Myths and Legends

Synopsis

Inspire your teaching with Key Stage 3 English Anthology: Myths and Legends, a themed anthology for Year 7.

Featuring myths such as The Odyssey and legends such as King Arthur, this Anthology guides students through fiction, non-fiction and poetry, encouraging them to connect with a variety of texts to gain a thorough understanding of the context and literary techniques underpinning each piece.

Each extract is supported by Teaching and Learning Resources, including quizzes, lesson plans and PowerPoint slides to help you implement the content of the book.

Each extract includes:
- A context panel to provide key information to set the scene of each myth
- Glossaries and annotations to help students work through each extract confidently
- Look closer: key questions for students to consider as they work through the extracts
- Now try this: writing and speaking activities to encourage students to get creative and actively engage with the text
- Fast finisher tasks to support students who race ahead
- A practice question to familiarise students with the command words they will see at GCSE

Summary

Chapter 1: The Creation of the World

This chapter explores various myths and legends surrounding the origins of the universe, including:

* Maori (New Zealand): The story of the separation of Sky Father and Earth Mother, creating light and darkness.
* Greek: The myth of Gaia and Uranus, and the Titans and Olympians who came after them.
* Egyptian: The myth of Amun-Ra, who created the world through his own will and words.
* Hindu: The story of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who form the Hindu trinity and play roles in the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe.

Chapter 2: Heroes and Legends

This chapter focuses on stories of legendary heroes who faced great challenges and adventures:

* Gilgamesh (Mesopotamia): A demigod who embarked on a quest for immortality.
* Heracles (Greek): Known for his twelve labors, including slaying the Nemean Lion and capturing the Golden Hind of Artemis.
* Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon): A hero who fought the monster Grendel and his mother.
* King Arthur (British): The legendary ruler who pulled the sword Excalibur from the stone and established the Knights of the Round Table.

Chapter 3: Gods and Goddesses

This chapter examines the beliefs and worship of various deities in different cultures:

* Zeus (Greek): The king of the gods, known for his thunderbolts and amorous adventures.
* Athena (Greek): The goddess of wisdom and war, born from the head of Zeus.
* Aphrodite (Greek): The goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
* Osiris (Egyptian): The god of the underworld and resurrection, associated with the natural cycle of death and rebirth.

Chapter 4: Monsters and Creatures

This chapter investigates the myths and folklore surrounding legendary monsters and creatures:

* Kraken (Norse): A giant sea monster capable of destroying entire ships.
* Siren (Greek): Beautiful but deadly creatures with hypnotic voices that lured sailors to their doom.
* Phoenix (Egyptian): A mythical bird that symbolized rebirth and renewal, rising from its own ashes.
* Loch Ness Monster (Scottish): A mysterious creature said to inhabit Loch Ness, a large lake in Scotland.

Chapter 5: The Underworld and Afterlife

This chapter explores beliefs about the afterlife and the underworld in different cultures:

* Hades (Greek): The god of the underworld, where the souls of the dead resided.
* Walhalla (Norse): A celestial hall where warriors who died in battle were rewarded with eternal glory.
* Xibalba (Mayan): The Mayan underworld, believed to be a dark and dangerous place filled with demons and trials.
* Heaven and Hell (Christian): The Christian concept of an eternal paradise for the righteous and a place of punishment for the wicked.