Overview

To begin the unit discuss the definition of myth.

Myth: (noun). A traditional story originating in a preliterate society, dealing with supernatural
beings, ancestors, or heroes that serve as primordial types in a primitive view of the world.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

Pre-test for the unit (See Appendix)

View Ancient Greece Map

Read and display other books related to ancient civilization and myths

Display pictures and graphics of vases, pictures, Greek culture artifacts

Play music characteristic of contemporary Greek culture

Discuss anime illustration (See Appendix)

Discuss the impact of Greek culture on modern day civilization

-- Word origin (Latin and Greek origin of words)
-- Advertisements (Use of terminology and names of companies such as Nike, Olympus)

Introduce “Ariadne and the Magic Thread”

-- Prediction chart
-- Vocabulary Builder
-- Weekly journal entry (“In Your Own Words” -- Journal Writing Prompt)
-- Portfolio
-- Assessments (See Appendix)

The appendix includes reproducible sheets for activities such as:

-- Recording predictions for each chapter

-- Building vocabulary
-- Understanding word roots, suffix and origin for vocabulary acquisition - graphic organizer
-- Character development -- Bio Poem
-- Developing a Unit Portfolio
-- Evaluation for Oral component
-- End of Unit Assessment
-- Word Search
 Format of Teacher’s Guide
This guide is designed for use by grade levels 4-8. All activities and suggested lessons
were developed with consideration of standards, grade-level performance indicators and
current educational theory regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment. Content and
specific lessons should be modified and adapted according to age and grade level, teacher
style and learning objectives. The format and assessment of each activity will determine
which standard is addressed. Use the standard matrix located in the appendix as a refer-
ence tool to record which standards are met while teaching this unit.

Vocabulary:
Vocabulary Opportunity to use dictionary, thesaurus and create a vocabulary journal

Fact and Details: Literal Meaning Use these questions for group
What’s Going On: Reading Comprehension discussion, independent work,
homework or chapter assessment

Journal Writing
In Your Own Words
Application skills, personal thoughts, prior knowledge

Background and Additional Information In this section you are provided with additional
information related to the chapter or the exercises

Author’s Notes Insight from the author of “Ariadne and the Magic Thread”

Newspaper Activity Demonstrate real-life application and relevance by providing a learning

experience which relates to today’s world... writing prompts, occupational
studies, creative writing lessons

Multidisciplinary Connections Additional ideas to connect and transfer skills and concepts
across the disciplines

Skill Builders Skills

Grammar, punctuation, mechanical writing conventions

Resources Web sites, Books and other resources to support your teaching

Standards Matrix Standards-based lessons chart

Appendix Prediction Chart

Vocabulary Acquisition Model
Portfolio Requirements
Self-evaluation and Peer evaluation checklist
Word Search
Unit Assessment/ Pre- and Post- test
 1 Chapter One:
The Princess
and the
Labyrinth

Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

timidly
1. Who is Ariadne? Who is her father?
maze
petrified 2. What is a labyrinth?
trance
withered 3. What is the Minotaur? Who is its father?

sentenced 4. What does Ariadne use to guide her through the Labyrinth?
design
complicated 5. Who accompanies Ariadne inside the Labyrinth?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Why isn’t Ariadne afraid to go into the Labyrinth?

2. Why does Ariadne place flowers in the Labyrinth?

3. Why doesn’t Ariadne have the same helper each day?

4. In what way is the Minotaur reliant on Ariadne?

5. What crime might the prisoner be guilty of committing?

In your own words...

Ariadne enters the Labyrinth each day, yet is only able to find her way with the help of the
magic thread. Have you ever been lost and fearful that you would not find your way? How did
you eventually find your way? with the help of a friend? a map?
 Background and Additional Information
Skill Builder
The Labyrinth of Minos may have been entirely mythological,
but the notion of an unsolvable maze in which death lurks Before reading the
has exerted a strong draw on the human imagination since chapter, record prior
the days of the early people who first created this story. knowledge related to
However, you will also find a significant number of references the title. Record pre-
today to medieval labyrinths, which are used not as puzzles dictions based on the
but for meditation. These labyrinths are in various patterns, title of the chapter.
often laid out in a mosaic-type pattern on the floor of a
cathedral. They contain no dead ends but create a long
and convoluted pathway to the center. People go slowly AUTHOR’S
through them, pausing at each step in silent meditation.
NOTES
Multidisciplinary Connections With any story, academic
paper or even memo, the
(Math) first task is to get the
Create Labyrinths and discuss in terms of area and depth reader involved. The first
using mathematical operations. Add scales for conversion. paragraph lets us know
there is danger and fear,
(Social Studies) the second brings in the
Look at a map/globe and determine the location where this concept of prisoners and
story takes place. punishment, and the
(Physical Education) third lets us know that
Create a Labyrinth with traffic cones and record time it takes Ariadne is a brave, matter-
to run the course. of-fact young girl. By the
end of the chapter,
(Technology) we've also learned about
Use the computer to create a Labyrinth the Magic Thread, and
we've learned a great
Newspaper Activity deal more about
Ariadne's character.
The terrified prisoner was sentenced to two days in the We've also learned how
Labyrinth helping Princess Ariadne tend the Minotaur. It important it is to the
appears that he felt the sentence was severe. Analyze several government that the
news stories and record the crime and subsequent penalty pattern of the labyrinth
or punishment. Compare and discuss the difference remain secret. And we
between punishment and crime. Who establishes know how terrifying the
the punishment for crime? Minotaur is.

Chapter 1: Answer Key

Facts and Details: thread has never put her in danger.
1. The daughter of King Minos of Crete 2. She is a caring person and wants to make the
2. A great stone maze Labyrinth pleasant for the Minotaur.
3. Half-bull, half-man monster -- son of King 3. The king does not want anyone to figure out
Minos the maze so he does not allow any of the
4. A spool of thread helpers to enter the Labyrinth repeatedly.
5. A prisoner 4. The Minotaur relies on Ariadne to provide food
and fresh water for him.
Reading Comprehension: 5. The prisoners that are sent to help Ariadne are
1. She feels safe and says that the magic non-violent, possibly smugglers or thieves.
 2 Chapter Two:
The Children of
Minos

Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

archaeologists 1. How long ago does this story take place?

crude
2. How does King Minos cheat Poseidon?
reign
enchanted 3. Who does Minos call upon to build the Labyrinth?
tended
4. How many times a year does the ship carrying 14 hostages
sensible
arrive from Athens?
doomed
hostages 5. Who is responsible for the death of King Minos’ first-born son?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. How are the Greek people characterized in this chapter?

2. Why are the Minoan people welcomed in many places?

3. How is King Minos responsible for his own unhappiness?

4. What is the significance of Ariadne’s aspirations to one day become a captain in her
father’s fleet?

5. Why does a special ship arrive from Athens yearly? How might the hostages have felt?

In your own words...

