Inspired by: How to Live Forever - Week 4

In a captivating journey through Chinese mythology, students are introduced to the rich tapestry of ancient stories that form an integral part of China's cultural heritage. The narrative follows the character Peter, who is on a quest to understand the secret of eternal life. His adventure leads him to encounter four mystical Chinese figures who are not statues as he first assumes, but living embodiments of ancient wisdom. They invite Peter into a world contained within an old, treasure-filled book. Amongst the artefacts, an egg is presented to Peter, symbolising the beginning of a profound lesson in Chinese creation myths, starting with the tale of Pan Ku.

The students are then encouraged to engage with the myth of Pan Ku, a story that explains the origins of the universe from a state of chaos, resembling an egg, to the birth of the world as we know it, with the assistance of four mythical creatures. The narrative details how Pan Ku's body gave rise to the sun, moon, rivers, and even humanity itself. This creation story, like many others across different cultures, reflects on the universal human quest to comprehend the forces of creation and the balance of opposites, such as yin and yang. The students are prompted to participate in discussions about various creation myths, examining common themes and personal beliefs. Additionally, they explore the Chinese myth further by recreating the story of Pan Ku in their own words, utilising literary devices like similes, metaphors, and alliteration to enrich their retelling and deepen their understanding of this ancient culture.