Inspired by: Greek Myths - Week 4

Focusing on the legendary figure of Heracles from Greek mythology, this educational activity encourages students to delve into the concept of heroism both in ancient tales and in the modern world. The lesson begins with reading about The Twelve Tasks of Heracles, prompting students to consider what makes Heracles a mythical character and what qualities define a hero. They are tasked with identifying the heroic traits Heracles embodies and then researching and comparing these to real-life heroes of today. The objective is to understand what it takes to be considered a hero across different eras.

Students are then asked to create a presentation that outlines Heracles' heroic characteristics, culminating in the nomination of a modern-day individual who exemplifies similar qualities. The lesson also includes an exploration of language, specifically phrases derived from Greek mythology that have made their way into contemporary English. Through the phrase "This activity shouldn't be a Herculean task," students are invited to define 'Herculean' and craft new sentences using the term. They will also discover other Greek-origin phrases like 'Augean stables' and 'hydra-headed problem', understanding their metaphorical uses and the rich linguistic legacy of Greek myths.