Myths and Legends

Which of the following characteristic is true for legends and myths?

• it highlights a positive quality or trait

• it focuses on the hero's struggle to defeat a powerful force

• it is passed down from generations in the past

• it explains how something in nature came to be

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a myth?

• it often explains how something in nature came to be

• it reveals the consequences of good and bad behavior

• it tells about a hero or heroine with unusual powers

• it features gods with supernatural powers

What is not one important characteristic of a legend?

• it tells about a hero or heroine with unusual powers

• it focuses on the hero's struggle to defeat a powerful force

• it highlights a positive way of behaving

• it is a traditional story created to explain the mysteries of the universe

According to the packet, King Arthur displayed all of the following admirable traits except...

• respect

• courage

• honor

• trustworthiness

True or false: destiny/fate plays an important role in both myths and legends.

• true

• false

How did destiny factor into the story of Young Arthur?

• Merlin foretold that Kay would pull the sword from the stone and then name Arthur as the rightful king.

• Merlin asked Arthur to pull the sword from the stone a hundred times to show that he was the rightful king.

• Merlin foretold that Arthur would become the ruler of the greatest kingdom.

• Merlin said that only God could reveal the true king.

How did destiny or fate factor into the story of Prometheus?

• Prometheus needed to fulfill his destiny as the god who gave humans fire.

• Zeus warned Prometheus that, because of the Fates who control destiny, every gift has a penalty.

• Zeus had the destiny of being the greatest god in Greek mythology.

• The humans on earth were destined to receive fire one way or another.

In a myth, both good and bad behavior affects the outcome of the story. Which one does not show

• Zeus was vengeful when he had buzzards peck at Prometheus's liver and intestines for all eternity.

• Zeus was vain, and he admits that he created humans in part just to have someone worship him.

• Zeus was not humble when he bragged about the humility of the humans and their dangerous underlying pride.

• Zeus chose to forgive the humans for taking the fire.

In a myth, a god is featured and they have certain flaws. What flaw did Prometheus have?

• he was trusting

• he was disobedient

• he was vengeful

• he was selfish

Gods or supernatural beings in myths often have flaws. What flaw did Orpheus display?

• he cheated in his relationship

• he was inconsolable

• he was musically talented

• he was disobedient