Ariadne wanted to one day grow up and be a captain in her father’s merchant
fleet. What do you want to be when you get older? Why?
Ariadne’s opportunity to become whatever she wants differs from that of
Greek women of the time period. What is this an example of?
Give an example of how this still happens today.
 Background and Additional Information Skill Builder
The designer of the Labyrinth, Dedalus, has his own place in
ancient lore. Imprisoned by Minos in the Labyrinth, Dedalus Read the chapter and
plans an escape by fashioning wings of bees wax and bird’s take notes. Develop
feathers for himself and his son, Icarus. They succeed in an outline for literary
becoming airborne, but Icarus, thrilled by flight, ignores his elements: plot, setting,
father’s warning and flies too close to the sun, melting the wax. characters and theme.
He falls into the sea and is killed. The grieving father flies on to
freedom, but is pursued by Minos and must live a hidden life.
Minos finally offers a reward for whoever can devise a means AUTHOR’S
to pass a string through a spiral seashell. One person solves the
problem by fastening a hair from a horse’s tail to an ant, who NOTES
then pulls it through the shell. The string is then attached to the
hair and gently tugged through. Now that readers are
But, as in so many Greek tales, pride has proven fatal! Minos interested in the story,
knows only one man could have come up with such a brilliant we can back up and talk
solution. Dedalus has betrayed himself and is captured! about Minoan culture
and what is going on in
this story. We also intro-
duce the story’s central
Multidisciplinary Connections
moral issue: The sacrifice
(Art) of 14 young Greeks
Study ancient tapestries and weavings. each year to avenge the
(Math) death of the King's son.
Calculate the number of hostages brought to Crete over a
period of time. Rina's done a wonderful
(Social Studies) job here of showing
Minos as a hard man:
Study archaeology -- Sir Arthur Evans and the Minoan He is horrified at the
Palace. Map the locations of Athens. birth of the Minotaur,
but doesn't look sorry
for his actions, nor does
Newspaper Activity he seem to pity the
This chapter demonstrates the relationship between cause beast. This reaction
and effect. For example, one cause is King Minos’ decision does not really inspire
to cheat Poseidon, the effect of which is the birth of the any sympathy.
Minotaur. Find other examples of cause/effect relationships
in today’s newspaper and discuss.

Chapter 2: Answer Key

2. They were great merchants.
Facts and Details
3. His deception caused Poseidon’s anger and
1. 4,000 years ago the birth of the Minotaur.
2. King Minos gave Poseidon an ordinary bull and 4. It reveals that she wants to please her father
kept the great bull. and it demonstrates that Minoan women
3. Dedalus were allowed to pursue occupations mostly
4. Once held by men. This is unlike other cultures in
5. Athenians which women were not treated equally.
5. The ship brings 14 Athenians to be sacrificed
Reading Comprehension to the Minotaur. The hostages were most likely
1. Rough creatures who lived in crude homes anxious and terrified.
 3 Chapter Three:
The Hostage
Ship

Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

Vocabulary
1. What does the Greek ship transport to Crete?
billowing
2. Why does the crowd refrain from throwing anything at the
protest hostages?
doomed
3. What do the guards search for on board the Greek ship?
disks
violent 4. What is the name of the hostage who speaks to Ariadne?
veil
5. Who is Theseus?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Why does Ariadne decide to walk the hostages from the ship to the prison?

2. How was it decided which 14 young Athenians would go to Crete?

3. How does Ariadne feel about the Athenian people? How do her feelings differ from
those of other members of her society?

4. Why might some Minoans feel it is easier to stay away each year when the hostage
ship arrives? What does this imply about those who feel that way?

5. How does the Greek culture differ from the Minoan culture in respect to the treatment
of women?

In your own words...

In this chapter you learn that some Minoans regard the Greek people as crude; therefore,
sacrificing them to the Minotaur is justifiable. Do you believe discrimination exists
in our society? Write about an experience you have had or give an example
based on historical events or modern day incidences.
 Multidisciplinary Connections

(Art) Create clay disks similar to the ones used in the lottery.
Have students choose their own individual symbol or letter Skill Builder
and explain their choice. Discuss what things in your class
could be decided fairly with a lottery and what could not. Read the chapter and
highlight all pronouns.
(Social Studies) Study ancient symbols and etchings used to Circle the subject of the
document history. Discuss various forms of communication pronoun.
such as oral tradition and history. Write an essay and
include symbols to tell a story about an adventure.

AUTHOR’S NOTES
One historic fact came in handy in this chapter: At the time the story takes place, the Greeks
really didn't enjoy the same level of technology and culture as the Minoans, and yet we
know they will soon become one of the most renowned civilizations in the history of the
western world. This makes it easier to justify including the comments of the Minoans who
dismiss the Greeks as subhuman -- We know it's not true, and it’s plainly ignorance speaking.
But even the Minoans who realize that Greeks are their equals react by voicing weak arguments
about making travel safer, or simply staying away as if to pretend it was not happening. Ariadne
herself is forced into the difficult moral position of trying to deflect part of the horror without
quite accepting the fact she so clearly knows: This is wrong.

Newspaper Activity
This chapter reveals the difference between the Greeks and the Minoans in terms of
language, philosophy and culture. There are facts and opinions stated and implied.
Analyze the chapter, distinguish possible facts from opinions. Select a news story to
analyze for factual information and list the sources used to support the statements.

Chapter 3: Answer Key

Facts and Details herself. She is familiar with Greek language
1. 14 young Greeks; 7 male and 7 female and culture. Others from Crete regard them-
2. Princess Ariadne walked with the hostages selves as superior compared to the Greeks,
3. Weapons who are regarded as crude and animal-like, not
4. Theseus human.
5. Son of King Aegeus 4. It may be easier for some to stay away
because it is upsetting to witness the inhumane
Reading Comprehension treatment and sacrifice of innocent people. It
1. Several years before the angry mob of implies that some of the Minoan people who
Minoans hurt the hostages as they walked to have knowledge of the Greek language and
the prison. She knew that if she walked with culture disagree with King Minos’ yearly
them, the Minoans would not risk injury to her sacrifice.
and would refrain from throwing stones at the 5. Minoan women are treated more fairly than the
hostages. Greek women. One example is that Greek
2. By lottery women, are not allowed to own businesses or
3. Ariadne regards the Athenian as people like choose their own mates.
 4 Chapter Four:
The Prince

Vocabulary
mob vault
genuinely steadily

Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

1. What talent does Theseus say that the girl with the light blue scarf possesses?

2. Who told Theseus that Princess Ariadne was good and decent?

3. What two sports does Theseus ask Ariadne about?

4. What does Theseus tell Ariadne he plans to do when placed in the Labyrinth?

5. What does Theseus ask Ariadne to do at the end of the chapter?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Why might Theseus tell Ariadne about specific individuals who are hostages?

2. Why doesn’t Ariadne want to think about what Theseus says about the Greek
hostages?

3. Is Theseus genuinely interested in bull-jumping and boxing?

4. What is Theseus mostly trying to accomplish by talking to the Princess?

5. Why does Theseus reveal to Ariadne that he does things even when his mother did
not want him to? What might his intentions be as he makes this statement?

In your own words...

If you were Ariadne, how would you feel as Theseus is telling you personal details
about the lives of those who are to be sacrificed to the Minotaur?
 Background and Additional Information Skill Builder
Sports writing is the most stylized type of writing in the paper,
Read the chapter
and requires all the reporting skills of a news story and the color aloud and have
writing of a feature story. students write the
Sports writers must do more than just report that an action dialogue between
took place; they must paint an image in readers' minds by using Theseus and Ariadne
colorful language to define the degree of the action. To do that, using quotations and
sports writers use more active verbs, adjectives, alliteration and
metaphors in their writing than traditional news or feature writers. correct punctuation.
For instance, a baseball team that loses 21-0 didn't just lose --
they were "bombed" or "slaughtered." A hockey player doesn't
shoot a puck; he "fires" it or "flips it" or "blasts" it. A baseball AUTHOR’S
player doesn't hit a ball; he "tags it" or "knocks the cover off it" or
"loops it" or "ropes it." A pitcher doesn't throw a ball on the out- NOTES
side corner of home plate; he "paints the corner." Theseus only has from
the dock to the prison
gates to make his case,
Multidisciplinary Connections and he pulls out all the
(Social Studies) stops. Knowing Ariadne
This chapter involves a conversation between Theseus and is conflicted by the sac-
Ariadne about bull-jumping. Theseus does not know much rifices (why else would
she come to the dock
about the sport, possibly because it is not a part of his each year?), he plays
culture. Many people who have migrated to the United States every card in his hand.
have brought their ideas and ways of life with them. Think He humanizes the
about some of the ideas, foods, sports and events that have hostages by giving them
been brought to America, and discuss the contributions of a names and stories. He
flatters her by telling her
variety of cultures. she is more mature than
he expected, and by ask-
Newspaper Activity ing about her culture. At
last, he simply begs for
Theseus tries to talk to Ariadne about sports, particularly her help. And Ariadne?
boxing and bull-jumping. Look in the sports section of She doesn't want to
the newspaper and discuss the style of writing used hear what he has to
there. Clip headlines and words that are colorful and say. That's a pretty
descriptive. Imagine a bull-jumping competition and good sign she doubts
write a sports story about it, using the clippings. her moral position.

