Module 1 LESSON 5 Winning over Individual Challenges YOUR JOURNEY Just like the heroes in classic myths and tales, you want to achieve your goal. In doing so, you can't avoid meeting challenges or tests which you must surpass or hurdle. Have you ever found yourself facing a problem which seemed to have no solution? That's a challenge, of course! One thing is certain; you were able to learn from it. Did you learn the lesson the hard way? Sometimes you feel that the stakes you have to pay are too high, but what matters most is, win or lose, you've got to face these challenges head on. You can change the course of your life for the best. At this point, you know that these challenges affect your decisions in life, therefore you need to have control over the decision you make. How important is winning over your challenges? In what ways can winning over these challenges prepare you for a more fulfilling life?YOUR INITIAL TASKS ‘Task 1 CONNECT TO THE CAP Form groups of five. + For three minutes, think back and list down the personal challenges you've ‘experienced or encountered in your readings. + Check them against the entries in the box Challenges Affecting Me Having intemal conflict (grappling/struggling against my opposing fealings, beliofs, needs and desires, envy, anxiely, fears, oversensitivity to criticism: idealized image or what I prefer to be or feel ought to be) ‘Comparing self to someone more powerful Deciding where true integrity and loyalty lies ‘Accepting adult responsibilites: ‘Overcoming great odds. Being caught off guard Being treated unfairly Becoming a victim of prejudice Feeling inadequate/insecure/incapacitated (physical, mental, and emotional attributes) Being overwhelmed by a difficult taskChoose a specific example that interests your group, and talk about it. Answer the following questions v Why is it bad for you? ¥ How does it affect your life? What are its advantages and disadvantages? ¥ Which challenge would you like to happen or not to happen again? Consider the positive attitudes listed in the following figure. Enthusiasm Perseverance ‘Strong val power Decide which of these positive attitudes are important for young people like you to win over a difficult challenge. ‘Share your thoughts with the rest of the class.[Task 2 OUTLOOK TURN UP + Forma triad, and study the drawing. C~— BD Use picture clues and see how it relates to your idea about winning over challenges. Discuss your answers to the following questions: ¥ Does the drawing portray a man of action? Explain. ~ What can you tell about the person's personality from the drawing? ¥ Which details in the drawing show how to overcome over individual challenges? List down questions about winning over personal challenges that you still have to ask and answer. Check them against this essential question: Considering today’s context, what can we possibly do fo win over challenges? Give tentative answers to the essential question:Task 3 TUNE IN + Listen to “Roar” by Katy Perry, and find out what it says about challenges. + List down words and expressions that relate to ways we deal with challenges. + Discuss with your partner what the message of the song is all about. Task 4 LOOKING FORWARD + Using the essential question as a focal point, list down what you believe is necessary to learn about how to win over individual challenges. Use the space below for your entries. My Targets You are now ready for the next phase of the lesson.HOW ODIN LOST HIS EYE Retold by Catherine F. Sellow Once the world was still very young. Odin sat on his throne in the most beautiful palace in Asgard. His throne was so high that he could see over all three parts of the world from where he sat. On his head he wore a helmet shaped like an eagle. On his shoulder perched two black ravens called Memory and Thought. And at his feet crouched two snarling wolves. The great king gazed thoughtfully down on the earth below him. He had made the green land that stretched out before his eyes. With the help of the other gods he had made men and women who lived on that earth. And he felt truly like the All- father he was called The fair elves had promised they would help his children of the earth. The elves were tiny people who lived between heaven and earth. They were so small that they flit about doing their work unseen. Odin knew that they were the artists who painted the flowers and made the beds for the streams. They took care of alll the bees and butterflies. And it was the elves that brought the gentle rain and sun shine to the earth.Even the ugly dwarfs, who lived in the heart of the mountains, agreed to help. They