Writing a Myth
A myth has been defined as "a story embodying and declaring a pattern of relationship
between humanity, other forms of life, and the environment" (R. J. Stewart). As such,
myths and creation accounts and stories help to provide a unifying framework for the
people who believe, either literally or figuratively, in this shared account. It is not a
falsehood or an unscientific lie; rather, it is a poetic and shared vision.
Some of these mythic elements that derive from the Oral Tradition are: 1) The use of
repetition for emphasis and ease of recall; 2) The use of poetic devices such as
alliteration, personification, metaphor and simile, and symbolism; 3) A concern with
numbers, often times repeated; 4) The power of "The Word" (Logos) and the subsequent
use of concrete nouns to label important elements (both human and non-human).
This week you will be writing your own Creation Myths! This is intended to be a fun
and creative assignment, so use your imagination!
Think of a natural phenomena that you would like to explain. Pick one natural
phenomena and create a myth that explains how this phenomena was created or why it
acts the way it does. Remember, most myths have two functions:
1. Explain how something was created or why it is the way it is.
2. Teach us a life lesson (Have a theme).
Think back to the myths we have read in class as an example of what a good myth does.
Write an original creation myth following the writing process. Be sure to include all the
elements of a myth: characters, setting, conflict, plot, resolution, and possibly
metamorphosis.
Some ideas for you if you are really stuck:
how cats got their tails
how the sun came into being
why the moon disappears once a month
why giraffes have long necks
why there is dew on the grass in the summer
why dogs bark instead of chirp
why penguins can't fly
why trees grow vertically instead of horizontally
why people have language and animals do not
Creation Myth Grading Rubric
Writing Process Instructions & Points
Due Date Possible
Brainstorm (at least ten items) Choose Complete in your comp book. daily work
something you've wondered about, Have checked off by your stamps
teacher BEFORE the end of the
something that interests you, or something period on 11/10.
that you think might be enjoyable to write
about to use as the basis for your own Begin step 2…
creation myth.
Complete Plot Diagram on next daily work
Create a setting, choose characters, and blank page in comp book. stamps
Show your teacher before the
identify the problem. Remember the way in end of the period on 11/12
which the problem in your story is resolved
should somehow influence the creation
idea you are describing. Plan your myth
using a plot diagram.
You will have 11/13 to work on daily work
Write a rough draft of your Myth in your your written and typed draft in stamps &
class. We will be uploading to 15 pts--writing
composition book—show it to me! THEN turn it in.com on Friday, so be
type. sure your typing is done before
your get to class.
Peer reviews will be open all 10 pts each--
Peer review: Make sure your story moves day on Turnitin.com. If you writing
cannot complete the assigned
clearly from beginning to end with no gaps reviews in class, they will need
in thought. Does the way the creation idea to be completed as homework.
comes about make sense? (Remember: a
myth can be magical or fantastic, but it still
must make sense within the framework of
your story.)
Revising: review your peer’s comments 50 pts
and read your myth to someone out loud. Writing
Check your story for errors in spelling,
capitalization, punctuation, and word
usage.
Submit to turnitin.com
Type your final draft and submit to Turn it by midnight on Tuesday
in.com 11/18
Total These points will be vital to your
grade. Make sure you are completing
each and every step.