Chapter 4: Answer Key

Facts and Details personal things about each of the individuals.
1. She is a great singer 2. She didn’t want to hear what he was saying
2. The ship’s crew because it made her feel bad.
3. bull-jumping and boxing 3. We can’t be sure, but it is a way for him to
4. kill the Minotaur make conversation with Ariadne and find out
5. Help him if she is brave enough to help him.
4. He is trying to gain her trust and sympathy with
Reading Comprehension flattery and personal conversation.
1. Theseus is trying to make Ariadne feel 5. He may be trying to make Ariadne believe it is
sympathy for the hostages by telling her alright for her to go against her father’s wishes.
 5 Chapter Five:
Among the
Hostages

Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

1. What does King Minos want Ariadne to do with the Phoenicians?

impatiently 2. What does Ariadne bring to the women’s cell?

stammered 3. Who do the Athenian girls want placed in the Labyrinth first?
linens
4. What do the Athenian girls say about the way girls in Athens feel
about Theseus?
blush
5. How do the Athenian girls describe Theseus when he defeated the
giant wild sow of Crommyn?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. What is one element of the story that reveals it takes place long ago?

2. Why does King Minos recall the story about Ariadne and the baby birds?

3. Why does Ariadne hope to walk through the throne room without being stopped?

4. How do the Athenian girls react to Princess Ariadne’s visit?

5. Besides wanting to be nice, why might Ariadne have wanted to visit the hostages?

In your own words...

How are Ariadne and her father alike? How are they different?
Ariadne tried to do something nice for the female hostages. What is something
nice that you have done for someone recently?
 Background and Additional Information Skill Builder
The Minoans used clay tablets, writing in a form of hiero- Review the chapter and
glyphics. As traders, the Minoans adapted the customs of summarize the main
other peoples readily, particularly those that improved their idea.
ability to conduct business efficiently. Minos is proposing a
trading voyage to Byblos, the oldest continually populated city
in the world. Even in the days of Minos, Byblos was consid- AUTHOR’S
ered an old city! The ancient rulers of Byblos adapted Egyptian
hieroglyphics, but then worked out a better system that formed NOTES
the basis for the alphabet. The word “Bible” comes from Minos is a hard, cruel
Byblos, as do other book-related terms like “bibliography” and man, but, in his own
the French word for library, “bibliothecque.” way, he does love his
daughter. She wants
his approval, and she'd
Multidisciplinary Connections
rather agree to head a
(Math) Looking in the newspaper, find ads for a variety of items trade mission than
small enough to fit in the basket to bring to the hostages and admit that she doesn't
calculate the cost. feel ready. Still, she
stands up for the
(Social Studies) In this chapter, King Minos tells Ariadne he hostages, even though
would like to set up a trade with the Phoenicians for tools in it sends him into a
exchange for cotton. In terms of economics, discuss the impli- rage.
cations in regard to products and resources. Does Minos’s plan
definitely tell you that the Minoans make tools and the Ariadne faces another
Phoenicians grow cotton? Or might there be other ways and challenge in the
reasons this trade would be set up between them? (Hint: What prison, however: At
if your Japanese pen pal wanted a German soccer jersey and first, Korinna allows
your pen pal in Berlin really liked anime comic books?) her to feel a part of the
group, but then coldly
Newspaper Activity calls her on her well-
intentioned but naive
Study newspaper advertisements to determine what is and condescending
most appealing and effective in display advertisements. attitude. Ariadne has
Create an advertisement for the Minoan lotions and been dissed, and
oils that Ariadne carries in her basket. dissed badly.

Chapter 5: Answer Key

Facts and Details
1. Make trades she cared for the birds like she cares for the
2. A basket of oils and lotions hostages,the end result is the same and she is
3. Theseus wasting her time.
4. They all have a crush on Theseus 3. She did not want to be confronted by her
5. He was just a little boy father and forbidden to visit the hostages.
4. At first, they seem friendly, but they are not.
Reading Comprehension 5. Ariadne is starting to question the sacrifice, and
1. Reading and writing materials -- clay tablets perhaps she wants to meet the hostages and
2. He wanted Ariadne to realize that even though see for herself what they are like.
 6 Chapter Six:
Beneath the
Prison Walls

Vocabulary
Facts and Details: Literal Meaning
exaggerating
1. Who consoles Ariadne after she leaves the prison?
scribe
2. Where does Theseus promise he will take Ariadne upon
innocent escaping Crete?

jealous 3. What does Theseus want Ariadne to get for him?

confidence 4. Where is Theseus’ sword hidden?

hero 5. Who confirms to King Minos that King Aegeus has a son?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Why is Ariadne upset after visiting the women hostages?

2. How does Theseus persuade Ariadne to consider his plea to help the Greek hostages?

3. What does Ariadne ask her father to consider?

4. According to Theseus everything has changed for him. In what way?

5. How does Theseus know the ship will not be sailing back to Athens in the morning?

In your own words...

What is the dilemma that Ariadne must resolve? Can you think of other stories, myths or
legends that involved a character who is faced with a dilemma? How do you solve your
own dilemmas? Give an example and explain how you chose to resolve your conflict.
If you are unable to think of a personal example write about a dilemma experienced
by someone else you know or someone in the news.
 Background and Additional Information Skill Builder
How did the scribe know Aegeus had a son? Lydian traders brought the Have students create
news. Lydia is nowhere near Athens, but, of course, traders would go all
around the Mediterranean and, even if they didn’t go to Athens, they their own title for the
would gossip with other traders who had recently been there. chapter based on the
main idea.
In fact, the first newspapers were written for traders, and mostly told
what ships were in port, what ships had sailed, what they carried
and how much various products were selling for. But they also had AUTHOR’S
news of wars, of changes in governments, of crops ruined by weather,
of shipwrecks and of other factors that could effect business. Soon, NOTES
people who were not merchants and traders began to read these
It's fun to be able to
papers to find out what was going on in the world. Over the years,
work on two levels, to
these publications began carrying more and more news of interest
write a story in such a
to the general public. But the roots of those old newspapers remain
way that adults will
very much alive in the fact that a good story is one tells how the
begin to pick up subtexts
news in it effects people’s lives, including how they make a living!
young readers won't,
and yet to have the story
Multidisciplinary Connections work on each level. It's
(Social Studies/English Language Arts) good that Ariadne
stopped outside the
Theseus is regarded as a hero for his feats. What are the prison and didn't run to
qualities of a hero? Select a historical figure heralded as a hero the palace to cry, but
of war. Create a poster display and write a biographical essay Theseus knew he would
about this person. Describe his/her accomplishments and feats. eventually get to talk to
her again. What young
Present to class. List common attributes of a “hero.” readers probably won't
pick up is that Korinna
Newspaper Activity and the other women
were schooled in their
Ariadne is struggling with an important issue. Every day roles, and that Theseus
people are informed about things in their community. Often a intended to turn up the
decision must be made to resolve an issue. Find an example heat on Ariadne's guilt.
of a community issue that has not yet been resolved. Write Watch for more of these
an editorial. Present both sides of the issue supported by moments, which will
facts and make an argument for the decision you become clear to the kids
feel should be made to solve the problem. later on. (Shhhh!)

