Discussion 2- Myths from Around the World Below is your discussion opener for this week. For each reading assignment, you must respond to the discussion opener thread (there may be more than one discu

Discussion 2- Myths from Around the World

Below is your discussion opener for this week. For each reading assignment, you must respond to the discussion opener thread (there may be more than one discussion opener to respond to on the same date) before 11:59 pmof the due date for the assignment. To respond to the discussion, click reply. In order to receive credit for your responses, you must post them on or before the designated due date(s) and time AND you must meet the minimum length for your initial response. In your initial response, you must respond to the question(s) I pose. You will not receive credit for off-topic entries.

Your initial response to each thread should be between 125-150 words total, addressing the discussion question(s) and citing specific passages from the reading as evidence for your points. Initial response is due before 11:59 pm on WEDNESDAY.

You should then compose at least 2 follow-up responses to other students' postings in each thread. Your follow-up responses to your classmates should consist of more than “I agree” or any version of “I agree.” Add something substantial to the conversation; do not simply parrot your classmates’ responses. Follow-up responses are due before 11:59 pm on Sunday. You should also respond to any follow-up questions directed at you by the instructor or fellow classmates. I suggest you compose your response in your word processing program, proofread it, save it, and then cut and paste it into the discussion board message. You will be graded on your participation in the discussion forum each week.

NOTE: You will not be able to see your classmates' posts until after you have posted your initial response.

Discussion 2 - Myths from Around the World

Discover different cultures and people around the world by exploring their myths!  Myths are stories that are based on tradition and help us interpret the nature of culture, society, and what it means to be human. Some may have factual origins, while others are completely fictional. Myths are as relevant to us today as they were to the ancients. The subjects of myths reflect the universal concerns of mankind throughout history: birth, death, the afterlife, the origin of man and the world, good and evil and the nature of man himself. They ensure that people of a culture can connect themselves to their ancient roots, and find meaning and joy in their way of life.

Mythology typically deal with gods but more often with supernatural beings, gods, demigods, and the explanation of natural phenomenon.

Folklore/legends usually makes little reference to gods or goddesses but may have a (non-divine) supernatural element to them.

Fairy tales generally have some sort of fantastic element, and might feature magic, imaginary creatures, and often a conflict between sides that are clearly good and evil.

All three types of stories have something of the fantastic and the unbelievable in them; the difference is in the content, where it comes from, and whether or not it has some sort of historic basis.

Discussion 2 -  Myths from Around the World

1. Describe one of your favorite mythic stories, modern or old. It can be from a fantasy book, ancient myth, or a fairy tale. In which culture does the story originate?
2. Then write what happens (the hero and/or heroine, the problem, and the solution or goal), who the main people in it are, where it happens, when, how, and why you think it happens (what do you think might be its purpose or results among people).
3. Explain why it has special meaning to you.
4. Respond to two of your classmates’ posts.

Example – Cinderella  - (Most of you are familiar with this story.)

Culture:  France/Europe (Author-Charles Perrault) There are variants of the story in many different cultures.

Genre:  Fairytale

Theme/Plot: (What/How)  Cinderella was an innocence young girl who was mistreated by her stepmother and older stepsisters.  She …. (summarize the story).

Main Character(s):  (Who) Cinderella (Heroine)

Time:  (When) Once Upon a Time

Place:  (Where) Cinderella’s house, Castle

Idea/Lesson: (Purpose) The right person will recognize our worth no matter how bad the circumstances we live in. Being good and kind will not only be recognized but also rewarded. Patience! Forgiveness!

Special:  This was my favorite book as a child.  I remember looking at the beautiful pictures of Cinderella and wishing I could be like her one day.