Topic: Compose an aetiological (a.k.a. etiological) myth. No outside research is required. This creative effort should
be based on your knowledge of gods and myths from our readings and class discussions. Use gods and goddesses
appropriate to the creation of whatever object, institution, or phenomenon you choose to write about.
What is an aetiological myth? Such myths often serve an explanatory purpose by illustrating the origins of some
aspect of the natural or social environment. For example, the myth of Pandora explains the origin of women, or the
myth of Lycaon explains the origin of werewolves. You can choose to explain the origin of some natural feature or
phenomenon, political institution or social custom, or person or divinity. You should include known mythological
figures as appropriate, (e.g. if someone falls in love in your myth you should include Aphrodite or Eros, or if you
explain the origins of a sport you should include a god such as Apollo or Hermes or Ares). For a more detailed
definition of aetiology, see Morford, Lenardon, and Shams Classical Mythology, 11th ed., 2019, pages 6-7.
Format: Your paper should integrate the existing Greek gods/goddesses in a coherent and effective manner. It
should include a well-organized plot line, well-developed characterization, and well-established setting. Your aetion
should be clear to your reader by the end of your paper. You can set your story in any time or place, but make sure
the relevance of your choices is made clear in your narrative. Your paper should be well-written using proper
grammar, syntax, and spelling. You may wish to consider adding an original character or incorporating ancient
Greek narrative techniques as we have seen them in primary sources.
Your final product should be typed and double-spaced, using a reasonable font (e.g. Times Roman) in 12
point size. Include your name and a title at the top of the first page. Your paper should be at least 5 full pages in
length, (this is approximately 1250 words).