Chapter 6: Answer Key

Facts and Details
1. Theseus innocent people.
2. To Athens 3. Ariadne asks her father if sending the son of
3. His sword King Aegeus to the Minotaur would compensate
4. On board the ship for the loss of her brother and put an end to the
5. The scribe yearly sacrifice. (She doesn’t reveal that the
son is among the hostages -- though she could!!)
Reading Comprehension 4. Theseus tells Ariadne that he had planned to
1. She felt ashamed that she had expected the bribe a guard rather than seek her help. But
female hostages to welcome her. She realizes once he realized how amazing she was, he
how naive she was to think they would want to changed his mind and wanted her to leave
befriend her. Crete to go to Athens with him.
2. He flatters her, promises to take her away, 5. Theseus and the Greek crew planned a delay
and tells her it is not right for her father to kill in order to keep the ship in Crete.
 7 Chapter Seven:
The Sword in
the Ship

Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

1. What needed to be repaired on the Greek ship?

traitor
quivered 2. What does Theseus tell Ariadne to do to in order to signal the
Greek sailors to begin a quarrel?
hilt
ivory 3. What does Ariadne use to help her find her way to the ship?

keen 4. What is missing from the sword?

5. Who is Ariadne to meet in the courtyard?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Why does Ariadne believe she would be treated harshly by her father if she were
caught helping the Greeks?

2. What are the Greek sailors fighting about and why?

3. In what way does the Magic Thread protect Ariadne?

4. Why does Ariadne believe that few would dare ask her what she is doing out at night?

5. What might Ariadne think has happened to Theseus?

In your own words...

Theseus has Ariadne retrieve his sword, which, “had the look of a weapon that had seen use
over many years.” Do you have something that has been handed down through generations,
an heirloom or family treasure of some type? What is its significance? What do you have that
you would like to keep and pass on to future generations of your family?
 Background and Additional Information Skill Builder
Search the chapter for
The newspaper activity for this chapter asks students to write prepositional phrases.
a classified advertisement. Circle each preposition
in two prepositional
Classified advertisements are advertisements in a section of
phrases.
the paper divided into classifications such as, “Automobiles
for Sale,” “Help Wanted” or “Homes for Rent.” Many individ-
uals place classified ads, but they ar also used by realtors,
automobile dealers, auction houses and other businesses.
AUTHOR’S
Classified ads are usually sold by the word or the line. NOTES
Two important story
Often reporters and editors find story ideas by looking at the elements here: This is
classifieds. the first time we've
seen Ariadne use the
thread outside the
Labyrinth, and there is
Multidisciplinary Connections sophistication in how
the thread operates.
(Art) We also begin to realize
how much Theseus has
Build a model of a Greek ship. Don’t forget the steering oar! planned this operation.
He hid the sword in a
(Technology/Social Studies) place that would be
This story is set in the Bronze Age. Research how tools and concealed until the
weapons like Theseus’s sword in the Bronze Age differed from steering oar was
similar Stone Age and Iron Age implements. What does the story removed for repair, and
suggest about bronze swords? Would this limitation of bronze he has the crew set to
provide a distraction
matter during the Bronze Age? How do changes in technology the moment Ariadne
change history? Find positive and negative examples. appears. I wanted an
Alfred Hitchcock feel to
the story, not in the
Newspaper Activity scary sense but in the
sense of an innocent,
Write a classified advertisement to sell Theseus’ sword or likeable character get-
write a classified advertisement to sell the Labyrinth. Be ting into an increasingly
concise, creative and descriptive. complicated situation.

Chapter 7: Answer Key

Facts and Details 2. The Greek sailors were pretending to quarrel
1. The steering oar over a dice game to distract the Minoan
2. Toss a pebble guards.
3. The thread 3. The thread unwound and helped her safely
4. No sheath or belt find her way to the ship.
5. Theseus 4. Ariadne is a princess and is rarely questioned
about what she is doing. People may fear
Reading Comprehension upsetting her father by offending her.
1. She believed he would treat her harshly to 5. She might fear that Theseus has been
demonstrate his fairness. apprehended by a Minoan.
 8 Chapter Eight:
The Lady
with the
Lightening
Fists
Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

1. Why does Ariadne go towards the prison while waiting for

protested Theseus in the courtyard?

scorn 2. Why are the female hostages calling out?

clamoring
3. What is the name of the man who dresses as a woman and
tapestries pretends to be ill?
cloak 4. How many guards did Ariadne count at the beach?
unconscious
5. What does Ariadne ask of the Magic Thread?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Does Ariadne know of the plan to trick the jailer?

2. What does Ariadne imply when she remarks, “These are Greek women. They
bake bread and weave tapestries?”

3. As the story unfolds, each of the characters undergoes changes. How do Theseus and
Ariadne change?

4. Remembering other chapters, how did Laodamus keep his disguise secret?

5. What does Theseus do in the prison that upsets Ariadne? Why does he do it?

In your own words...

The Magic Thread has never let Ariadne down before. Now, suddenly, it refuses to do
her bidding. Why do you think the thread has stopped doing what Ariadne asks?
 Background and Additional Information
Skill Builder
Wh

?
at? Review the chapter and
ho
Wh
w?

W ere highlight adverbs and

Ho

The ?
adverbial phrases.
5 W’s& Wh
en
?

How
hy

?
W

AUTHOR’S
The inverted pyramid style of writing involves writing the most essen- NOTES
tial details and information at the top and less important details in
The Hitchcock touches
later paragraphs. The questions answered are often referred to as
continue as the boyish,
the 5 W’s and How -- what, who, when, where, why and how.
charming Theseus reveals
his warrior side. If Ariadne
Multidisciplinary Connections thought she was just
going to help the Greeks
(Art/English Language Arts) sneak out of town, she
now realizes that she's in
Make a classroom tapestry based on the events of the story. deeper than that. But, of
course, this is deadly seri-
Collect illustrations and written pieces from all students and ous for them. My son, a
display as a large tapestry. military veteran, said that
this was the point at
which he realized
Theseus was capable of
Newspaper Activity pulling it off. But there's
not much boyish charm
The hostages escaped from Crete. This will have a being shown here, and
tremendous impact on the Minoan people. Write a news Theseus's carefully
story about the escape using the inverted pyramid style. planned agenda did not
Be sure to include eye witness accounts and quotes from include a Magic Thread
a Minoan guard and King Minos. that refuses to work!

Chapter 8: Answer Key

Facts and Details clever and cunning; therefore, the jailer should
1. That’s the last place she knows Theseus was. not fear that he is being tricked.
2. They said one of the young women was sick. 3. Ariadne is becoming more assertive as
3. Laodamus exemplified by her decision to help Theseus.
4. A dozen (12) Theseus is not as kind and flattering towards
5. First she asked the thread to take Theseus to the princess as he was when he needed her
the Minotaur, then she asked it to take her to help.
the Minotaur. 4. He pretended to be shy. On the dock, he started
to look at Ariadne, but looked down when she
Reading Comprehension looked back at him. When she came to the
1. It is unclear at which point she figured out the prison, he turned to the wall and ignored her.
ploy to deceive the jailer; however, it is easy to 5. He kills the guard, despite the fact that the
assume that she speculated it was a trick as man is unconscious and tied up. Theseus
soon as she heard the women calling out. says it is too risky to allow a chance of the
2. She implies that the women are not very man escaping and raising an alarm.
 9 Chapter Nine:
The Minotaur

Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

1. How does Ariadne have to phrase the request to the thread in order
to gain entry into the Labyrinth?
cautioned
2. What becomes stronger and stronger as Ariadne and Theseus
halted continued further through the maze?

