1. Read the text and answer the questions.
Long, long ago, when the continent where Greece lies did not have a name, in Asia there was a Phoenician King, Agenor and his wife
Telephassa. They had three sons, Cadmus, Phoenix and Cilix, and a very pretty daughter, Europa.
One night Europa had a very strange dream. She dreamt that the continent of Asia and the other nameless continent across the water
appeared before her in the shape of women and quarrelled about who was going to own her.
"The lovely maiden Europa is mine," claimed Asia, "for I gave her birth." "She has been yours until now," replied the other continent, "but
it is the will of Zeus that I should have her for my own."
Next day Europa and her friends went to play in a blooming meadow by the sea. There the girls bathed in the cool water and ran about on the
grass filling their baskets with lovely spring flowers.
Suddenly, a bull appeared among them; one of most unusual beauty, with snow-white horns and he was so gentle! He let the maidens pet him
and hang garlands of flowers around his neck and from his horns.
All the girls were delighted with such a marvellous pet, but more so was Europa. The bull bent in front of Europa offering her his back for a
ride. The bull with the young lady on his back began walking slowly until he came to the edge of the water. There he stood for a moment and
then all at once he leaped forward and set off running into the sea.
Europa was frightened and tears were in her eyes. The bull told her gently in a man's voice. "No need to fear, I am Zeus and I am taking you
to Crete where you will live happily and you will become the mother of great men. What is more, the continent to which Crete belongs will take
your name."
Zeus took Europa to Crete where she became queen. She had three sons Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon. (adapted from Frieda Bubbi’s
“Sleepless Giants and Winged Horses”, Exantas Publications)
Europa’s parents were ____________________________________________________
Her brothers were _______________________________________________________________________
She lived in _______________________________________________________________________
Zeus appeared in front of Europa in the form of a _______________________________
When she climbed onto his back, Zeus

2. Look at the following drawings. Which ones do you think illustrate the myth of Europa?
a. c.
d. e.
b.
f.
g. i.
h. j.
Write the names in Europa’s family tree.
Where in your everyday life can you
meet the myth of Europa???