Mythic Chronicles Handout
Student Name:
Date:
Mythic Chronicles
Essential Greek Myths: Volume I
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1. Pandora's Box
Origins
Zeus sought revenge on humanity and ordered the creation of Pandora, the first woman. She was given a mysterious jar and told never to open it. Driven by curiosity, Pandora lifted the lid, releasing all the world's evils—sickness, death, and strife. She slammed the lid shut, catching only Hope inside to comfort mankind.
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2. King Midas
Greed
Midas was granted a wish by Dionysus: that everything he touched would turn to gold. At first delighted, he soon realized his mistake when his food, water, and eventually his own daughter turned into solid gold. Realizing that wealth is worthless without life, he begged to be relieved of the curse, washing it away in the River Pactolus.
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3. Perseus & Medusa
Bravery
Perseus was sent to bring back the head of Medusa, whose gaze turned men to stone. Guided by Hermes and Athena, he used a mirrored shield to see her reflection. He beheaded her while she slept, later using her head to save Princess Andromeda from a sea monster and defeat his enemies.
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4. The Flight of Icarus
Hubris
Inventor Daedalus built wings of feathers and wax for himself and his son, Icarus, to escape Crete. He warned Icarus not to fly too high, or the sun would melt the wax. Overcome by the thrill of flight, Icarus soared too high; his wings melted, and he fell into the sea. This myth warns against excessive pride.
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5. Theseus & The Minotaur
Strategy
Theseus volunteered to enter the Labyrinth to slay the half-bull Minotaur. Princess Ariadne gave him a ball of string to mark his path. Theseus defeated the monster and used the string to find his way out of the maze.
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Mythic Chronicles
Essential Greek Myths: Volume II
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6. Heracles' Labors
Fortitude
Heracles was sentenced to twelve labors. In his second labor, he faced the Hydra, a serpent whose heads grew back two-fold when cut. With help, he burned the stumps to prevent regrowth and buried the final immortal head under a massive rock.
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7. Orpheus & Eurydice
Trust
Orpheus descended into the Underworld to bring back his wife, Eurydice. Hades agreed, provided Orpheus didn't look back until they reached the surface. At the very last moment, doubt seized him; he looked back, and Eurydice vanished forever.
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8. Prometheus & Fire
Sacrifice
Titan Prometheus loved humanity and stole fire from Olympus to give to them. Fire allowed for civilization to flourish. Zeus punished him by chaining him to a rock where an eagle ate his liver daily, until he was eventually freed by Heracles.
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9. Odysseus & The Cyclops
Cunning
Trapped by the Cyclops Polyphemus, Odysseus claimed his name was "Nobody." After blinding the giant, he and his men escaped by hiding under sheep. When the giant cried out that "Nobody" was hurting him, his brothers ignored his calls for help.
Think Like a Mythologist
These stories have survived for millennia. As you read, notice how each myth attempts to explain a natural phenomenon, a human emotion, or a moral lesson.
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Mythic Matchup Worksheet
Mythic Matchup
Testing your knowledge of the legends.
Student:
Date:
Part I: Heroic Deeds
Identify the character who performed each legendary feat.
Used a ball of string to navigate the Labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur.
Stole fire from Mount Olympus to give to humanity.
Slew the Hydra by cauterizing its necks with the help of Iolaus.
Used a mirrored shield to safely approach and behead Medusa.
Escaped a Cyclops' cave by claiming his name was "Nobody."
Part II: Thematic Warnings
Match the myth to the primary lesson or warning it teaches.
A
Greed leads to losing what you truly value.
B
Pride and ignoring wise advice can lead to a fall.
C
Trust is fragile; looking back can cost you everything.
Part III: Mythic Reflection
Choose one of the nine myths. Why do you think people still tell this story today? What does it teach us about the human experience?