3. What prevents Ariadne from going any further into the Labyrinth
dimly with Theseus?

desperately 4. Who or what does Theseus encounter inside the Labyrinth?

5. What does the Minotaur slap out of Theseus’ hand?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. How does Theseus treat Ariadne? How differently does he treat her now compared to
how he treated her when he first met her?

2. Which statement made by Ariadne foreshadows the actions of the Magic Thread later
in the chapter?

3. Why does Ariadne protest when the thread pulled her from the Labyrinth?

4. How is the Minotaur described?

5. If Theseus is killed by the Minotaur, what might happen to Ariadne? to the hostages?

In your own words...

If you were Theseus, how would you feel as you entered the Labyrinth? Have you ever
felt nervous, fearful or anxious? When you feel this way, how do you feel physically?
What do you do to remain calm when you are experiencing stress or fear?
 Background and Additional Information
Skill Builder
Ah! the bull-headed villain! And O, my good little Review the chapter and
discuss the description
people, you will perhaps see, one of these days, as I of the Minotaur. Using
do now, that every human being who suffers any the thesaurus and
thing evil to get into his nature, or to remain there, is dictionary, list other
a kind of Minotaur, an enemy of his fellow-creatures, adjectives to describe
and separated from all good companionship, as this the monster.
poor monster was.

-- Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Minotaur,” from

“Tanglewood Tales” (1853) AUTHOR’S
NOTES
In Greek theater, the
violence occurs off-
Multidisciplinary Connections stage. In epic poetry,
it's front and center. I've
(Art/ English Language Arts) chosen the former path
Create a monster using various materials such as clay. for a number of reasons.
Describe its features, characteristics and abilities. One is that a blow-by-
Write a descriptive paragraph about the monster. blow account of the bat-
tle would be gratuitously
bloody and would take
(English Language Arts) up too much space in a
Research other mythological monsters and creatures. Write a limited format. The other
is that Ariadne's point of
report and present your findings. view is obscured by the
darkness and by the
thread's insistence on
keeping her away from
Newspaper Activity danger. The suspense of
not knowing what's going
Look in the newspaper at the horoscopes. Based on on is more exciting --
this chapter, select the horoscopes you think are most especially when it leads
fitting for Theseus, Ariadne and the Minotaur. Write a to a cliffhanger that kids
short essay explaining your choices. Create your own can figure out if they
horoscope for one of the characters. Share aloud. catch a very important tip
in the final paragraphs!

Chapter 9: Answer Key

Facts and Details 2. She says, “[the thread] It never, ever leads me
1. “Please take us to the Minotaur.” into danger.”
2. Smell of the monster 3. She was afraid to leave Theseus alone with
3. The thread prevented her by pulling her the Minotaur in the Labyrinth because she
backwards cares for Theseus.
4. The Minotaur 4. The Minotaur is described as a great beast
5. The sword with flaring nostrils, muscled arms, hooves
and a massive chest.
Reading Comprehension 5. If Theseus is killed and Ariadne’s betrayal is
1. He is impatient and abrupt with her. He is not discovered, she might be sacrificed to the
as kind as he was when they first met. Minotaur along with the hostages.
10 Chapter Ten:
Escape

Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

Vocabulary
1. Who does Ariadne ask the thread to bring her to see?
swiftly
2. Who is the first hostage to greet Theseus and Ariadne at the
twined prison?
impatient 3. Who does Theseus ask to pretend to spear-fish by the
water’s edge?
stress
volunteer 4. Since Ariadne last came to the beach, how has the ship changed?

5. Did Theseus lie to Ariadne about the lives of the hostages?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. What does Ariadne realize about Theseus and the Minotaur at the beginning of the
chapter?

2. Why does the thread stop tugging at Ariadne’s wrist?

3. How does Theseus regard Ariadne?

4. In what way are Tydeus’ features important to the mission?

5. What does Ariadne discover about Theseus during her conversation with Korinna?

In your own words...

Do you think it was necessary for Theseus to lie to Ariadne? Why did he lie? How do you
think Ariadne feels about being lied to by Theseus? Have you ever been lied to by someone
you trusted? How did it make you feel and how did you handle the situation?
Do you think there are times when it is all right to lie? Explain your position.
 Background and Additional Information
Skill Builder
When Theseus chose athletes for his team, he still chose warriors;
he just chose warriors who wouldn’t need weapons to be effective. Review the chapter
and list the events in
In a pre-industrial society, warfare happened between people, not
chronological order.
machines, and physical fitness was a prime requirement for an
effective military force. The original Olympic games were based on Highlight any transi-
combat skills: The javelin, racing, archery, boxing, wrestling and tional words used by
hurtling the discus were all part of military training. (The modern the author, eg. (finally,
Olympics began with combat sports, and the pentathlon, winter next, in addition).
biathlon and decathlon continue to stress military skills.) Even
Pheidippides, who carried the news “Niki!” (“Victory!”) from
Marathon to Athens, was a common soldier in excellent shape.
AUTHOR’S
In the Odyssey, the Phaecians honor their mysterious guest with
games, and Odysseus is challenged to a bout by their best boxer. NOTES
His name? Laodamus! In this chapter, we get a
clearer view of how
Theseus planned this
operation. Not only do
Multidisciplinary Connections we see him as a military
(Social Studies) leader, and one with a
short temper, but Korinna
In this chapter, Theseus is preparing an attack against the spells out specifics of how
Minoan guards in order to escape. Throughout history, war the team was put together
and battles have been waged for various reasons. Write an and reveals that the
essay on the topic of causes for revolution. Name the battle, Greeks had specifically
planned to bring Ariadne
war or revolt, the leader of the attack and the consequences. into the plot. Korinna is
no dewy-eyed romantic,
despite earlier suggestions
Newspaper Activity that only girls who box
Theseus selected men who were boxers and wrestlers for and jump bulls can be
heroic. She is a tough,
his mission. Look in the sports section of the newspaper pragmatic woman who
and describe the physical attributes and body types of knows her contribution to
various athletes (baseball players are lean; weight lifters the team. The question is,
are bulky). Select at least three athletes as potential does Ariadne understand
members for Theseus’ team and explain your choices. hers?

Chapter 10: Answer Key

2. There is no danger to Ariadne because the
Facts and Details
Minotaur has been slain by Theseus.
1. Theseus 3. Theseus regards Ariadne as a nuisance. He is
2. Laodamus abrupt and impatient with her.
3. Tydeus 4. Tydeus is described as looking like a child.
4. Steering oar had been repaired This is important because the hostages were
5. Yes supposed to be young, and Tydeus was able
to bring his experience as a warrior to the
Reading Comprehension mission because of his youthful look.
1. She realizes that Theseus must be alive and 5. Ariadne discovers that Theseus has lied to
the Minotaur dead. her.
11 Chapter Eleven:
The Island of
Naxos

Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

binding
1. Whom do the Greek sailors and hostages fight on the beach?
fetched
2. What does Theseus intend to do with the overpowered Minoan
spared guards?
limply
3. Who is the first person to oppose Theseus’ plan?
mast
4. Where is the Greek ship supposed to sail?
stern
sparing 5. Where does the captain suggest the ship sail to and stay for
the night?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. How does Theseus justify his intention to kill the Minoan guards?

2. In what way are the Minoan guards like Theseus in their actions? In what way are they
different?

3. Why does the Greek ship sail to Naxos rather than to Athens?

4. Why does Theseus feel that Ariadne had embarrassed him? How might the culture in
which he lived contribute to his feelings of embarrassment?

5. How differently will Ariadne’s life be in Athens compared to Crete? What does
Theseus say to Ariadne to indicate this?

