________________________
6. I am another word for Troy, the city that the Greeks

sacked under the leadership of Agamemnon. ________________________________
7. We are words that refer to the Greeks. ________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
8. I am the Queen of the Dead, the sender of the shades. ________________________________
9. I am the land over which King Alkinoös and Queen Arete rule. ________________________________
ODYSSEY BOOK XI
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: ODYSSEY XI (continued)

10. I am the island home of Odysseus. ________________________________
11. I was the first shade to speak to Odysseus; I asked that

he bury my remains on his way back home. ________________________________
12. I was the leader of the Greeks during the Trojan war. ________________________________
13. I am the god who made it very difficult for Odysseus

to return home. ________________________________
14. I am the special sacrifice that Odysseus will offer

Teiresias when he returns to Ithaka. ________________________________
15. I am the god whose kine Odysseus MUST avoid

on the way back home. ________________________________
16. We plotted Agamemnon’s death when he returned ________________________________

from the Trojan war.
________________________________
17. I am the island where Elpenor waits to be buried;

I am the home of Kirke. ________________________________
18. I am in Tartarus rolling a boulder up a hill for eternity. ________________________________
19. I was abandoned on an island when Theseus was

on his way home after slaying the minotaur. ________________________________
20. I am the blind shade who tells Odysseus what he must do

in order to reach his homeland. ________________________________
21. I am the son of Akhilleus; Odysseus tells my father

that I left Troy with no scar on me. ________________________________

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS: ODYSSEY XI (continued)

22. I am the host of Odysseus as he tells his story. ________________________________
23. I am the queen of Phaiakia. ________________________________
24. In life, I was the king of the island of Crete;

I am now a judge of the dead. ________________________________
25. Odysseus and his shipmates traveled on me

to the entrance to the Underworld. ________________________________
26. I am the mother of the hero, Herakles. ________________________________
27. I refused to speak to Odysseus because, in life,

we argued over armor. ________________________________
28. I am the father of Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks

during the Trojan War. ________________________________
29. Odysseus sees only my phantom because I dwell

with the gods on Mount Olympus. ________________________________
30. I am the mother of Kastor and Polydeuces, twins

known as Gemini in the heavens. ________________________________
31. I am very bitter about being in the Underworld,

but I am delighted to hear of my son's courage
when the Trojan horse entered Troy. ________________________________
32. I appear to Odysseus carrying my club

and surrounded by wild beasts. ________________________________
33. I am Odysseus’ trusted shipmate who helped prepare

animals for sacrifice at the entrance to the Underworld. ________________________________
34. I am doomed to be forever hungry and thirsty in Tartarus. ________________________________

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
NOTABLE QUOTES: ODYSSEY XI

Match each person with a quote. Choose from the names listed below.
A. Agamemnon
B. Aias
C. Akhilleus
D. Alkinoös
E. Antikleia
F. Elpenor
G. Herakles
H. Odysseus
I. a passerby
J. Teiresias
_____ 1. “ . . . fire my corpse, and all the gear I had, and build a cairn for me above the breakers – an
unknown sailor's mark for men to come.”
_____ 2. “Destined to grinding labors like my own in the sunny world? Son of Kronion Zeus or not, how
many days I sweated out, being bound in servitude to a man far worse than I, a rough
master!”
_____ 3. “What winnowing fan is that upon your shoulder?”
_____ 4. “ ----------------------”
_____ 5. “Stand clear, put up your sword; let me but taste of blood, I shall speak true.”
_____ 6. “Phaiakians, how does he stand, now, in your eyes, this captain, the look and bulk of him, the
inward poise? He is my guest, but each one shares that honor.”
_____ 7. “We made the land, put ram and ewe ashore, and took our way along the Ocean stream to find
the place foretold for us by Kirke.”
_____ 8. “Your father is country bound and comes to town no more. He owns no bedding, rugs or fleecy
mantels, but lies down, winter nights, among the slaves, rolled in old cloaks for cover, near
the embers.”
_____ 9. “Land your ship in secret on your island, give no warning. The day of faithful wives is gone
forever.”
_____ 10. “How did you find your way down to the dark where these dimwitted dead are camped
forever, the after images of used-up men?”