forged iron and metals, made tools and weapons. They dug gold and silver, and beautiful jewels out of the earth. Sometimes they even cut the grain and ground the flour for the farmers on the earth. All seem to be going well. Odin found it hard to think of evil times. But he knew that the frost giants were only waiting for the chance to bring trouble to his children They were the ones who brought cold and ice to the world and shook the earth in anger. They hated Odin and all the works of the gods. And from high on his throne Odin looked down beyond the earth deep into the gloomy land of his enemies. He saw dark figures of huge men moving about. They looked like evil shadows. He, the king of gods, needs to have more wisdom. It was not enough just to see his enemies. He ought to know more about them. So, Odin wrapped his tell figure in a blue cloak. Down from his throne, he climbed. Down the broad rainbow bridge, he strode and across the green earth till he came to one of the roots of the great evergreen tree. There, close by the tree, was a well full of clear water. Its surface was so still it was like a mirror. In it one could see pictures of things that had happened and things that were going to happenBut beside the well sat an old man. His face was lined with the troubles of the world. His name was Mimir, which means “memory.” No one, not even the great Odin, could see the pictures in the well unless he first drank some of its water. Only Mimir could give the magic drink. “Aged Mimir,” Odin said to the old man, “You who hold the knowledge of the past and the future in your magic waters, let me have but one sip. Then, | can know enough to protect the men and women of the earth from the hate of the giants.” Mimir looked kindly at Odin, but he did not smile. Athough he spoke softly, his voice was so deep it reminded Odin of the distant roar of the ocean.What could the king of the gods sacrifice? What was most dear to him? Odin thought of his handsome son, Balder, whom he loved most in the world. To give up his son would be like giving up life and all that was wonderful around him. Odin stood silent before Mimir. Indeed that would be a high price! Then, Mimir spoke again. He had read Odin’s thoughts. “No, | am not asking for your dear son. The fates say his life must be short, but he has time yet to live and bring happiness to the gods and the world. | ask for one of your eyes.” Odin put his hands up to his bright blue eyes. Those two eyes had gazed across the world from his high throne in the shining city of the gods. His eyes had taught him what was good and beautiful. What was evil and ugly? But those eyes had also seen his children, the men and women of the earth, struggling against the hate of the giants. One eye was a small sacrifice to win knowledge of how to help them. And without another thought, Odin plucked out one of his blue eyes and handed it to Mimir. Then, Mimir smiled and gave Odin a horn full of the waters of his well.“The price of one drink from this well is not cheap,” Mimir said. “And once you have drunk and gazed into the mirror of life, you may wish you had not. For sorrow and death as well as joy are pictured there so you should think again before you ask to drink.” But once the king of the gods had made up his mind, nothing could change it. He was not afraid to look upon sorrow and death. “What is your price aged Mimir?” Odin asked. “You are great and good, Odin,” answered Mimir. “You have worked hard to make the world. Only those who know hard work may drink from my well. However, that is not enough. What have you given up that is very dear to you? What have you sacrificed? The price of a drink must be a great sacrifice. Are you still willing to pay the price?”“Drink deeply, brave king, so you may see all that you wish in the mirror of life.” Odin lied the horn to his lips and drank, Then, he knelt by the edge of the well and watched the pictures passing across its stil and silent surface. When he stood up again, he sighed, for it was as Mimir had said. He had seen sorrow and death as well as joy. Itwas only the glorious promise at the end that gave him courage to go on. So Odin, the great king of the gods, became one-eyed. If you can find Mimi's Well, you will see Odin’s blue eye resting at the bottom. Itis there fo remind men and women of the great sacrifice he made for them.MEETZ AUTHOR Ler Laat ig tal ett 1922-1982 Myth Lover. As a child, Catharine Sellew loved to listen as her mother read myths. Sellew later studied mythology and published a collection of Greek myths, Adventures with the Gods. She also retold Norse myths in Adventures