PRODUCT SUMMARY

Many ancient myths were stories designed to warn people against poor judgment and excessive pride or hubris. Those who dared to cross the gods, compete with them or question their authority did so at great peril. In Defying the Gods, students will see the tales of Arachne the boastful weaver & Athena, Daedalus & his foolhardy son, Icaraus, Prometheus the Titan, who gave the gift of fire to mankind and Pandora, Zeus's gift back to humanity, each in its own way, illustrating the often fatal consequences of such behavior. Part of the multivolume Greek Mythology for Students Video Series. A Teacher's Guide is included and available online.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"The tales are well-written and briskly paced, and the computer animation is simple, but eye-catching…The programs are beautifully done, bringing the subject matter to life in a clear and informative way. A valuable addition to studies of Ancient Greece as well as classroom myth and legend units."- School Library Journal (Sept 2005)

"…will hold students’ interest…The narrator has a great voice…a good fit for upper elementary to junior high and great support material for Greek mythology units…Recommended."- Library Media Connection (Aug/Sept 2004)

FULL REVIEWS

School Library Journal (September 2005)

Gr 4-8-This brightly colored, digitally animated series teaches young viewers the basics of Greek mythology and hero tales. Each program is introduced by a live male host who provides background information on the topic. Then simple animation and classic storytelling combine to present the ancient tales. Gods of Olympus provides clear and interesting background stories of the gods from Gaia and Uranus to the Titans, and then covers more familiar Olympian gods and their choice of Mt. Olympus as their home. Constellation Myths includes the stories of Orion, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, Callisto, Andromeda, and related star groups. In , students learn about the penalties paid by Arachne, Prometheus, Pandora, and Icarus when they put their own wisdom ahead of that of the Olympians. Both Jason and the Golden Fleece and The Journeys of Odysseus provide abbreviated introductions to these classic tales. Nature Myths includes the stories of Persephone, Echo and Narcissus, and Phaeton. The tales are well-written and briskly paced, and the computer animation is simple, but eye-catching. Themes and morals of the stories are briefly examined as well. The DVD version's special features include chapter select, discussion questions and activities (with the ability to review video segments or images to answer the questions), and a sound track choice of either Spanish or English. The programs are beautifully done, bringing the subject matter to life in a clear and informative way. A valuable addition to studies of Ancient Greece as well as classroom myth and legend units.

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal. Used with permission.

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