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
BOOK XI CROSSWORD
Using the words/names and clues on the following page, complete this crossword.
1 2 3
5 6 7
9 10
11 12
13 14 15
16
17
18
19
20

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
BOOK XI CROSSWORD (continued)
Antikleia Ilion Odysseus Sisyphos

Arete Ithaka Orion Tantalos
Atreus Laertes Penelope Teiresias
Elpenor Menelaus Phaiakia Telemakhos
honey Minos Poseidon wine
ACROSS
1. Shade who always pushes a boulder uphill

4. God who is angry with Odysseus
5. Shade who is forever hungry and thirsty
9. One of the libations poured out to summon the dead
10. Island home of Odysseus
11. Brother of Agamemnon
12. Another name for Troy
13. Son of Odysseus
16. Father of Agamemnon and Menelaus
18. Shipmate of Odysseus who broke his neck falling off Kirke’s roof
19. A king of Crete on earth; judge of the dead in the underworld
20. Another libation poured out to summon the dead
DOWN
2. Wife of Odysseus
3. Man telling the story in the dining hall of King Alkinoös
6. Mother of Odysseus
7. Shade whom Kirke has told Odysseus to summon in order to learn how to get home
8. The land over which Alkinoös rules
14. Father of Odysseus
15. A shade with a club surrounded by beasts
17. Queen of Phaiakia

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
POTTERY DESIGN
The ancient Greeks often depicted heroes and heroic scenes on their pottery. Using the form below, make a
design which reflects one of the people, places, or things mentioned in Book XI of The Odyssey. Then have
your classmates guess what or who has been depicted.

ODYSSEY BOOK XI
TEACHER’S KEY
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS: ODYSSEY XI
1. milk, honey, water, 9. Phaiakia 18. Sisyphos 28. Atreus
wine 10. Ithaka 19. Ariadne 29. Herakles
2. Laertes 11. Elpenor 20. Teiresias 30. Leda
3. Antikleia 12. Agamemnon 21. Neoptolemos 31. Akhilleus
4. Penelope 13. Poseidon 22. Alkinoös 32. Orion
5. Telemakhos 14. lamb 23. Arete 33. Eurylokhos
6. Ilion 15. Helios 24. Minos 34. Tantalos
7. Achaians, Argives, 16. Aegisthos and 25. Ocean Stream
Danaans Klytaimnestra 26. Alkmene
8. Persephone 17. Aiaia 27. Aias
NOTABLE QUOTES: ODYSSEY XI

1. F 5. J 9. A
2. G 6. D 10. C
3. I 7. H
4. B 8. E
BOOK XI CROSSWORD
S I S Y P H O S
E D
P O S E I D O N Y
E S
T A N T A L O S
N E O E
T I P U
I R E S
K E
L S P
W I N E I T H A K A
I A A
M E N E L A U S I L I O N
T E L E M A K H O S
A I R
A T R E U S A I
R O A
T E L P E N O R
E E
M I N O S T
H O N E Y

NATIVE AMERICAN
CROW CREATION
STORY
NATIONAL MYTHOLOGY EXAM FEATURE STORY 2019

NATIVE AMERICAN
INTRODUCTION
The Crow Nation is a federally recognized tribe. The Crow call themselves Apsaalooke, which translates into
English as “children of the large-beaked bird.” There are about 11,000 members of the Crow Nation today.
About two-thirds of the members live on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana.
The Crow, like many other Native American tribes, have a tradition of storytelling. The stories are more than
entertainment, they are a method of teaching and a means of remembering. These stories are sacred
testaments to Crow history, beliefs, ethics, and traditions. Young members of the tribe learn the
expectations of Apsaalooke culture, as well as Apsaalooke history and beliefs. Stories connect the listeners
to their Crow ancestors. Since the stories are often retold, a Crow will hear the story many times throughout
his life. Though the stories may vary slightly from storyteller to storyteller, Apsaalooke values and ethics
remain.
At one time, the Crow Nation comprised 38 million acres. Treaties, which the Crow were forced to accept,
shrunk the 38 million acres to 2.2 million acres. Yet the loss of the land could not compare with the loss of
the Crow children. Through the early 1900’s, the youngest of the tribe were sent to distant boarding schools
in which they were forbidden to speak their language and were forced to assimilate into white American
culture. Yet the Crow stories remained - storytelling preserved a homeland for the nation.
It is with utmost respect that the National Mythology Exam has decided to spotlight the Crow creation story.
The story has many variations, and we hope that the story which follows does honor to the Apsaalooke and
their stories.
Crow beadwork in Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana By Djembayz, shared under CC License.

