Literature in English - Junior Secondary 2 - Fables and myths

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STEPS

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

LEARNERS ACTIVITY

1

Week 5

The teacher revises the previous lesson and introduces the new topic by explaining the meaning and examples of Fables and Myths

Fables are short pieces prose that usually have animals or inanimate objects as characters.

Characters in fables, talk and behave like human beings but still keep their real animal traits. Fables often portrays conflicts. They also have moral lessons which are usually summed up at the end of the story.

Examples of fables

a.   The tortoise and the hare

b.   Why pigs dig the earth

MYTHS

Myth is another form of prose, a king of story that may not be true but people believe is true. A myth is an ancient story that is invented to explain the beliefs, philosophies, sciences, as well as natural or historical events.

Types of Myths

1.   African myths: according to nearly all African mythologies, it is believed that God first agreed to give all human beings eternal life but His message was twisted by the malicious messenger. Examples of African Myths include:

A.  Yoruba Myth: The Esu, among the Yoruba, is a trickster spirit. He is associated with change and with quarrels

B.  Igbo Myth: Ala, the daughter or wife of Chukwu, is believed to be a mother goddess, the ruler of the underworld and the goddess of fertility and death. It is believed that she rules over the beginning and ending of life

C.  Efik creation story: Abassi, the creator, created two humans and then decided not to allow them live one earth. His wife, Attai persuaded him to let the do so. In order to control the humans, Abassi insisted that they eat all their meals with him, thereby keeping them from growing crops or hunting for food. He also forbade them to procreate.

2.   Non-African myths: Some of them include Greek myths- Hera’s annual restoration of her virginity in the spring of Canathis, The ages of the world, the story of Oedipus etc. Examples of non-African myths:

A.  Heracles is the greatest Hero of Greek mythology. He had amazing strength and courage, and he uses these qualities and his intelligence to carry out seemingly impossible tasks. His father was Zeus, father of the gods and men. In Greek mythology the gods and goddesses are immortal with human qualities and extraordinary powers

B.  Questzalcoati is the spirit of love in Central American myth. He is a protective, loving god who takes the form of a feathered serpent. He gives people knowledge, laws and the ancient calendar

C.  Mahisha in India is fierce buffalo demon. He is said to have been on a mission to conquer the world and defeat all other gods. He fought many battles, conquered other gods and ruled until a great sound came and shook the Earth.

D.  Odysseus was a heroic warrior in the Ancient Greek army that went to bring the beautiful queen Helen back to the king after she had run away with Paris, a prince from the city of Troy.  

Learners observe, learn and participate

2

Week 6

The learners read in turn the recommended texts and analyze stating their observations and what they understood as the teacher clarifies

Learners observe, learn and participate

3

EVALUATION

The Learners are asked to

1.   Define fables and give examples

2.   Define myths and give examples

- Learners observe, learn and participate

4

CLASS-WORK

Learners are asked to answer questions generated from the read text

Learners are asked to find the meaning of difficult words in the context they were used in the text

Learners observe, learn and participate

5

ASSIGNMENT

More questions are asked from the recommended texts read

Learners participate

6

CONCLUSION

The teacher marks their books, corrects it and commends the Learners