In your own words...

Ariadne disagreed with a decision expressed by Theseus. How do you persuade someone
who disagrees with you to consider your perspective?

Have you ever been embarrassed by someone? Describe the incident and
how you dealt with it.
 Background and Additional Information
Skill Builder
If you look at a map, Naxos is certainly not on a direct line
from Knossos to Athens and the original myth doesn't Review the chapter
explain how they ended up there. Fortunately, however, it and list ten verbs.
makes perfect sense within our storyline, and it’s entirely Replace these verbs
possible that the ancient texts once suggested that Theseus with ten others similar
knew Minos would send his ships straight to Athens! in meaning.

Multidisciplinary Connections AUTHOR’S

(Art &Technology) NOTES
Using the computer, create a travel brochure for the island of When Ariadne begs
Naxos. Theseus to be merciful, it
might just be a Minoan
(Science) asking that Minoan
Gather information about the formation of islands. blood be spared. But
Korinna and the other
Greeks speak up, and,
Newspaper Activity for the first time, Theseus
finds his plan being
Imagine that the island of Naxos is deserted and that you questioned. Taking pris-
oners poses practical
want to create a resort property there. Look in the paper problems, and Theseus is
to get ideas for writing a proposal to develop this island. essentially on a special
Select local people to assist you, select services you will operation behind enemy
lines. But once Ariadne
need, and business establishments you would want to questions his decision,
relocate to your island. the others talk him into a
Present your island to your classmates. less extreme solution.

Chapter 11: Answer Key

race to Athens. But the Mediterranean is full of
Facts and Details
islands. Since Athens is the only place the
1. Minoan guards Minoans will know to look for him, Theseus just
2. Kill them lets the ship’s captain choose an island they
3. Ariadne couldn’t guess he’d head for.
4. Athens 4. Theseus felt Ariadne had challenged him in
5. Naxos front of his people. In his culture, Greek
women are subservient to men and would not
Reading Comprehension challenge a man, especially not a man in
1. If they escape, they could sound the alarm Theseus’ position. This incident also forces
and send swift Minoan ships after the Greeks. Theseus to recognize that his behavior is no
2. The Minoan guards and Theseus both act to better than that of King Minos. Theseus’ own
serve and protect their own people. The people spoke against his desire to kill the
difference is that the Minoan guards are acting guards.
on Minos’ orders and Theseus is acting on 5. Ariadne will no longer be a princess. Theseus
his own. makes this quite clear to her. She will also live
3. The Greek ship is much slower than the ships within a society that does not treat women as
of the Minoans, who will easily catch them in a they are treated in Crete.
12 Chapter Twelve:
Decisions

Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

Vocabulary
1. Who does Ariadne feel she cannot face?

ledge 2. What does Ariadne realize about Theseus’s feelings about her?

hopefully 3. Did Theseus lie about Korinna being a great singer?

volunteers 4. What two things did Theseus find beneath the rock?

mission 5. What does Theseus tell Ariadne to do when the thread

becomes tangled on a rock?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Why does Ariadne feel that she is different from those around her?

2. How does Korinna justify Theseus’s behavior? Compare Korinna and Ariadne in terms
of how each feels about how she should be treated. How do they differ? Why?

3. Why is Theseus’s mission to slay the Minotaur so important to him?

4. Why does Korinna leave so quickly?

5. What can you know about Theseus from the dreams he had as a child?

In your own words...

Korinna explains to Ariadne that she finds Theseus’ behavior acceptable, but Ariadne
refuses to accept that it is all right for her to be yelled at and treated harshly
by Theseus. Do you believe Korinna gave Ariadne good advice?
What advice might you have given to Ariadne or a friend?
 Background and Additional Information
Terpsichore [told] me
Skill Builder
lovely old tales to sing Review the chapter and
to the white-robed women of Tanagra select ten words to use
and the city delighted greatly in a synonym exercise.
in my voice, clear as the swallow's.
--from a poem by Korinna, a Greek poet who lived in the Fifth
Century BCE, in Boetia, near Thebes. The real Korinna would have
enjoyed a much better place in society than the fictional Korinna AUTHOR’S
in this story (which is set some 3,500 years earlier in any case).
Selection from Sappho's Lyre (University of California Press, 1991). Translation NOTES
copyright 2000 Diane Rayor; all rights reserved. This was my favorite
chapter to write, but it
Multidisciplinary Connections was also the most chal-
lenging. I love Korinna.
(Social Studies) She has a heart of gold
and she’s a loyal friend.
In this chapter, you learn of Theseus’s father. Create a family But she needs to learn
tree of your family. that no tradeoff can make
(Technology) it worth accepting abuse.
Use the internet to research Greece and orally present your Even if she makes it back
to Athens and gets the
report. money and house, she
won’t have truly over-
Newspaper Activity come her hard life until
she thinks of herself as
In this chapter, Theseus is strong enough to move the rock worthy of good treatment.
and discovers a pair of sandals and a sword that leads him As for Theseus, sure, I
understand his issues and
to his father. Look in the lost- and -found section of the what drives him. I’m truly
newspaper. Find items that are listed as found and write a sorry for the things that
creative story about who might have lost the items, how they haunt him. But that does-
came to be lost, and what will happen now that the n’t mean I want him to
item has been found. marry Ariadne.

Chapter 12: Answer Key

Facts and Details
always been treated poorly, which
1. The Greeks is why she is does not find Theseus’
2. He does not love her. behavior disturbing or unacceptable.
3. He exaggerated 3. He tells Ariadne that he feels he must prove to
4. Pair of sandals and a sword his father that he is as big and strong as his
5. Leave it there father would like a son to be. This explains
why he is so driven to complete his mission.
Reading Comprehension 4. She says it is because it is growing dark, but
1. She is not Greek. She will be the only Minoan she stops in the middle of a sentence. It seems
and will not have anyone like herself in Athens. she hears Theseus coming and doesn’t
2. Korinna tells Ariadne that she should accept want to be overheard giving Ariadne advice.
the way Theseus treats her because he is a 5. Sometimes, his dreams about his father were
beloved hero. She tells Ariadne that she good dreams, other times, they were sad.
should just be happy to be with Theseus. Theseus grew up worrying about whether his
Ariadne does not think Theseus’ behavior is father would accept him and love him.
acceptable. Korinna reveals that she has
13 Chapter
Thirteen:
Marooned

Vocabulary Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

sheath 1. What does Theseus suggest doing to free the tangled thread?
snarled
2. What is Ariadne’s response when Theseus demands that she
brimmed come with him back to the ship?
horizon
steadily 3. What items are left on the beach?
smuggler 4. Where does the thread bring Ariadne?
trader
cargo 5. What does Ariadne find inside the cave?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Why does Ariadne refuse to leave the thread and go with Theseus?

2. Why might the Greeks aboard the ship refrain from alerting Ariadne that the ship was
leaving?

3. How does Theseus try to manipulate Ariadne?

4. Why does the spool become free from the rock? When did this happen in previous
chapters? What does it mean?

5. Who left the things Ariadne found on the beach? Was it an accident? What is the
significance of the bottle of lotion?

In your own words...