NATIVE AMERICAN
STORY
Long before my grandmother’s grandmother felt the warmth of the golden rays, there was only Old Man
and water. The story told by my grandmother’s grandmother says that in the beginning Old Man was lonely
for there was only water, and he did not yet know the ducks. He wanted land for he knew land would bring
life and company, but the water was slow and deep. It was too deep for Old Man to see through or even
fathom its depths. One day, Old Man heard voices drifting across the endless current, and he saw dark
shapes on the blue surface.
A fluttering voice came to him, “‘There is only water, and we are alone with the water.”
“I am here,” Old Man called, “I am here!” At last, Old Man met the red-
eyed ducks. Some say there were two ducks, but my grandmother’s
grandmother says there were four ducks.
“Hello, Brother Duck,” Old Man called to the oldest and largest duck, a
red-headed mallard. The mallard’s eye, red as his smooth head, beamed.
“Brother Duck, dive deep into the water. Bring back earth, and from the
earth we will bring forth life.” With Old Man’s encouragement, the
mallard disappeared beneath the water, and Old Man waited. The longer
he waited, the more his desire for earth grew. The other ducks began to
become frightened when the mallard did not return.
“Old Man,” they cried, “our brother has been gone too long. We fear he
has drowned.”
“No,” Old Man reassured them, “Your brother still swims. He has not been gone long enough to reach the
bottom. He must reach the bottom, or he will not obtain earth.”
Eventually the red-headed mallard returned, and Old Man called with hope, “My brother, did you get
anything?”
“Old Man, I have failed,” The mallard confessed to Old Man.
Old Man was disappointed, but he turned with hope to the second duck, a pintail. The pintail was smaller
than the red-headed mallard, but larger than the remaining ducks.
“Brother Duck,” Old Man called to the pintail duck. “Brother Duck, dive deep into the water. Bring back
earth, and from the earth we will bring forth life.” And with this encouragement from Old Man, the pintail
duck disappeared beneath the water, and Old Man waited. The longer he waited, the more his desire for
earth grew. Again, the other ducks began to become frightened when the pintail did not return.
“Old Man,” they cried, “our brother has been gone too long. We fear he has drowned.”
NATIVE AMERICAN
Eventually the pintail returned, and Old Man called with hope, “My brother, did you get anything?”
“Old Man, I have failed. I saw something in the depth beneath me, but I could not reach it,” the pintail
confessed to Old Man.
Old Man was disappointed, but he turned with hope to the third
red-eyed duck. The third duck was a little smaller than the pintail.
The blue feathers of the third duck were small, and they reflected
the light of Old Man.
“Brother Duck,” Old Man called to the blue feathered duck. “Brother
Duck, dive deep into the water. Bring back earth, and from the earth
we will bring forth life.” The blue duck felt the Old Man’s
encouragement and disappeared beneath the water, and Old Man
waited. Now he had been waiting a very long time for the earth, and
his desire grew even more. The other ducks became frightened
when the blue duck did not return.
“Old Man,” they cried, “our brother has been gone too long. We fear he has drowned.”
Eventually the small blue duck returned, and Old Man called with hope, “My brother, did you get anything?”
“Old Man, I have something!” In the blue duck’s webbed foot was a slender shoot of green. “Old Man, I saw
the bottom beneath me, but I could not reach it.”
Old Man was disappointed, but he turned to the smallest, a grey red-eyed grebe. The grebe’s dull grey body
awkwardly bobbed forward, for his feet were not placed like the feet of the other ducks. His feet were farther
back, and his wings were small.
“Brother,” Old Man began. “You are small. You must not exceed your limit...”
But the grey grebe interrupted him, “Old Man, why did you not come to me first? Let me dive deep into the
water. I will bring back earth. Then we will bring forth life from the earth.” The grebe shot under the water
without waiting for the response of Old Man. Again, Old Man waited and waited and waited. The longer he
waited, the more his desire for earth grew. Old Man remembered at last that no undertaking succeeds
without four trials.
The grebe was gone longer than the red-headed mallard with the gleaming eye. The grebe was gone longer
than the pintail duck. The grebe was gone longer than the duck with blue feathers. Still the Old Man waited.
The other ducks began to become frightened when the grebe did not return.

NATIVE AMERICAN
“Old Man,” they cried, “our brother has been gone too long - longer even than Brother Blue Duck. We fear
he has drowned.”
“No,” Old Man reassured them, “Your brother still swims. He has not been gone long
enough to reach the bottom. He must reach the bottom, or he will not obtain earth.
No undertaking succeeds without four trials.”
Then the grebe surfaced.
“Old Man,” the grebe called as the water rolled off his grey back. The grebe bobbed
sideways as he extended his webbed foot. Old Man caught sight of the mud clutched
within the grebe’s webbed foot. “I have brought back earth.”
“I waited, but my hope did not dwindle.” Old Man spoke as he stretched out his hand
and touched the earth he had long desired. “I remembered,” he continued, “that no
undertaking succeeds without four trials. And now, let us bring forth life.”
Old Man grasped the mud and turned to the east. As he moved from the east to the
west, he marked a path. It was a path that he would follow daily. Old Man spread the
mud over the deep water, and earth’s boundaries were formed. Old Man drew in the
still air, bought the mud close, and breathed out warmth and life. From this mud and
breath, the Crow people were formed. Neither male nor female was created first. All
were Apsaalooke.
At this moment, my grandmother’s grandmother would fall silent and draw in a breath
before she continued.
“Though small in number, the Crow remain. The Crow will always remember Old Man,
and the Crow will always remain.”
Story retold by
Andrea Weiskopf
n.b. All the duck images are in public domain.

