Name that God/Goddess!
RBHS Main / Mancoff Main / Freshman Main


Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Conclusion

Introduction:
 

As you begin studying world mythology, it can get confusing telling apart all those gods, goddesses, demi-gods, heroes, and monsters!  While we'll be looking at much more than classic Greco-Roman mythology, it will serve as a good starting point to start to get a feel for what makes a "god" a "god".

Task:

    At the beginning of class, you'll be given the name of a major Greek/Roman god/goddess.  Conduct research to find out the basic "facts" of their mythological life.  Then, once you've learned a little about your chosen deity, write an answer to a mortal's "prayer" in the voice of that god or goddess.

Process:

1.    Choose a god/goddess from Mr. Mancoff's grabbag.

2.    Use the resources below to research your deity.

3.    Write a SHORT research report that includes:

  • What your deity controls/has power over.
  • Symbols/animals associated with your deity.
  • Popular stories told about your deity.
  • How your deity connects with the whole pantheon.
  • How your deity was "born" or created.
  • Details about the personality of your deity.
4.    Your final report should:
  • Be clearly organized (5 paragraph minimum).
  • Include a bibliography of sources at the end.
  • Use at least two different sources.
  • Do more than tell one story about your deity.
  • As always, be clearly edited!
5.    When this is finished, read the following "prayer":
 
"O blessed <insert your god's name here>, I beg you for your attention!  I am the humble farmer Whinius Complanus and I am in terrible trouble.  My crops have all dried up and my farm will soon fail.  I believe it to be the work of the horrible enchantress, Nosia Busybodia, who 
lives next door to me.  She is angry because I will not allow my beautiful daughter Chrysanthemum to marry her ugly son Klatus.  Now my crops are sickening and my cattle are diseased.  Please help me!  I offer you the finest bottle of wine that I have remaining in my cellar.  It is all I have left in this world!  Help me, most magnificent <insert your god's name here>!"

6.    Write a 1/2-1 page response to the prayer that:

  • Is in the "voice" of your god or goddess.
  • Truly reflects the history/personality of your deity.
  • Is clearly paragraphed and edited.

Resources:

Conclusion:

    Now that you have learned a little about an individual god or goddess, you have a better handle on what makes these mythological beings unique.  Also, by writing in their "voice", you have cemented the connection that traditional polytheistic gods are anthropomorphic, or generally human in form and personality.