Greek mythology is a collection of myths from ancient Greek culture that has influenced art and literature for thousands of years. There is no single text that introduces all Greek myths, but around 700 BC the poet Hesiod offered the first written origin story in his work Theogony. Many modern products take their names from figures in Greek mythology. The document then summarizes the myth of Daedalus and Icarus, where Daedalus uses his talents and craftsmanship to help himself and his son Icarus escape from King Minos' prison by flying, but Icarus ignores instructions and dies by flying too close to the sun.

1. GREEK MYTHOLOGY

3. A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO GREEK MYTHOLOGY
A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular
religious or cultural tradition
There is no single original text, like the Christian bible or the Hindu
Vedas that introduces all Greek myths’ characters and stories
Around 700 BC, the poet Hesiod’s Theogony offered the first written
origin story of Greek Mythology
The characters, stories, themes, and lessons of Greek mythology have
shaped art and literature for thousands of years.
Many consumer products get their names from Greek mythology, ea.
Nike, Amazon.com, Mercury, Titans, Spartans, etc.

4. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Pontikis was born and raised in
Greece. The rich history of his country
inspired him to write his best selling book
“Daedalus and Icarus” which is one of the
well-known stories in the Greek literature.
He was born on July 15, 1880.

5. THE MYTH OF DEADALUS AND ICARUS

9. TASK 1: State whether you agree or disagree with the given statements &
find evidence from the text to support your claim.
1. King Minos is cruel.
Evidence:
2. Daedalus is talented.
Evidence:
3. Icarus is foolish.
Evidence:
4. Daedalus and Icarus should have stayed in the island after escaping
from the labyrinth.
Evidence:
5. Daedalus is responsible for his son’s death.
Evidence:

10. ASSESSMENT:
1-2.) Who are the main characters of the story?
3. Where did the story originate?
4. What did Daedalus create for King Minos?
5. Why did the King imprison Daedalus and his son Icarus?
6. What did Daedalus create to help them escape the
labyrinth?
7. What type of text is Daedalus and Icarus?
8. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
9-10) Which events in the myth could have happened in real
life?

11. ASSIGNMENT: Find the meaning of the
following unfamiliar words from the text:
1. craftsman
2. prominently
3. infamous
4. parentage
5. identity
6. accomplishment
7. mentor
8. labyrinth
9. anguish
10.persuade