NATIVE AMERICAN
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bauerle, Phenocia, et al. The Apsaalooke (Crow Indians) of Montana: a Tribal Histories Teacher's Guide.
Office of Public Instruction, 2010.
Bial, Raymond. The Crow. Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2006.
“Grant Bulltail, Crow Indian Storyteller ‘Crow Memories of the Greater Yellowstone.’” Jackson Hole
Historical Society Museum. Accessed http://jacksonholehistory.org/grant-bulltail-crow-indian-
storyteller-crow-memories-of-the-greater-yellowstone-series.
Graetz, Rick, and Susie Graetz. Crow Country: Montana’s Crow Tribe of Indians. Billings: Northern Rockies
Publishing Company, 2000. Accessed: http://lib.lbhc.edu/index.php?q=node/16.
Lowie, Robert Harry. Myths and Traditions of the Crow Indians. University of Nebraska Press, 1993.
Montiel, Anya. “The Storyteller's Art: Sharing Timeless Wisdom in Modern Times.” American Indian. 2010,
pp. 34–39.
“Native American Legends.” First People. www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/OldManattheBeginning-
Crow.html.
“Native Languages of the Americas: Crow Indian Legends, Myths, and Stories.” www.native-
languages.org/crow-legends.htm.
“Official Site of the Crow Tribe Executive Branch.” Official Site of the Crow Tribe Executive Branch,
www.crow-nsn.gov/.

NATIVE AMERICAN
READER’S RESPONSE
This activity is geared towards students in grades 3 to 5.
Title of Story __________________________________________
What happened in the story?
What was your favorite part of the story?
What do you think would happen next if the story continued?

NATIVE AMERICAN
ORDER OF EVENTS
Put the list of events from the Crow Creation Story back into the correct order
The grebe returned with mud in his foot.
The blue-feathered duck returned with a slender green shoot.
The Old Man sent the pintail duck to get land from under the water.
The Old Man sent the red-headed mallard to get land from under the water.
The ducks were worried for the pintail duck.
Old Man met four ducks.
The Old Man was lonely because there was only water.
The Old Man made the Apsaalooke by breathing life into the mud.
The Old Man sent the red-eyed grebe to get land from under the water.
The Old Man sent the blue-feathered duck to get land from under the water.
The red-headed mallard could not reach the bottom.
The Old Man spread the mud from east to west to make the land.
The pintail duck returned with nothing but saw something.
The other ducks were worried that the grebe had drowned.

NATIVE AMERICAN
STORYBOARD
This activity is best used with younger students, but older ones should feel free to use this as a review. Use the
storyboard to illustrate what happened in the story. Write one or two sentences under each illustration to describe it.
Beginning
Middle
End

NATIVE AMERICAN
CREATION STORY CHARACTER WORD SEARCH

Find the different characters from the Crow Creation Story based on the following clues.
Crow word for themselves What the Grebe got

Duck who grabbed a green shoot The creator of the Crow
A Native American tribe in Montana The duck who first saw something
The duck who finally succeeded The largest duck
The thing the Blue Duck grabbed The entity that existed with Old Man at first
B L T J P Z E G F T F M B
E R A T G O L D M A N U L
L V P C R H C P I O J D K
P E S P R Q P O B O D C B
Z J A I F O X R F R U I M
M B A N A O W O V D U A R
J A L T U R K R E G C B R
U G O A Z W E U H R T Y E
Y P O I L T L Y K E M S N
V T K L A B X J F B I V M
U H E W X B G Q S E M A K
G R E E N S H O O T D H E
R E D M A L L A R D N K X

NATIVE AMERICAN
CREATION STORY CHARACTER REVIEW CROSSWORD

1
6 7
10
Across
Down
2 The duck who saw something but couldn't make
it to the bottom 1 His feathers reflected the light of Old Man
5 The Crow’s own name 3 The red-eyed gray duck
6 The first thing taken from the deep water 4 The only thing at first
9 The largest duck 7 The Creator
10 Native American tribe living along upper 8 What Old Man used to make a path from East to
Missouri River West

NATIVE AMERICAN
WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?

Look over the pictures on the page. Can you determine the common element?
1. 3.
2. 4.
5. 6.
Andrea Weiskopf
Ashburn, VA

NATIVE AMERICAN
RE-CREATION STORY
The Crow are not the only people who have a creation story in which the people are made of mud. The
Ancient Greeks had a version where Prometheus made people from mud. The Sumerians thought Enki
created them from mud and his blood. In the tradition of the Māori, Tāne Mahuta created the first woman
out of clay and breathed life into her. The Egyptians thought that Khnum would create a person from clay
before placing them in their mother’s womb. In early China, Nuwa molded women from yellow clay to create
humankind. In Genesis, the Judeo-Christian God formed man from dust. In the Qur’an, God created man
from clay. These are just some examples of how far and wide the idea that a creator made humans from
clay was spread across the globe. On your own read the entirety of these stories. Can you create your own
creation story where a creator makes humans or even you from mud? What would that story look like?
Please share your stories with resources@etclassics.org for possible inclusion in Prima.
Ancient Roman Terracotta decoration, photo by Serviziocultura under CC license.
Andrew Carroll
Durango CO

