Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a greater understanding of literary structures. Students will create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc of a selected myth. In this activity, students will choose, or teachers will assign, a Norse myth to create a plot diagram for. Students should identify major turning points in the myth such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Norse Myth Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Odin and Frigg had twin sons, Balder and Hod. Balder, who was the god of summer, sunlight, and forgiveness, was popular and well loved. Hod, on the other hand, had a much darker presence. Blind and the god of winter and warriors, he was quiet and not well known.
Conflict: Loki, the god of trickery, deceit, and shape-shifting, was envious of the attention that Balder received; he wanted him dead. Meanwhile, Balder was having dark and scary dreams about his pending death.
Rising Action: To protect her son, Frigg sent her servants to roam the earth, asking all things, both living and not living, to promise not to harm Balder. The mistletoe, which was too far out of reach, was the only thing they did not promise. Frigg told an old woman, who was really Loki in disguise, of her plan to keep her son safe.
Climax: At a party of the gods, the young gods took turns throwing things at Balder, and nothing ever touched him. When it was Hod's turn, the arrow that he threw, which was really the mistletoe that Loki had disguised, hit Balder in the heart and killed him.
Falling Action: When they tried to push Balder's funeral ship out to sea, it was too heavy. They also tried to beg the underworld for his release, but he was denied when one stubborn giant named Pokk would not agree to weep for him.
Resolution: While trying once again to push the boat, a giantess watching from the hill rode down on a wolf and helped push Balder's boat out to sea.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram for a Norse myth.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Click “Save and Exit” to submit your storyboard.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Creating a plot diagram not only helps students learn the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop a greater understanding of literary structures. Students will create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc of a selected myth. In this activity, students will choose, or teachers will assign, a Norse myth to create a plot diagram for. Students should identify major turning points in the myth such as the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Norse Myth Plot Diagram Example
Exposition: Odin and Frigg had twin sons, Balder and Hod. Balder, who was the god of summer, sunlight, and forgiveness, was popular and well loved. Hod, on the other hand, had a much darker presence. Blind and the god of winter and warriors, he was quiet and not well known.
Conflict: Loki, the god of trickery, deceit, and shape-shifting, was envious of the attention that Balder received; he wanted him dead. Meanwhile, Balder was having dark and scary dreams about his pending death.
Rising Action: To protect her son, Frigg sent her servants to roam the earth, asking all things, both living and not living, to promise not to harm Balder. The mistletoe, which was too far out of reach, was the only thing they did not promise. Frigg told an old woman, who was really Loki in disguise, of her plan to keep her son safe.
Climax: At a party of the gods, the young gods took turns throwing things at Balder, and nothing ever touched him. When it was Hod's turn, the arrow that he threw, which was really the mistletoe that Loki had disguised, hit Balder in the heart and killed him.
Falling Action: When they tried to push Balder's funeral ship out to sea, it was too heavy. They also tried to beg the underworld for his release, but he was denied when one stubborn giant named Pokk would not agree to weep for him.
Resolution: While trying once again to push the boat, a giantess watching from the hill rode down on a wolf and helped push Balder's boat out to sea.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a visual plot diagram for a Norse myth.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Separate the story into the Title, Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short description of each of the examples in the plot diagram.
- Click “Save and Exit” to submit your storyboard.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Cells include images that help to tell the story and do not get in the way of understanding. Descriptions match the images. | Descriptions do not always match the images. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Plot | Each of the six cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | Two cells or fewer are out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or three or more cells are out of order. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Summary of a Norse Myth
Organize a Norse myth summary using a graphic organizer
Visual aids like graphic organizers help students see story structure and main events at a glance, making myths easier to analyze and discuss.
Select a Norse myth appropriate for your class level
Choose a myth that matches your students’ reading abilities and interests. Shorter stories with clear plot points work well for grades 2–8.
Guide students to fill in each plot diagram section
Model how to identify key events for Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. Think aloud as you fill in a sample diagram together.
Encourage creative visuals for each plot point
Invite students to draw, collage, or digitally create images that represent each part of the myth. Creativity helps with memory and engagement.
Facilitate partner or small group sharing
Have students explain their diagrams to peers. Discussion deepens understanding and builds communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Summary of a Norse Myth
What is a plot diagram and how do you use it for Norse myths?
A plot diagram is a visual tool that helps outline the main events of a story, including Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. To use it for Norse myths, break down the myth into these key parts and summarize each with images or short descriptions to highlight major turning points.
How can students create a plot diagram for a Norse myth in the classroom?
Students can create a plot diagram by choosing a Norse myth, identifying the crucial events for each plot stage, and illustrating or describing these moments. Teachers may assign myths or let students pick, then guide them to use a storyboard or graphic organizer for their summaries.
What are the main parts of a Norse myth plot diagram?
The main parts are Exposition (introduction of characters and setting), Conflict, Rising Action, Climax (the turning point), Falling Action, and Resolution (the story's end). Each stage highlights a key moment in the myth.
Why is using a plot diagram helpful for teaching Norse mythology?
Plot diagrams help students visualize story structure, remember major events, and understand how the narrative unfolds. They make Norse myths more accessible and engaging, supporting comprehension and critical thinking.
What are some tips for making a quick and easy Norse myth plot diagram?
Start by reading or listening to the myth, jot down key events, and use simple drawings or bullet points for each stage of the plot. Focus on major turning points and keep descriptions short for a fast, effective diagram.
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