Through the process of creating my myth I came to realize that a myth is more like a collective story that reflects themes and contemporary desires of the people of the time period and place the myth originated from. Many myths that we read in our textbook were a combination of various oral traditions from cultures within the same general geographic area. Through people migrating and travelling and changes occurring to these oral traditions they became representative of said cultures. Many myths have similar elements, like human struggles, supernatural powers, and gods. But one thing that I believe is central to all myths is a main theme or concept that teaches people a valuable lesson. Even the most convoluted and confusing of myths contain such a concept and it is for this reason that having students create their own myth is a great teaching activity. Students can explore their own creativity but still keep their myth narrative within the bounds of what is a myth. This can help them learn some narrative structure and rules, as well as explore some themes and fantasy elements that may interest them.
I was very happy with how this assignment turned out. The myth I created was a story that I had in my head for many years since I was a teenager. The concepts were floating around my brain for some time but to actually put it onto paper and flesh out the story and main character were things I had wanted for some time. Although my myth does not delve into the supernatural elements that many myths have I reckoned it closer to the battle of Troy from the Illiad. Where it is a predominantly human based drama that unfolds on a grand scale, but in the end refines itself down to an emotional story set between only a few central characters.
One thing you said that stood out to me was, “Through people migrating and travelling and changes occurring to these oral traditions they became representative of said cultures.” I find it interesting that even though we now live in a basically global society thanks to the internet, people still maintain these different cultural artifacts, like myth. With so many people traveling back and forth, one might think that the tales would get mixed together, but they have remained relatively the same for sometimes hundreds of years. On the other hand, there are elements to all of these myths that are similar, even though they have remained relatively intact and reflective of a single culture. This tells me that whether different cultures mingle or not, humans all have relatively similar desires, beliefs, and dreams.
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ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that “students can explore their own creativity but still keep their myth narrative within the bounds of what is a myth”. I think creating a myth is all about expressing your own thoughts and ideas, yet still keeping that content of what is a myth. What makes it more interesting is that students are using their own ideas, just like you did, and turning that into a myth. And within those ideas, there are always a lesson to learn. Just like you said, even though many myths have similar elements, whether it is religious aspect or supernatural powers, the common goal is that it gives people a valuable lesson. Regardless of what aspect the myth presents, there is always a lesson that people can apply to their daily lives. And I believe that lesson can be learned, whether it is from teaching myth or creating your own myth. I also believe that myth does not always have to contain supernatural elements, although that is what most existing myths have, it should really be about being creative with your own ideas and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your strong talking points involving creativity in the classroom. I felt that creativity is the easiest way to making learning fun, and inviting a classroom to get involved in myth-making is something that is not just creative, but also cathartic with a strong learning objective. It teaches students how to analyze stories and structure, how to relay and interpret multiple messages, and asks for strong feedback on opinions in a respectful way. Everyone can bring something creative to the table, as you mentioned with your own personal account of having a story already made in your head from the time you were a teenager. This myth lesson was not only engaging, but in many ways, also invigorating and even dare I say exciting to do even at a collegiate level. I can only imagine students at a secondary level able to comprehend such texts and ancient cultures and putting their own unique spin on the matter when it’s time for them to take control of the creative process.
ReplyDeleteI agree I think that myths express stories that have thematic elements. I think that they are a great activity or assignment to use within a classroom because they allow students to implement the elements of myths that they have studied. In regards to having the idea in your head, I mean for me mine was so much fun to create because the idea just popped into my head and I just ran with it. It was so much fun to just put all my thoughts and ideas on paper and run with it. I'm not the most creative when it comes to writing stories but it was so much fun and I think this type of activity allows students to get creative and enjoy what they are writing about. At least for me, this was a fun assignment, and using it in a classroom would be a great tool to get students to think critically, creatively, and ultimately have fun. Ultimately I think that having students create their own myths forces them to use the themes and elements from the myths they have studied which gives their own myths structure to some degree.
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