Recurring Themes Across Explanation Myths

Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify themes that pop up in multiple Greek myths, and support their choices with details from the text.

Themes to Look For and Discuss

Transformation

• Apollo chased after the nymph Daphne, but she did not love him. Artemis turned her into a tree so Apollo could not have her. Daphne became the laurel tree, whose leaves are still used today for Olympic crowns and represent victory.

• Arachne boasted about her weaving abilities, saying she was greater than even Athena. After losing in a weaving contest to make a beautiful tapestry, Athena turned her into a spider. Spiders are great weavers of webs.

• After being rejected by Narcissus, Echo prayed to the gods. Artemis caused Narcissus to fall in love with his own reflection and ignored all else. At his death by another spurned lover, Narcissus became a flower that turned down to water, always gazing at its own face.

Additional themes include

• Jealousy
• Boastfulness
• Anger/Retribution
• Temptation
• Natural Forces by Divine Will

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard depicting important themes in Greek Mythology

1. Use the template provided by your teacher.
2. Identify important themes.
3. Describe how the theme is important to the story.
4. Illustrate each example with appropriate images, scenes, characters, and items.