Quiver

The World of Mythology Stories of a world filled with gods and goddesses and imaginary people and places are called myths. Written to entertain and enlighten, all myths: Lack identifiable authors Exist in multiple versions Are transmitted by oral tradition Seek to explain the origins of the world, human society, and culture The gods and goddesses of mythology rule the lives and control the fate of mortals; the gods expect devotion and punish mortals who don't pay them the proper respect. To anger a god or goddess is sure to bring death and destruction, but to have a god or goddess show you favor is sure to bring you joy and love. The gods themselves have no code of ethics to follow, and therefore, do whatever they please to whomever they please. Pre-Reading Activity In order for students to better understand the gods and goddesses in these books, have them read the "Author's Note" and "About the Gods" inQuiverby Stephanie Spinner; the "Afterword" inGoddess of Yesterdayby Caroline B. Cooney; and the "Genealogy of the Gods in this Tale," "Cast of Characters," and "Afterword" inThe Great God Panby Donna Jo Napoli. Then discuss with your students the implications the information might have on the story. Draw a genealogy chart on the board tracing the gods and goddesses your students read about in the selections you have assigned.Spinner, Stephanie is the author of 'Quiver', published 2002 under ISBN 9780375914898 and ISBN 0375914897.