NATIVE AMERICAN
CROW CREATION: A PUZZLE

Fill in the blanks with letters that spell the words that will answer each question below. When you are done,
the first element that existed with the Old Man will appear in the vertical shaded squares.
1. Old Man created these people

2. The first duck with a red head
3. The duck who saw something in the depth
4. The name of the Crow in their own language
5. The duck who succeeded
1
2
3
4
5
CROW INDIAN CAMP, PUBLIC DOMAIN
ANDREW CARROLL
DURANGO CO

NATIVE AMERICAN
TIPI
In the 1700s, after horses were introduced to the Crow, they began to travel further and more often around
their homeland. They lived in a type of shelter called a tipi; you can see a tipi on their tribal flag. A tipi was
8-12 feet high in the center and about 10-14 feet across the base. Crow families still use tipis today to
celebrate their cultural heritage. Crow families have a tipi as well as their year-round house. In the Crow
tribe, the tipi belongs to the wife.
In the past, the tipis were used because they were easy to pack and transport for the Crow Indians. After
the introduction of horses, the tipis could be larger. The horse would drag the materials behind them in a
travois. A travois is a sled created by crossing two poles over a horse’s back. A traditional tipi uses 16 bison
hides and 21 poles. 19 poles would create the frame while two would be used to adjust the smoke flaps. A
ring of stones would be placed around the base to anchor it down. The Crow would leave some of the poles
and stones at their camps, so they would be there when the Crow returned next year. Every year the Crow
women would make a new tipi covering, which is why the Crow always had white tipis.
The Crow Indians lived in south-central Montana and north-central Wyoming. The weather in this region
ranged from very cold in the winter to blistering hot in the summer. Because of the extremes not many
plants could survive in the dry cold climate, but a sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) prairie covered the area.
Bison and Pronghorn antelope loved eating sagebrush but migrated through the prairie munching on the
plants. The Crow would seasonally follow these herds hunting the bison and pronghorn for food.
1. What goddess’ name is included in the scientific name for sagebrush? What object of a god is also
included in the scientific name for sagebrush? Look at some sagebrush leaves (or a picture of them).
Why was the second name chosen?
2. How many people could fit into a tipi? Can you find a way to estimate this number? Why do you think
a tipi could fit that many people?
3. How does a tipi stay warm in the winter? How do the Crow cool down a tipi in the summer?
Inside of a Crow Tipi from 1907. Public Domain

NATIVE AMERICAN
MAKE YOUR OWN TIPI

Materials:
• 21 skewers
• Construction paper/ cloth
• Pebbles
• Platform for final product.
Instructions:
1. Place 4 of the skewers together to make a pyramid shape.
2. Place the remaining 15 skewers around the first 4.
3. Cut a cone from the construction paper/cloth to wrap around the foundation.
4. Using the last 2 skewers, push them through the edges of the cone at the top of the tipi. These would
be the smoke poles.
5. Tape the seam where the paper comes together from the top down to the base of the tipi. Cut out a
hole near the bottom for an entrance.
6. Place the pebbles around the tipi base to prevent the strong Wyoming winds from blowing it away.
Please send a photo of your tipi to resources@etclassics.org for inclusion in Prima.
Painting of a Crow tipi by George Catlin, public domain
Inspired by: https://projectarchaeology.org/files/shelter/Tipi%20student%20June2010.pdf

NATIVE AMERICAN
BIRD WATCHING
Four different species of ducks visited Old Man out on the water and he asked each one to dive deep to
retrieve mud, but only the smallest one, Grebe, was successful. Why is the smallest bird the most successful?
Why did Old Man ask all these birds to dive for earth? Using your school library or a computer look up the
Redhead, Pintail, Grebe and Blue Winged Teal. What attributes helped the birds dive? What else can you
find that would assist the birds in getting to the bottom of the water? What else do you find interesting
about these birds?
Public Domain
ALTERNATIVE CHARACTERS
In the National Mythology Exam version of the story, Old Man is just an old man. However, in other tellings
of the story, the main character is Old Man Coyote. Coyote is a powerful spirit in many different Native
American stories. He is seen as an intelligent spirit but also one who is constantly trying to trick people for
good and for bad. Using your school library or a computer, look for another version of the Crow Creation
Story. (There is a version of the story in American Indian Myths and Legends by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso
Ortiz on page 88.) How is Old Man Coyote acting in this version? Is he helping? See if you can find other
stories with Coyote in it. How does he in those different stories? How many different tribes can you find that
have stories about Coyote? Think about the animal coyote. How does this animal represent the Spirit
Coyote?
BONUS: Look up the scientific name of the coyote? Why is it appropriately named?

NATIVE AMERICAN
WHERE’S THE CANOE?

