Quick viewing(Text Mode)

3274 Myths and Legends of Ancient Rome

3274 Myths and Legends of Ancient Rome

AND LEGENDS OF ANCIENT

CFE 3274V

OPEN CAPTIONED UNITED LEARNING INC. 1996 Grade Levels: 6-10 20 minutes 1 Instructional Graphic Enclosed DESCRIPTION Explores the legend of and Remus, twin boys who founded Rome on seven hills. Briefly relates how , son of , used his shield as a mirror to safely slay , a monster who turned anyone who looked on her to stone. Recounts the story of and , a story of broken promises and forgiveness. Each legend ends with discussion questions. Animated. INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS · To depict three Roman myths. · To enhance a unit on . · To show how the Romans explained natural phenomena and human behavior. · To show that human nature remains the same throughout the ages. BEFORE SHOWING 1. Read the CAPTION SCRIPT to determine unfamiliar vocabulary and language concepts. 2. Discuss the concept of myths: a. As a way of explaining and rationalizing natural phenomena. b. As stories of the heroic deeds and adventures of mortals with semidivine parentage. c. As stories of a large family of quarrelsome gods and . 3. Explain that the video shows three different Roman myths. a. Using a time line, explain that Roman mythology appeared after . b. Display a list of gods and goddesses and their Roman and Greek names. c. Explain there are many variations of the same myths. 4. Display a family tree of the Roman gods and goddesses.

1 a. Include pictures of monsters such as Medusa and . b. Refer to the tree as characters appear in the video. 5. On a world map, locate Rome. Briefly discuss its history, culture, and religion. Include a picture of the she-wolf nursing . DURING SHOWING View the video more than once, with one showing uninterrupted.

Romulus and Remus 1. Point out the brothers’ lack of table manners. Discuss. 2. Point out the elderly and exiled as the once young king in the beginning of the video. 3. Pause to emphasize Numitor’s immediate recognition of his grandsons.

Perseus and Medusa 1. Pause to emphasize that men have become by looking at Medusa. 2. Point out how the men cover their faces as Medusa approaches. 3. Pause as ’s shield guides Perseus inside the cavern. Demonstrate with a mirror. 4. Pause to discuss the reasons Perseus used his cloak to cover the shield containing the reflection of Medusa’s face. 5. Pause as Perseus rescues and discuss human sacrifice.

Psyche and Cupid 1. Pause after the oracle’s prediction of Psyche’s marriage to the most terrible of monsters and her willingness to proceed. Share personal reactions. 2. Pause as Psyche approaches the castle and hears voices from faceless servants. Quickly generate descriptions of them. 2 3. Pause as the mysterious stranger enters Psyche’s bedroom. Quickly generate possible descriptions of him. Compare them after Psyche discovers his identity. 4. Pause as Psyche visits , her mother-in-law. Emphasize it was she who ordered the curse on Psyche. 5. Pause as Psyche enters . Emphasize Cupid’s promise and power of protection. AFTER SHOWING Discussion Items and Questions Romulus and Remus 1. Summarize Prince ’ plan of claiming the throne. 2. Describe life with the wolves and its impact on Romulus and Remus. 3. Describe the twins’ life with and his wife. 4. Sequence the events that led to the dethroning of the evil uncle. 5. Summarize the commemorative building of the city. a. Compare the responsibilities of each brother. b. Discuss the power struggle over naming the city. 6. Debate the justification of Romulus’ deification after death.

Perseus and Medusa 1. Discuss Minerva’s jealousy of Medusa and her vengeful actions. Draw conclusions about her reasons for cursing Medusa instead of . 2. Describe Medusa’s life as a . 3. Justify Perseus’ slaying of Medusa. Debate whether she deserved death, especially when the curse was imposed on her.

Psyche and Cupid 1. Discuss the dynamics of Psyche’s family.

