A Greek myth explains the ancient Greek culture's beliefs and customs; they usually involve gods and supernatural creatures.

A Pantheon is the collective term for all the gods and goddesses recognised and worshipped within a particular religious tradition.

Nymphs are female spirits in Greek mythology; they are often associated with nature.

Tartaros served as a place of punishment in Greek mythology; it also acted as a prison for Titans and other powerful beings.

Characterisation is the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.

Engaging with the myth 'The Birth of Zeus'

English

In 'A Journey through Greek Myths: reading’, pupils discussed the key features of a traditional myth and read and explored a range of well-known examples. In ’Arthur and the Golden Rope: reading’, children will extend their understanding of myths by reading and exploring a modern myth.

In 'Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx: book club’, pupils discussed the key features of a modern myth. In ’A Journey through Greek Myths: reading’, pupils will examine and discuss the features of a traditional myth.

In this unit, pupils read and explore 'A Journey through Greek Myths'. They will develop their understanding of the features of Greek myths and read and discuss three different stories. Finally, pupils will compare myths and discuss themes.

'A Journey through Greek Myths': reading

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

explains the ancient Greek culture's beliefs and customs

the collective term for all the gods and goddesses

female spirits in Greek mythology, associated with nature

the way an author describes and develops a character

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

True or False? Cronus cared for all of his children he had with Rhea.

Cronus was worried he would lose his power and control

Rhea hides her son, and asks the bee nymphs for support

Match the possible characterisation to the character’s action in the text.

Cronus swallows five of his children he had with Rhea.

Rhea protects the sixth child by hiding in a cave on the island of Crete.

Rhea hears Cronus approaching the cave. She breaks off a rock and disguises it.

Cronus eats the rock, believing it to be his son.

Zeus grows up living with the bee-nymphs before getting support from Metis.

Order the following events from page 20 and 21 into chronological order.

Cronus drinks the potion. He throws up Zeus' five brothers and sisters.

Cronus is angered and declares war on his children.

Zeus strikes down the guard, Kampe, and the Cyclopes help Zeus win.

Order the following events from page 22 and 23 into chronological order.

Which characters are portrayed in the illustration below?

two serpents - Little Serpent and Night Serpent

two eagles - Little Eagle and Night Eagle

Who are the narrators of 'A Journey Through Greek Myths'?

Which characters have we encountered in the text so far?

epic battles, usually containing heroes and mythical creatures

Which of the following are features expected in a traditional myth?

beings that represented the natural elements

powerful gods, the offspring of Gaia and Ouranos

mythical creatures with aspects from different animals

Which is a suitable definition of the Titans?

True or False? The ancient Greeks were certain about how the world was created.

‘A Journey Through Greek Myths’ is set in Ancient Greece. Where is Greece situated?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Engaging with the myth 'The Birth of Zeus'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.