There are 573 Native American tribes spread among 36 states that the federal government recognizes. There are
additional tribes recognized only by state governments. Regardless of status, each tribe has its own culture and
traditions. The areas traditionally considered home to each tribe is indicated on the map. Consider what you know
about geography, weather, and animal habitats. Then determine which words in the word bank describe each tribe.
Some words may be used more than once.
CROW
POWHATAN
HOPI A
Word bank
Canoe Travois Ate fish
Tipi Mostly farming Wampum
Adobe Mostly hunting War bonnet
Kachina dolls Wigwam Ate bison
Made silver jewelry Ate deer Nomadic
Crow Powhatan Hopi
Andrea Weiskopf
Ashburn, VA Map in Public Domain
NATIVE AMERICAN
COUNTING COUP: BECOMING A CROW WAR CHIEF

The Plains Indians of North America, including the Crow, counted coup (pronounced: koo). These are four
tasks that a Crow warrior must complete to become a war chief of the Crow Nation. The different “coup” are to touch
an enemy without killing him, take an enemy’s weapon, steal an enemy horse, and lead a successful war party.
During World War II, Joe Medicine Crow served as a scout in the 103rd Infantry Division. Even on the
battlefields of Europe, he held fast to Crow traditions. Under his regulation U.S. Army uniform and helmet, Medicine
Crow wore war paint, which were two red stripes on his arms, and he carried an eagle feather, painted yellow.
Medicine Crow’s exploits in battle are legendary. In a town he rounded a corner and collided with a German
soldier. Hand-to-hand combat followed. At last Medicine Crow held the German by the throat and began to choke
him. The German soldier, who was young, screamed for his mother. After hearing the terrified shout, Medicine Crow
loosened his hold and took the young German soldier (and his rifle) prisoner, accomplishing the first and second coup.
Another time, Medicine Crow spotted German officers riding horses. Later that night, he crept into the corral
with a bridle he fashioned with rope, a skill he had learned during his childhood on the reservation. He jumped on the
best horse with a Crow war whoop and sang a Crow war song as he stole fifty horses, accomplishing the third coup.
The officers of the 103rd recognized Joe Medicine Crow’s relentless bravery and persistence. In the battle to
break through the Siegfried Line, Medicine Crow was ordered to lead a patrol of seven men. The commanding officer
told him, “if anyone can do this, it's probably you.” Medicine Crow and his men broke through the lines, navigated
around land mines and then found some abandoned dynamite. Medicine Crow seized the dynamite and charged the
German bunkers. This helped break the Siegfried Line and assisting the American advance into Germany. That meant
that Medicine Crow had accomplished the fourth coup.
When the elders of the Crow Nation discovered what Medicine Crow had accomplished in battle, they named
him a war chief of the Crow Nation. Joe Medicine Crow is an American war hero; however, his pursuit of excellence
was not confined to the battlefield. He had earned an MA in Anthropology in 1939, becoming the first member of the
Crow Nation to earn an advanced degree. He was studying for a Ph.D (which he never finished) when the United States
entered World War II. But Medicine Crow was a leading expert on the Battle of Little Bighorn and his tribe’s historian.
He authored several books and spoke at the United Nations.
Story retold by
Andrea Weiskopf
Original Story found here: https://www.nps.gov/bica/learn/historyculture/joseph-medicine-crow.htm
SUGGESTED DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is meant by counting coup?
2. What did a Crow warrior need to do in order to count coup?
3. How did Medicine Crow meet the war chief requirements?
4. How did Medicine Crow maintain his connection to his tribe even when he was on the battlefield?
5. How can you tell Medicine Crow was proud of his heritage?
6. How are ways that students can show bravery?
7. What four acts of bravery would a middle school student need to do in order to become a Middle School
Maestro?

NATIVE AMERICAN
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
The following pages contain extension activities. There is a list of Roman military honors. You may ask students to
research the honors. The list with the explanation is in the answer key. Be sure to read about the hero Diomedes
and how he “counted coup” in the Iliad, Book V lines 126-533 and 990-1001 (a free version can be found here
http://classics.mit.edu/Homer/iliad.html)
1. What acts did the Romans praise?