3 2. Discuss Venus’ jealousy of Psyche’s and Cupid’s change of . 3. Discuss Psyche’s willingness to fullfill the oracle’s prediction. 4. Summarize Psyche’s experiences at the castle and discuss: a. Loving and never seeing a person’s face. b. Making, keeping, and breaking vows. c. Forgiving and making amends. 5. With as his guide, Cupid found and rescued Psyche from a deep sleep. Discuss other stories with similar events. Applications and Activities 1. Fill out the chart after viewing and discussing each myth. (See INSTRUCTIONAL GRAPHICS.) 2. Mythology was a way to explain the unexplainable. Create myths about animal behaviors, causes of deafness, and reasons for weather patterns. 3. Identify elements that make these stories myths. 4. Read other myths and fill out a chart with the following categories: a. Hero b. Weapon or talisman c. Circumstances of birth d. Prophecy e. Tutor-mentor f. Infancy g. Boyhood and youth h. Initiation i. Tasks and trials j. Journey k. Strengths l. Weaknesses m. Death 5. Dramatize each myth in American Sign Language. Originate name signs for characters. Refer to The Book of Name Signs by Sam Supalla.

4 6. Research and use the preferred signs for Rome and . Some resources on international signs are: a. Sandager, O.K. (ed.), Sign Languages Around the World, O.K. Publishing, CA, 1986. b. Selected Signs Around the World (video), Sign Media, Inc., Burtonsville, MD. c. Countries Around the World (video), Sign Media, Inc., Burtonsville, MD. 7. Demonstrate these techniques when signing the myths: a. Using classifiers for characters. b. Assigning specific areas in space for characters. c. Becoming the character and role-playing.

Romulus and Remus 1. Work in pairs to compromise on a team name by combining individual suggestions. 2. Role-play ways of resolving disputes other than fighting. 3. Read other myths with similar themes in which banished mortals grow up and return to triumph over wicked rulers. 4. Write myths about name origins of local cities.

Perseus and Medusa 1. Read other myths about Perseus’ adventures. 2. Medusa was one of the . Research and report on these and other monsters. Include artwork. 3. Medusa’s head continued to plague mortals even after her death. Read other myths about her. 4. Research and report on making sacrifices.

Psyche and Cupid 1. Cupid was mischievous and often made the most unsuitable matches. Read these myths. 2. Research the meaning of psyche and its association with psychology. 3. Research and report on the common association of Cupid with Valentine’s Day. 5 4. Psyche and Cupid communicated in the dark. Discuss ways deaf people communicate in the dark: a. Trace letters on palm or back. b. Use flashlights. c. Huddle under streetlights. d. Use tactile signs. 5. was the wife of and lived part of the year in the . Read about her and her mother, . 6. Compare Psyche with . INSTRUCTIONAL GRAPHICS One instructional graphic is included with this lesson guide. It may be enlarged and used to create transparencies or copies. · MYTHS WE HAVE STUDIED WEBSITES Explore the Internet to discover sites related to this topic. Check the CFV website for related information (http://www.cfv.org).

6 CAPTION SCRIPT Following are the captions as they appear on the video. Teachers are encouraged to read the script prior to viewing the video for pertinent vocabulary, to discover language patterns within the captions, or to determine content for introduction or review. Enlarged copies may be given to students as a language exercise.

(female narrator) to drown the newborns Long ago, in the Tiber River. in the kingdom of , That very night, the good King Numitor, the two men crept into the room known for his where the twins lay sleeping; and generosity, and once there, was dethroned began to carry out by his evil brother, their terrible mission. Prince Amulius. [rushing water] At the same time, [splash] Amulius banished Numitor's daughter, The next morning, the servants told Amulius the beautiful Princess Sylvia that Romulus and Remus to the of , were dead. the of war. But, in fact, There, she would they were not. never have sons The twins' cradle who might reclaim the throne. bobbed and dipped

His plan didn't work in the rushing waters. as expected. It did not overturn Sylvia married Mars, as expected-- and somewhat later, nor did it sink. the couple had twin sons they named Romulus and Remus. Instead,

Shortly thereafter, the news the cradle eventually came of their birth reached Amulius, to rest in a clump of rushes. who immediately ordered After awhile, two servants the babies awakened

7 and began to cry he came to take from cold and hunger. the youngsters home.

Now, as it happened, Faustulus and his wife cared for the twins a she-wolf was nearby and heard the newborns' cries. as if they were their own.

She was curious At first, the boys found it difficult to eat as humans. and went to investigate. In time, Romulus and Remus The animal was puzzled grew strong and handsome. by these tiny humans Even so, they never completely but sensed their despair. lost all their wolflike ways.

Although she feared people, They helped Faustulus with his herding. her motherly instincts overcame her When they weren't in the pastures, and she carried them to her cave, the twins ambushed thieves where she reared them who had stolen as her own. livestock and food.