If you were Ariadne, how would you feel about being left alone on the island?
How would you feel about Theseus?
 Background and Additional Information
Skill Builder
The Roman poet, Ovid, composed a letter from Ariadne, on
Naxos, to Theseus. Here is a small portion: “What shall I do? Review the chapter and
Whither, thus desolate and forsaken, shall I fly? The island lies highlight compound
uncultivated, and affords no prints either of men or cattle. The sea and complex sentences.
encompasses me. No mariner appears, no ship to bear me through
the ambiguous tract. And suppose a ship, companions, and winds
were in my power, what could I do? my native country denies
access. Even if in a prosperous ship I should traverse the quiet AUTHOR’S
seas, Æolus restraining the murmuring winds, still I should remain
an exile. I shall never more behold you, O Crete, planned out into NOTES
a hundred cities, the isle where infant Jupiter was nursed. I have Of course, the great
basely betrayed my father, and his kingdom ruled by just laws, cliffhanger of the whole
names that must be ever dear to me. For you have I betrayed story is the question of
them, when, anxious lest the victor should be bewildered in the whether Ariadne will
labyrinth, I gave you a clue to guide your uncertain steps: when trust the thread or
you deceived me by false protestations, and swore by the dangers Theseus, and the literary
from which you had escaped, that, while life remained, we should conceit of the “Magic
be inseparably one. We live; and yet, Theseus, I am no longer Thread” was created for
thine; if indeed an unhappy woman, oppressed by the treachery this moment. When she
of a perjured man, can be said to live.” promised the prisoner it
would never lead her to
danger, when it wrapped
Multidisciplinary Connections around her wrist to pull
(Social Studies) her away from the
Research a nation on the Eastern Mediterranean, such as Minotaur, it foreshad-
Egypt, Jordan, Greece or Turkey. Create a poster about the owed this moment. An
nation and report on population, size, language, culture and adult reader will immedi-
ately say, “No! Ariadne!
import/exports. Don’t listen to him!” But
do kids get it? I’d like to
Newspaper Activity hear how your students
reacted. Was it obvious
Look at the grocery inserts and advertisements from your to them, too? Or did they
newspaper. Select 10 things to bring along to the island debate the point?
that will help you survive. Rank order the items from most Email me at
important to least important and explain your choices. [email protected]!

Chapter 13: Answer Key

Facts and Details might have told them that she wanted to stay.
1. Cut it with his sword 3. Theseus tries to manipulate Ariadne by telling
2. She refuses her that there are people aboard the ship that
3. Korinna’s blue scarf, a small water jug , a loaf do care for him and that do indeed trust him.
of flat Greek bread and a small bottle of He tries to manipulate her by making her feel
Minoan skin lotion guilty and silly.
4. To a cave 4. The spool becomes free while Ariadne sleeps,
5. Tall clay jars probably when the ship has left the island. In
previous chapters, the thread releases Ariadne
Reading Comprehension only when she is safe from danger.
1. She trusts the thread. It has protected her. 5. Korinna left them as a gift. She included her
Theseus has not demonstrated that she can scarf so Ariadne would know it was from her,
trust him. and the lotion is to remember Ariadne’s attempt
2. Theseus may have ordered them not to or he to be kind to the hostages in the prison.
 14 Chapter
Fourteen:
The Sailor

Facts and Details: Literal Meaning

Vocabulary
1. Who or what does Ariadne find washed up on the beach?
nanny
kid 2. What becomes of Theseus?
tart
disappointing 3. What did Theseus forget to do upon his arrival in Athens?
mourn
staggered 4. What happens to the Magic Thread?
constellations
5. What does Dionysius give to his queen, Ariadne?

What’s Going On?: Reading Comprehension

1. Has Theseus changed throughout the story? Give an example of an action that is
similar to past behavior. How has Ariadne changed through the story?

2. In what way are Ariadne and Theseus alike in respect to the relationship each had
with his/her father? How are they different?

3. It is told that the thread hadn’t moved in more than a year. What does that suggest
about Ariadne?

4. How does Ariadne’s time alone on the island contribute to the transformation of the
thread?

5. What is the significance of Theseus’ lie that the gods wanted Ariadne to stay on the
island in terms of assuring that no one would ever come to rescue her? How is this
related to the Labyrinth?

In your own words...

The thread helped lead Ariadne to a place in which she learned to listen to her heart and trust
herself. What or who has helped you learn to listen and trust yourself to keep out of danger, to
make the right decisions, to lead you to the right path?
 Background and Additional Information Skill Builder
“History is written by the winners,” it is said, and so is mythology. Conduct a lesson on
Dionysius represents the point where the old goddess religion of the homonym and antonym.
Minoans was taken over by the Olympian gods of the Greeks, and Have students select
his portrayal reflects it. The terms “Dionysian” or “Bacchanalia,” words from the chapter
(based on his Roman name, Bacchus), suggest drunken, debauched and list a homonym or
behavior. But Dionysius was not seen as negative by the people antonym for each one.
among whom he first appeared. Perhaps the more intellect-based
Greeks reacted to him much as European explorers reacted to the fer-
tility rituals and earthy humor they encountered in the South Pacific. AUTHOR’S
NOTES
Multidisciplinary Connections
The myths don’t say
(English Language Arts)(Creative Writing Prompt) how long Ariadne
Place several items in a brown paper bag. Have each student stayed on Naxos or
select an item and pretend it has washed up on a beach. what she did there
Write an essay about where the item might have come from, before Dionysius came.
whom it may have belonged and develop a story using the 5 Rather than have her
spend time raging
W’s and How. against Theseus (as in
(Art) Ovid’s letter), I thought
Using black paper and white chalk, draw an illustration of the it more important that
she set about rebuilding
Corona Borealis (see Resource Page for star chart Web sites). her life, free from both
(Science) Theseus and her father,
It is easiest to see the constellations on a clear evening. Look a pair of demanding
figures she could never
in the newspaper for the weekly forecast and predict which please. Once she stops
evening you will have the best chance to see the stars. crying and starts looking
around, she finds she
Newspaper Activity can take care of herself.
In fact, she even puts
Dionysius makes Ariadne a queen. Write a news article the thread on a shelf.
describing the event. Use additional sources to research She no longer needs it.
other gods that may attend the wedding. Based on your At that point, she’s
findings, describe the types of gifts Dionysius and Ariadne ready to be a queen, a
might receive from their honorable guests. wife, a hero.

Chapter 14: Answer Key

Facts and Details father (Ariadne’s decision to help Theseus;
1. A man who turns out to be a god, Dionysius Theseus’s forgotten promise to raise white
2. He became King sails). They differ in to what extent they will go
3. Raise white sails rather than black to please their fathers.
4. It transforms into a sprouting green vine 3. Perhaps Ariadne relied more on herself than
5. A crown, the Corona Borealis on the thread.
4. The thread is no longer needed because
Reading Comprehension Ariadne learns to depend on herself while she
1. Theseus doesn’t appear to have changed is alone on the island.
much. One example is the lie he tells about 5. Theseus knew the Greek people would not
why he left Ariadne on the island. She has want to upset the gods and they certainly
become self-reliant, self-sufficient and mature. would not challenge something that had been
2. Both characters wanted to please their ordered by them, especially since it was a god,
respective fathers and both betrayed their Poseidon, that created the Minotaur
 ARIADNE AND THE MAGIC THREAD
Vocabulary Acquisition Graphic Organizer

Use this sheet to record new vocabulary you learn while reading the story.
Synonym (similar
Suffixes meaning)

Root (s)

Antonym
(opposite
meaning)
Target Word
Prefixes

Definition

Directions
Related Words 1. Place target word in middle and
(Words with same use dictionary to record definition.
Ex. accept
root
2. List root, prefix and suffix. (Prefix =
ac, which means at or toward;
Root = cept, which means to
grasp, take, or seize)

3. List synonym (permit) and antonym

(decline).

