Greek Myths and Heroes
Retell at least one Greek myth involving a hero and a monster — such as Theseus and the Minotaur in the labyrinth, Heracles (Hercules) and the lion, or Perseus and Medusa — and understand that these were stories ancient Greeks told to explain the world and teach lessons
What a learner can do afterwards
- Retell a Greek myth naming the hero, the monster, and what happened
- Explain that myths were stories the ancient Greeks told to make sense of the world
- Describe what made a Greek hero brave or clever in the story
The lesson
Long ago, Greeks told special stories called myths. Myths were not true, but people loved them. Myths helped explain things, like storms or the stars. Myths also taught lessons about being brave.
In one myth, a hero named Theseus fought a monster. The monster was called the Minotaur. It had a bull's head and a man's body. The Minotaur lived in a maze called a labyrinth. Theseus went inside to find it. He held a string so he could find his way back. Theseus fought hard and beat the Minotaur. Then he followed his string back outside.
Many Greek myths tell about a hero and a monster. Heracles once fought a lion that no sword could hurt. Perseus fought Medusa, a monster with snakes for hair.
A Greek hero was brave enough to face a monster. A hero was also clever, like Theseus with his string. Being brave and smart both matter in these stories.
Myths, like Theseus and the Minotaur, explained the world and taught bravery.
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Where this leads
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8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.