Even though I’ve always enjoyed learning new myths, creating my own myth was an interesting experience. Normally when I study a myth, I simply sit down, read it, and then think about what I have read. I also really enjoyed the mythology presentations that we had in class. Not only were the presentations informative, they were also quite enjoyable. Yet, when it comes to the study of mythology, I always feel like an outside observer. After all, it feels like I am peering through a window and seeing someone else’s work unfold before my eyes. I guess I can almost describe it like when I go to see a movie. Yes, I enjoy what I am seeing and I usually learn something, but I always feel like I’m simply a spectator. Well, that was no longer the case when it came to creating my own myth. I felt as if though an unseen hand picked me up and tossed me into a director’s chair. Suddenly I was in complete control of what took place in my myth. How exciting!
This isn’t the first time that I’ve been assigned to write a myth since I had the exact same assignment in the eighth grade. Even back then I remember that I was really excited and that I couldn’t wait to get home and write my own myth. Sure reading Greek mythology was fun, but creating my own myth was even more fun. After all, it gave me the chance to look at something in the world and come up with my own explanation for its existence. Then again, that’s probably the same thing that ancient people did when they came up with different myths. Even though the assignment was fun, I suddenly came to realize that a lot of thought and creativity goes into creating a myth. I guess it really made me appreciate the complexity of the myths more than ever.
I felt that this assignment was a lot of fun and I would really love to share it with my future students. Even though I’m sure that many students would enjoy studying mythology, others might not be too thrilled. They too might feel like outside passive observers when reading a myth. Perhaps by letting students come up with their own myth , it would give them a chance to be in control and show off their creativity.
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Hey Cindy!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the way you felt about myths before creating your own. It does feel like when you go to watch a movie, just feeling like a spectator and now really becoming involved with the movie (or in this case myth). I also agree that it is more fun to take what you have learned from other myths and applying those types of elements into your very own, unique myth. I also agree that not all students will be interested in mythology; however, they will probably have fun creating their own myths based on the types of myths discussed in class. I believe that using both activities (learning about myths and creating your own) is a great way to reach most or all of your students, instead of just relying on one exercise and only grabbing the attention of a certain group of students. Teaching the fundamentals before getting creative with mythology is a great way to introduce mythology to your students.
Hello Ms Cindy!
ReplyDeleteSo i really loved your analogy about how reading someone elses myth is like peering through a window and seeing their lives unfold! I know that creating the myth was tedious but i agree that it was fun because you have control over your own work. I think it is true that when you do read myths from other people that you just read it and accept it and you can't really do anything about it. Yet, when you create a myth it is much more enjoyable! I also completely agree with you about some of the students not being thrilled with the idea of studying myths. I think that actually getting them involved is a great way to keep them entertained and they actually might learn something!
Hey Cindy,
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with most everything you say in regards to the construction of a myth.
Cindy could totally relate with the feeling of jumping into new uncharted waters by creating our own myths. Again kudos for your myth it was real cool!! Yeah Like yours truly, as far as the presentations, I enjoyed both forms of learning myth. In addition, I also liked the other presentations outside of my own, you’re right, they were really enjoyable to listen to and nicely presented. They were really well done; totally and completely agree with you on that.
In response to your response, I liked how you were able to transcribe your experience into that of a director working a movie or myth script wish I had your level of enthusiasm and vision that is kind of cool. Also jealous, that you’ve had experience of prior construction of a myth but I guess the rest of us have got to learn and play catch-up. Lastly, totally thought it was lot’s of fun in addition to being a very complex and imaginative task.
Like your response,
Hi Cindy!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your myth! It sounds like you really enjoy the creative experience. I agree with you that students would benefit from the control that goes into creating a myth.