'The Twisted Tree': Norse mythology
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand how Burge uses Norse mythology to create a terrifying villain.
Key learning points
- Odin is a Norse god who is associated with wisdom, poetry and death.
- Odin sacrificed his eye in order to gain metaphorical sight and understanding.
- A draugr is an undead creature from Scandinavian folklore.
- A draugr is a re-animated corpse that stinks of decay and possesses superhuman strength.
- Burge uses some of the most terrifying elements of Norse mythology to create a frightening villain.
Keywords
Mythology - a collection of stories that explain the beliefs, history, and traditions of a culture, often involving gods, heroes, and magical creatures
Norse - belonging or relating to the Scandinavian countries
Draugr - an undead creature from the Norse mythology that haunts the living
Decay - to rot or decompose
Common misconception
Pupils may think all draugr are depicted in Norse mythology and in 'The Twisted Tree' in the same way.
While draugr in Norse mythology generally share traits their specific appearances can vary between stories. Rachel Burge's portrayal in 'The Twisted Tree' offers her unique interpretation, reflecting the novel's narrative and atmosphere.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to compare how draugr are depicted across different Norse myths and in contemporary literature like 'The Twisted Tree'. This exploration helps them understand how authors adapt mythological creatures while retaining key elements.
Equipment
You will need access to the text 'The Twisted Tree' by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books, 2019
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which country is 'The Twisted Tree' set?
Q2.What is being described here: 'a collection of stories that explain the beliefs, history, and traditions of a culture, often involving gods, heroes, and magical creatures'?
Q3.A big influence on the story of 'The Twisted Tree' is ...
Q4.Which of the below are reasonable synonyms of the word 'villain'?
Q5.According to Norse mythology, Odin is a famous...
Q6.In 'The Twisted Tree' which god does Martha demand to see, in order to save Stig?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is Odin the god of?
Q2.Which day of the week is associated with Odin?
Q3.Which mythical tree connects all nine realms in Norse mythology?
Q4.What is the difference between a draugr and a ghost?
Q5.Which of the following are common traits of a draugr?
Q6.How does Burge use Norse mythology to create a terrifying villain in 'The Twisted Tree'?
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': Norse mythology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Twisted Tree': Norse mythology, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'The Twisted Tree': fiction reading unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.