As the months passed, Then, they returned the stolen goods Romulus and Remus grew strong and healthy. to their rightful owners.

In time, Stories of the twins' brave deeds they began to venture out spread far and wide. farther and farther One day reports from their cave. of their exploits

A shepherd named Faustulus reached their grandfather, noticed the boys Numitor, who, banished to the far as they chased each other. northern reaches of the kingdom,

The shepherd noticed had led a lonely life their curious clothing for many years. and their wolflike gait. The old man wanted to meet the brave heroes. He followed them and was astonished at what he saw. He asked his guards to find the twins. Faustulus and his wife were childless. When he saw them,

So, later that night, Numitor was struck while the wolves slept, by their resemblance 8 to his daughter, Sylvia. the twins decided to build a great city When Romulus and Remus told their story, by the Tiber River where the she-wolf had found them. he realized what had happened. Romulus designed the streets and houses; You are my grandsons. Remus--the and baths. My daughter, Princess Sylvia, is your mother. In time, a magnificent city blanketed the seven hills Your wicked uncle tried to kill you that stood near the river. and has stolen What should it be called? your birthright. Remus said it should be Now that you know, called "Reme," you must take the throne because he designed so that it can be yours. the temples.

(narrator) Romulus wanted the city When the brothers named "Rome," returned home, because he designed they began to plan how to the houses. accomplish this task. And because both brothers They decided to recruit as soldiers retained the wildness of their early upbringing, everyone they had helped. they began to fight savagely. Their army would attack Amulius and his forces as they slept. So savagely that the fight ended only when Remus lay dead. They'd take their army to the temple of Mars And so, "Rome" was given its name. to rescue their mother. In time, Romulus became king Because they were of the city named after him cunning and brave, and ruled wisely their plan worked. and compassionately

Sylvia returned for many years. to the castle Because he had done many and Numitor good and noble things, regained his throne. the gods looked To commemorate their victory, favorably upon him.

9 When he died, he was taken Medusa terrorized the land to where the gods dwelled. where she dwelled

From that time on, until it was decided that Perseus, he was called "" and became a noble god of war. son of the god Jupiter, should slay her. (male narrator) The gods and goddesses For the task, the fleet of god-messenger could be jealous gave his winged shoes and vengeful. to Perseus

There's no better example and Minerva loaned him than the Minerva. her shield.

When she discovered that Thus armed, her suitor, the god Neptune, the young god flew had fallen in love with to the earth below. the beautiful Medusa, Several nights later, she vowed that the young woman Perseus entered Medusa's cave, would never again using the shield as a mirror enchant god nor man. to guide himself.

To carry out her , In that way, she changed Medusa he could avoid looking into a Gorgon-- directly at her. a monster so hideous Once he discovered where Medusa slept, that anyone who laid eyes upon her Perseus slayed her. turned to stone. As he did,

Shunned and feared, the Gorgon's reflection became so lifelike, Medusa was banished to a cavern by the sea, it was as if she lived inside the shield. where she lived for many years. Sensing that the reflection

Those whose curiosity would turn those who gazed outweighed their prudence upon it into stone, and who dared gaze upon her, Perseus covered it stood petrified nearby. with his cape.

For many years, And then he began 10 his journey back. I will slay the beast.

Eventually, he reached (narrator) the country of Aethiopia, The two eagerly and thankfully agreed. where he came upon Perseus fulfilled his vow-- the beautiful Princess Andromeda as did the king and queen. tied to a rock. A wedding banquet Smitten by her beauty, was held immediately, the young god flew down and Perseus and Andromeda and asked why she was there. dwelled among the gods,

I'm here as a sacrifice where they lived in happiness to a terrible sea monster for all of time. that wants to destroy (male narrator) our land. There was once a king and queen who had three daughters. The oracle of my father, King Cepheus, Two were quite average, except for their tempers. stated that Aethiopia would be saved They always argued with each other-- only if I were sacrificed to the beast. and everyone else.

(narrator) The youngest, named Psyche, At that very moment, was more even-tempered the ghastly creature and extremely beautiful. swam toward Andromeda. The beauty of Psyche His sole intent-- was so great, her destruction. and her suitors so many, When it came into view, that the goddess Venus Andromeda's parents, who had became filled with jealousy. come to see her, How dare this mortal girl cried in anguish, take from me the attention thinking that their beloved of so many men. daughter would now perish. (narrator) As the beast came Venus told her son Cupid closer still, to take a magic potion an idea came to Perseus. and place it on Psyche's lips,

If you promise me so that she'd no longer Andromeda's hand, receive such adoration. 11 That very night, he followed ...where she soon fell his mother's command. fast asleep.