4. Review meaning of prefix and

suffix and list related words.
Ex. according, acclimate

*Gunter, M., Estes, T. & Schwab, J. (2003). Instruction: A Models Approach. Boston, Allyn and Bacon;
copyright Pearson Education, Inc.
 Student Portfolio Requirements

Name______________________________________________
Topic ______________________________________________

My Portfolio Includes:

____ One newspaper-related writing piece (news article, advertisement, editorial

cartoon, obituary, or advice column)

____ One Self-Evaluation sheet of my Oral Presentation

____ One Written Piece assigned during the Unit (including rough drafts with
revisions)

____ One Letter to the Author (type-written, 12 pt. type, business letter format;
include rough draft with revisions)

____ One Vocabulary Acquisition Worksheet

____ One completed Prediction Sheet

____ End of Unit Assessment (graded)

____ One Bio-Poem of a character

*** Select your best work to include in your portfolio
Create an imaginative colorful cover for your portfolio based on the story
 Prediction Sheet

Name __________________________________________________________________
Chapter What I Predict the chapter will be about: The reasons for my predictions.... How accurate I was....
 Presentation Evaluation

Name___________________ Date _____________________

Speaker ____________________________________________
(If this is a self-evaluation, write “Self”)

Topic ______________________________________________

Score Scale: 3 -- Excellent

2 -- Good
1 -- Needs some improvement
____ Speaker is prepared
____ Speaker makes eye contact
____ Speaker uses appropriate voice volume
____ Speaker is enthusiastic
____ Length of presentation is sufficient

Write a positive comment about the best aspect of the speaker’s presentation (can
be the topic: the speaker’s style or approach, etc. and something you learned from
the presentation. Be specific... If this is a self-evaluation, comment on what you
would do differently, what you learned and how you felt during your presentation.
 ARIADNE AND THE MAGIC THREAD
Character Development: BioPoem

1st Line - Character’s name

2nd Line - “It means...” List 3 adjectives to describe the character
3rd Line - “It is the number...” Pick any number that reminds you of the
character
4th Line - “It is like...” Pick a color that reminds you of the character. Do
not name the color rather describe it.
5th Line - “Relative of...” Name 1-3 people related to character
6th Line - “Who does...” Name something unique that the character does
7th Line - “Who has...” Name something unique the character possesses
8th Line - “Who fears...” Name something the character fears
9th Line - “Who wants...” Name something the character wants or needs
10th Line - “Resident of...” Name the location where the character resides
 ARIADNE AND THE MAGIC THREAD
Word Search

S U M A D O A L Y W R A F
R B M Y T H O L O G Y C V
U E U T H R E A D R E B N
A T S U E G A T H E N S K
T E J S S U L A D E D C O
O R A O E P T B R K A Y R
N C N S U I S Y N O I D I
I I Q S S W O R D J R U N
M N A O N I M G X U A Z N
K H T N I R Y B A L S K A
D R E K P O S E I D O N L

AEGEUS DIONYSIUS LAODAMUS POSEIDON

ARIADNE GREEK MINOAN SWORD
ATHENS KORINNA MINOS THESEUS
CRETE KNOSSOS MINOTAUR THREAD
DEDALUS LABYRINTH MYTHOLOGY
 Resources
Books

D’Aulaire, E. & Ingri. (1962). Book of Greek Myths. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell
Publishing Group, Inc.
An older yet useful compilation of a variety of Greek myths. In this version, the god
Dionysus orders Theseus to leave Ariadne on the island.

Fanelli, Sara. (2002). Mythological Monsters. Cambridge: Candlewick Press.

Excellent artwork -- collage style with bits of information about various mythological
monsters including the Minotaur.

Fisher, L. E. (1988). Theseus and the Minotaur. New York: Holiday House.
Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.

Low, A. (1985). The MacMillan Book of Greek Gods & Heroes. New York: MacMillan
Publishing Company, Inc.
General overview and information about a variety of Greek gods and heroes.

Malam, J. (1999). Ancient Greece, Gods and Goddesses. Lincolnwood (Chicago): Peter
Bedrick Books, Inc.
General information and overview of Greek culture.

McCaughren, G. (1992).Greek Myths. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc.

A compilation of myths. In this version, Theseus fears the commitment of marriage
and intentionally leaves Ariadne on the island.

Moss, M. (2002). Galen: My Life in Imperial Rome -- Ancient World Journal. Orlando:
Harcourt Books, Inc.
Interesting book about ancient life written as a journal in the voice of a young boy.

Rockwell, Anne. (1996). The One-Eyed Giant and other Monsters from the Greek Myths.
New York: Greenwillow Books.
Various monsters from Greek myths are discussed in brief.

Vinge, J. (1999). The Random House of Greek Myths. New York: Random House.
A series of Greek myths. This version reveals that Dionysus came to Theseus in a
vision and told him he wants to marry Ariadne and should leave her behind.

Warwick, H. (1989). Theseus and the Minotaur. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.
Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.

Williams, M. (1991). Greek Myths for Young Children. Cambridge: Candlewick Press.
A variety of Greek myths written in a comic strip format. This version has it that
Theseus is unwilling to marry Ariadne, his enemy’s daughter, and decides to leave
her behind on the island.
 NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts Matrix
This matrix is based on English Language Arts learning standards set forth by the National Council of
Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. Keep track of the standards
you emphasize in each chapter’s work to assure that you are addressing each adequately.
ELA Standards Activity

Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understand- Chapters:
ing of texts, or themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the
world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of
society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.

Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to Chapters:
build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical,
aesthetic) of human experience.

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, Chapters:

and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions
with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other
texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual fea-
tures (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graph-
ics).

Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., Chapters:
conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of
audiences and for different purposes.
Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different Chapters:
writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different
audiences for a variety of purposes.

Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions, media Chapters:

techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print
and non-print texts.

Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and Chapters:
questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize
data from a variety of sources to communicate their discoveries in ways that
suit their purpose and audience.

Students use a variety of technological and information resources to gather Chapters:

and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language Chapters:

use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions,
and social roles.

Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective creative, and critical Chapters:

members of a variety of literacy communities.
 Resources
Mythology Web sites for teachers
Greek Mythology Link
This outstanding Web site contains information on a variety of topics and personalities in
Greek mythology, each linked to additional material. It also has beautiful pics of classical art
illustrating the text.
http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/index.html
Mythologies -- for lovers of myth and mythology
Fewer links, but equally pleasant design and good, readable information, with a significant
page about Dionysius.
http://www.belinus.co.uk/mythology/Homeextra.htm
Ariadne auf Naxos -- the opera
Richard Straus wrote an opera, “Ariadne auf Naxos,” but, like the musical comedy, “Kiss Me
Kate,” it is about staging a show rather than the show itself. This page, from the Friends of the
Salzburg Festival, contains some interesting reflections on the subject of loneliness. Keats and
others also have used Ariadne, abandoned on Naxos, as a symbol of isolation. This is a quick
read, but worth the visit.
http://www.festspielfreunde.at/english/frames/200012/ef_200012_07.htm

Mythology Web sites for kids

(but, please, let them enjoy our version of the story before they learn how it ends and discover other variations!)

Mythnet, Where Togas Are Still Hip

Easy to understand, PG-rated mythology, but accurate and with a fair degree of depth. Also has
links to equally accessible information on the Romans.
http://www.classicsunveiled.com/mythnet/html/index.html
Gods, Heroes and Myth
Much more than Greek and Roman mythology is covered here. There’s very little depth, but it’s
a good quick reference for kids, and lots of fun stuff, too, including games that download to
your computer. Contains a timeline of when various civilizations and their myths flourished and
even a site with recent news articles about the ancient world.
http://www.gods-heros-myth.com/index.html
Mythweb
This is a fun site in which spritely animation and irreverent but accurate storytelling combine to
liven up mythology.
http://www.mythweb.com/

Astronomy Web sites

Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown, is visible in the Northern Hemisphere in the spring and
summer. Here are a couple of different sites with information and sky charts.
http://www.astronomical.org/constellations/crb.html
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/afoe/CrB.html
http://www.astronomy.net/constellations/corona_borealis.html
 Naxos

Crete Knossos