2. How do these crowns compare to counting coup?
3. How do we praise similar acts in the modern military?
4. What Greek or Roman, historical or mythological, would be a Crow warrior chief?
5. Discuss why Diomedes could be a Crow warrior chief.
6. Have your students discuss the Greco-Roman mythological or historical figures whom they know and
determine what four tasks would be used to “count coup” in the Greco-Roman world.
COUNTING COUP: ROMAN MILITARY AWARDS

The Romans also recognized specific acts of bravery during battle. They awarded crowns to the recipients. Research
the following types of crowns. List the material of the crown and why it would be awarded.
1. Corona obsidionalis:
2. Corona civica:
3. Corona navalis:
4. Corona muralis:
5. Corona castrensis:
6. Corona triumphalis:
7. Corona ovalis:
8. Corona oleagina:

NATIVE AMERICAN
EXTENSION ACTIVITY CHIEF PLENTY COUPS

Chief Plenty Coups (1848-1932) was the last Chief of the Crow Nation. He became chief in 1876. He encouraged the Crow to work
with the government of the United States in hopes that cooperation would preserve the Crow Nation and its traditions.
Review with students the choices faced by people who lived in lands conquered by the Romans. Should they fight? Consider the
speech of Calgacus in Tacitus, Agricola 29-38. Should they acquiesce? Consider the bequeathal of Pergamon to Rome by Attalus
II in 133 BCE.
What issues are faced by a people who are confronted by a relentless enemy who is certain to prevail? What can be gained by
fighting? What can be lost by fighting? What can be gained by acquiescence? What can be lost by acquiescence?
The following are a list of quotes from Chief Plenty Coups. What do these quotes say about his working with the United States
Government?
Encouraging Crow men to enlist in World War I

This is your chance to prove that you are warriors, just as your fathers and grandfathers were in the old days. This is a new day,
with new challenges and opportunities. You are Americans – the first Americans! Be proud of your noble heritage. Prove your
patriotism by fighting for America.
1928 Dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

I feel it is an honor to the red man that he takes part in this great event, because it shows that the thousands of Indians who fought
in the great war are appreciated by the white man. I am glad to represent all the Indians of the United States in placing on the
grave of this noble warrior this coups stick and war bonnet, every feather of which represents a deed of valor by my race. I hope
that the Great Spirit will grant that these noble warriors have not given up their lives in vain and that there will be peace to all men
hereafter. This is the Indians’ hope and prayer.
1908, to a Bureau of Indian Affairs Inspector:

These white people are my people and we treated them nice in every way…there are no people in the world more faithful than the
Crow Indian…and when there was a fight, after the battle whenever you found a little group of dead soldiers, you always found
several dead Crow Indians lying beside them…we have let lands go that were valuable and we did not realize their value, and while
we were paid for them, we realize now that the compensation was not adequate. We pity ourselves as a people yet we do not wish
to die…I have never had any grudge against the white people. I have always followed the policies of the white man, and if a person
complies with the requests of the white people uncomplainingly you have no reason to take their lands without our consent or by
force.
After visiting Mount Vernon, he decided to donate land to become a state park.
Many years ago, I stood beside the tomb of the first white Chief, George Washington, and felt glad to be there. I had heard much
about this Chief, and had noticed that no man spoke harshly of his life or deeds, and that all held his name in reverence. I was one
among many visitors at Mount Vernon that day, and yet there was no talking, no noise, because people were thinking of the great
past and the unknown future. When people think deeply they are helped, and in the silence there I sent my thought to the Great
White Chief in that other life. I spoke to him, and I believe he heard me. I said: “Great Chief, when you came into power the streams
of your country’s affairs were muddy. Your heart was strong, and your tongue spoke straight. Your people listened, and you led
them through war to the peace you loved. They remember your words even to this day, are helped and made strong by them. As
you helped your people, help me now, an Absarokee chief, to lead my people to peace. I, too, have a little country to save for my
children.” I felt then that he heard me, and I have not changed my mind. Mount Vernon is very beautiful. People travel far to see
it. I planned then to leave my house and some land around it, as a park 6 for my people. …This spot was shown me in my great
medicine-dream, and I want my people to possess it forever, just as white men own and keep the home of their great Chief, George
Washington.
Andrea Weiskopf
Ashburn, VA
Quotes found here: http://bit.ly/2BUR5fy

NATIVE AMERICAN
TEACHER’S KEYS
ORDER OF EVENTS
12 The grebe returned with mud in his foot.
9 The blue-feathered duck returned with a slender green shoot.
5 The Old Man sent the pintail duck to get land from under the water.
3 The Old Man sent the red-headed mallard to get land from under the water.
6 The ducks were worried for the pintail duck.
2 Old Man met four ducks.
1 The Old Man was lonely because there was only water.
14 The Old Man made the Apsaalooke by breathing life into the mud.
10 The Old Man sent the red-eyed grebe to get land from under the water.
8 The Old Man sent the blue-feathered duck to get land from under the water.
4 The red-headed mallard could not reach the bottom.
13 The Old Man spread the mud from east to west to make the land.
7 The pintail duck returned with nothing but saw something.
11 The other ducks were worried that the grebe had drowned.
WORD SEARCH REVIEW CROSSWORD

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

1 C R O _W_
2 M _A_ L L A R D
3 P I N _T_ A I L
4 A P S A A L O O K _E_
5 G _R_ E B E

NATIVE AMERICAN
TIPI EXTENSION QUESTIONS

1. Artemis, Trident, The leaf looks like a little trident.
2. 6-8 people. You can find the area of a circle and estimate the height of a person. 6-8 people is a
family unit, so each tipi is for a family.
3. In the winter you close everything but the smoke flaps and make a fire under the opening to warm
the tipi. In the summer you can open up the smoke flaps or even open up half the tipi to let the
wind in.
WHERE’S THE CANOE?