But Cupid was taken Several hours later, by her beauty. when the princess awoke,

So he brushed her side with his she noticed a grove magical arrow to undo the curse. at the edge of the field. For many years, it seemed his attempt was in vain, Again, the breeze softly pushed her forward, for the suitors stopped coming. this time into the thicket.

The queen and king, When she reached not knowing what had happened, the far edge of the grove, consulted an oracle. she saw a castle.

Your daughter will marry. And at that instant,

Her future husband, who awaits she heard voices. atop yonder mountain, (voices) is neither man nor god. Welcome, your majesty!

He is, I say All that you see is yours. with great remorse, We are your the most terrible of monsters. faceless servants.

(narrator) If it pleases you, When the king and queen told you may now enter your castle, Psyche of the prediction, where your dinner awaits. she decided that it was simply her destiny. (narrator) Psyche wandered through I shall go there tomorrow the palace. to meet whatever At last she sat the future holds. in the dining room.

(narrator) When she did, After Psyche reached the mountain's peak, a table set with the most delicious foods she stood there for many hours, alone, sad, and fearful. appeared before her very eyes.

But then a breeze Later that night, began to blow... as Psyche slept soundly,

...and it beckoned her a figure, masked to a nearby meadow... in the darkness,

12 came into her chambers. When the princess moved closer to look at his face, The rustling of his clothes awakened her. hot wax fell from her candle

She was afraid, and landed on her husband, for she couldn't see who it was. and then another!

But he spoke softly, Startled, Cupid awoke and and soon her fears faded away. immediately saw what had happened.

(shadowed figure) (Cupid) I shall be Oh, foolish Psyche! your devoted husband Is this how you repay my love? if you promise to never By breaking your vow? look upon my face. There is no devotion You'll find all if promises are broken. you need here, (narrator) and if you keep your vow, And with that, he flew from the room. I'll make a sacred promise that you will never be harmed. Psyche ran outside to call him back (narrator) For months the two conversed but he was gone. in the shadows. For months, Psyche searched Psyche came to deeply love for her Cupid, her new husband, until she found herself even though she could not see him-- at the home of her mother-in-law, for he was kind, gentle, and intelligent. the goddess Venus.

As the months passed, My son, Cupid, will return Psyche became increasingly curious. only when you've proven yourself worthy. When she could no longer hold her curiosity in check, To prove your worthiness, she went to her husband's room take this box to Hades late one night where Proserpine, to find, queen of the underworld lives, not a monster at all, and fetch some of her beauty. but rather a winged god, radiant and handsome-- Ask her to put it in the box, which you must never open. Cupid, son of Venus 13 (narrator) of the princess. Protected by the love of Cupid, That very moment, Psyche descended Cupid began to feel into the underworld, the terrible pangs past the three-headed of loneliness. guard dog, Cerberes, He decided to forgive Psyche, until she found, on a throne of frozen fire, find her, and bring her back. Proserpine, whom she convinced Guided only by his love, he soon found her. to relinquish the beauty requested by Venus. He gathered the evil mist and placed it inside the box. And then, the princess began her return journey. He then released its spell

After several hours, by touching Psyche she decided to rest. with one of his arrows.

Psyche began to talk to herself. When the princess returned with the box. Although Venus forbade me to look inside the box, Venus kept her promise

I made this dangerous passage and the couple for its contents? never again lived apart.

Surely, I deserve In time, at least some of the beauty had a daughter, so I may please whom they named "Happiness"-- my husband's eyes. an appropriate description (narrator) She opened the box. of both the child and their lives together. But it was not beauty that was found inside. Funding for purchase and captioning of this video Instead, an evil, sleep-producing mist was provided by the U.S. Department of Education: drifted out and took possession PH: 1-800-572-5580 (V).

14 MYTHSWEHAVESTUDIED DIRECTIONS:Completethefollowingchartwithinformationfromthevideoorotherresources.

Titleof Characters Curses Summary Whatthis Myth or of myth spells adventures explains

Top View