FABLES, MYTHS AND EPICS

o Define fables, parables and proverbs.o Distinguish the difference between them.o You will learn about different fable

collections.o Know why to use fableso Define mythso Learn how myths evolvedo Types of mythso Why to use them with children and what

versions to useo Define epics and their characteristicso Examples of epicso Why to use traditional lit. with childreno Benefits of its exposureo How to incorporate their use in class

I. FABLES, PARABLES AND PROVERBS:

Proverbs: are simple and concrete sayings popularly known and repeated, which express a truth.

Parables: are allegorical stories that teach a basic truth or religious principle.

Fables: are short tales that use animals or inanimate objects to teach morals and ethics to people.

Embody universal truths in a brief form.

Highly intellectual exercises.

Aim to teach a moral lesson.

A proverb tells no story but only presents a bit of wisdom.

A fable’s characters are animals while parables’ characters are humans.

Similarities Differences:

FABLE COLLECTIONS:

1. Aesop’s fables:

• is a collection of fables credited to Aesop, a slave and story-teller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 560 BC.

• He praises peasant virtues such as discretion, prudence, moderation and forethought.

2. The Panchatantra and the Jatakas:

The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian inter-related collection of animal fables in verse and prose.

It is for young adults rather than children.

The Jatakas are stories that tell about the previous lives of the Buddha, in both human and animal form.

Few of them are suitable for children.

3. The fables of La Fontaine:

Written in verses and prose by the skilled poet La Fontaine.

Animal characters.

Points to a moral.

WHY USE FABLES WITH CHILDREN?

Children are fascinated by animals.

More entertaining.

Teaches them lessons without preaching.

II. MYTHS: It is a story with a purpose.

Try to explain the vital outlines of existence through symbolism. Ex: cosmic phenomena.

Try to simplify painful realities( disease, death…)

Are irrational.

Main characters are gods and goddesses.

A. EVOLUTION OF MYTHS:Give body to forces in the universe which surpassed humanity in beauty and wisdom.

The gods they imagined were brothers and sisters with supernatural powers.

A god’s power turned to a symbolic figure or a moral attribute.

Formation of temples and rituals of worship.

B. TYPES OF MYTHS:

Pourquoi tales

Nature Myths

Afterlife Myths

Prestige Myths

C. SOURCES OF MYTHOLOGIES:

1. Greek myths: written by the poet Hesiod who was told by the Muses to write them.

2. Roman myths: which are written by the poet Ovid. It included tales of transformations ex. Humans to gods or Caesar into a star.

3. Norse myths: first written down in Iceland. Well known collections include poetic Edda and prose Edda.

D. WHY USE MYTHS WITH CHILDREN?

Enchanting. Provoke their imagination. FUN.

E. WHAT VERSIONS OF MYTHS TO USE?

6 to 7 year-olds should read shallow versions of the stories.

9 to 14 year-olds can enjoy the rich versions. Adaptations should be simple and

comprehensible without sacrificing their richness.

a. The Heroes by Charles Kingsley.b. Mythology by Edith Hamilton.c. Children of Odin by Padraic Colum.

III. EPICS: DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS.

Definition: They are tales of humans fighting the gods and accomplishing memorable feats.

Characteristics: Written inverse or prose.

The hero is a human not a god.

Characters embody moral attributes and qualities.(courage, chivalry, justice..)

Epics:

The Iliad and the Odyssey.(courage)

Robin Hood (justice and manhood)

King Arthur(chivalry, loyalty..)

IV. WHY USE TRADITIONAL LITERATURE WITH CHILDREN: Entertaining

Rich heritage of a story

Introduction to other cultures

Kindles imagination

Provides moral models( good and evil)

V. BENEFITS OF EXPOSURE TO TRADITIONAL LITERATURE: Increased awareness of the literary options

available.

Relate experiences in fantasy worlds to human conditions.

Ability to encounter historical and folk heroes from a particular culture.

Can observe the consequences of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

VI. HOW TO INCORPORATE THE USE OF MYTHS OR EPICS IN CLASS:

1. Photocopy the selected myth for the ss.2. Work in pairs or groups.3. Use question cards including different

language arts domains.4. Take scores to boost competition.5. Do speaking activities through acting

exercises.6. Retell a myth as a listening activity.7. Introduce a grammar lesson and solve

activities.8. Describe a character as a writing activity.

EXTRA:

Start a book club or English club at school. Use library classes. Use theatre classes. Use art classes.