Crow Powhatan Hopi
Tipi canoe adobe
Travois wigwam travois
Mostly hunting mostly farming mostly farming
Ate deer ate deer ate deer
Warbonnet wampum kachina dolls
Ate bison ate fish made silver jewelry
Nomadic
WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?

They all are based on the number 4. The Crow believed a person would need to try something 4 times to
accomplish it.
COUNTING COUP: ROMAN MILITARY AWARDS

1. The Corona Obsidionalis was the highest military honor. It was given to a general who saved a besieged
Roman army. The army gathered grass, weeds, and wildflowers from the place of the siege and created a
crown for the liberating general.
2. The Corona Civica was the second highest military honor. It was awarded to a soldier who had saved the life
of another Roman soldier in battle, killed the enemy soldier, and held his ground. The crown was made of oak
and inscribed: ob civem servatum.
3. The Corona Navalis was awarded to the sailor who was first to board an enemy ship. The golden crown was
decorated with prows.
4. The Corona Muralis was awarded to the first Roman soldier to scale the wall of a besieged city. The golden
crown was decorated with turrets.
5. The Corona Castrensis was awarded to the first soldier who scaled the enemy rampart and forced his way
into the enemy's camp. The golden crown was decorated to look like the stakes of an enemy’s defensive camp
wall.
6. There were three types of Corona Triumphalis. The first, which was made of laurel leaves, was worn by a
commander during his triumph. The second type was golden and massive. Since it was too heavy to wear, it
was held over the commander’s head during triumph. The third type was also golden. This was a present from
a province to a commander.
7. The Corona Ovalis was awarded to a general for a lesser victory, such as one over pirates. This crown was
made of myrtle.
8. The Corona Oleagina was awarded to commanders and soldiers who may not have been in the battle, but
who were nevertheless instrumental in the victory. This crown was made of olive leaves.
Longer descriptions of the Corona can be found here:
http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Corona.html

E8D Underworld Teaching Module COMPLETE Packet

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AMERICAN CLASSICAL LEAGUE

TEACHING MODULES FOR THE 2018-2019

A RESOURCE FOR EXCELLENCE THROUGH CLASSICS

Other available teaching packets include the following:

Transformations – includes a variety of materials centered upon the theme of transformations in

Theseus – focuses on the myth of the Athenian hero, Theseus

Heracles Teaching Packet – focuses on the Twelve Labors of Heracles

Ancient Beginnings – includes early chronology, Prometheus, Pandora, and Deucalion

Best wishes from your Resource Editor,

Exam requirements based on the grade level of the student:

GENERAL MYTHOLOGY SECTION*

Myths and information on gods and goddesses pp.1-69

Source recommended for more advanced students:

Myths and information on gods and goddesses pp. 1-175, 196

THEMATIC SECTION: THE UNDERWORLD

d’Aulaire (1962): pages 96-113, 126-127

CROW CREATION STORY: Provided when registered for test

Subtest on the Odyssey Book 11 Fagles, Lattimore or Fitzgerald translation

Subtest on the Metamorphoses

The Underworld Module

Bones in the Skeleton (Chart and Song) ..................................................................................................... 62

Mini-Unit: Guided Tours Through the Underworld

Crow Creation Story

1 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

MATCH THE MUSES

Muses Area of Inspiration

1. _____Calliope A. Sacred Hymns

2. _____Clio B. Epic Poetry

2 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

MUSES DEPICTED IN ART

Artists show me in motion.

I carry the mask that was worn

3 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

MUSES TRADING CARDS

Melpomene Urania Thalia

Erato Euterpe Clio

Terpsichore Calliope Polyhymnia

4 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

EUROPA AND CADMUS SCRAMBLE

Zeus turns into a white bull and comes to Europa.

Zeus makes Europa queen of Crete.

Europa plays with her maidens.

Warriors grow from the dragon teeth.

Cadmus refuses to give up looking for his sister.

Dragon eats Cadmus’ men.

Europa attracts the eye of Zeus.

Cadmus founds Thebes.

Cadmus uses a stone to make the warriors attack one another.

Zeus travels across the ocean to Crete.

Europa has three sons with the king of Crete.

Cadmus follows a white cow to a field.

5 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE: A CHALKBOARD PLAYLET

colored construction paper

1. Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).

Cerberus grapes yellow musical snake

6 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE: A CHALKBOARD PLAYLET (continued)

7 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE: A CHALKBOARD PLAYLET (continued)

8 Copyright 2018 American Classical League

ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE: A CHALKBOARD PLAYLET (continued)

9 Copyright 2018 American Classical League