with the Giants and Adventures with the Ve [age aaoe A Skilled Writer. Sellew also retold stories from the Old Testament and wrote a novel for teenagers, ribs cf entitled Torchlight. > a SPP ab, of Aa.AS YOU READ... a Note which behaviors are viewed as virtuous in each culture and how they are rewarded. Note which behaviors are viewed as negative. Identify the message or theme about love that each culture conveys. Determine how the events in the stories foreshadow future actions. seScandinavia is the name given to a group of countries in northern Europe that includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In these countries much of the land away from the seas is covered with snow. According to Norse (Scandinavian) mythology, the giant tree that supports all creation has three roots. One of the roots extends to a misty underworld. Another goes to Asgard (as'gard), the heavenly realm where the gods dwell. The third root reaches _ Jétunheim (yo'ten-him"), the icy realm of the frost giants. From his throne in Asgard, Odin, the mightiest Norse god, keeps watch on all the lands of creation. Pe ee ee Gareas--|ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: — Who are the characters in the story? Where did the story happen? What is the theme of the story? What is Sa conflict in the SeOe SMALL GROUP DIFFERENTIATED ACTIVITIES iD)GROUP 1. VOCABULARY HUNT e Look for diffcult words found in the selection “How Odin Lost His Eyes.” e Use a dictionary to fnd their denotative meaning, and then share how you understand each word (connotative meaning). ¢ Describe each word to other groups by using words and gestures. _ © Ask members of other groups to identify the word you're describing. ¢ Repeat the process until the last diffcult word is clear to all. i Fy _ ee or |Discuss the answer to the following questions. 1. What | internal confict has Odin experienced as he faced = =f Mimir? Look for phrases and sentences that express ie + his duty to his family particularly to his son) and duty to his people. Write this confict in the chart below. Confict in “How Odin Lost His Eye” Duty to his family (son Duty to his people > 7 Z een AFocus on character change and use the dialogue or the character’s experiences with the supporting character/s to support your answers. 1. Do you consider Odin as a hero? Why or why not? 2. Does he only think of himself or other people? Why does he think that way? 3. Consider Odin’s desire. Does it serve as an Opportunity to prove he can face the challenges? 4. How did the character succeed over his challenges? What did he learn from the experience? 5. Was there a change in his actions, thoughts, feelings, and attitude, or did he remain the same till the end? > a eS ee aeGROUP 3. LASTING VIRTUE 1. What do Odin’s actions and traits reveal about human nature? 2. What behavior (admired or condemned by gods) has. been illustrated or featured in “How Odin Lost His iid 3. Are the virtues highlighted still observed these days? Prove your point. 4. Which of the characters do you like best? Did he promote an enduring virtue that can be applicable even today? In what way? 5. Do you think Odin’s attitude would be helpful to win over our personal challenges? Explain. p oe ee “= — ff ——6. From which of the characters do you think you learn the most valuable lesson? Why? 7. Which of the characters consistently portrayed a positive attitude of winning over challenges? 8. How did the last part surprise you? Explain.GROUP 4. THINKING IT THROUGH |) 1. What details from the story made a powerful or lasting impression on you about winning over challenges? Explain how they can make you a better person. 2. What lessons did you learn about overcoming challenges? 3. How does “How Odin Lost His Eyes” help you | understand your world? Will your life change from i what you learned? How? 4. Explain how your perception has changed and what you plan to do from now on. 5. Which of the following ways will you adopt to win over your challenges? Why?GROUP 5. THEME CONNECTION * Point out which of the ways above are easy, difficult, or not very important choices to make in order to win over a difficult challenge. ¢ Explain why it is important to read and discuss myths, tales, legends, or other stories. * How will you convince or persuade others to Bs agree with you that it is important to read and discuss traditional literatures? Explain why it is important to practice and to uphold these ways. > po eeeGROUP 6. WINNING APPEAL CC ToT Moi ca Wel Gata T cal Ce ela acolo] have encountered in class appeal to you. Pee aN Et Marea Melia Mell (oat ee siete EAN et Coates aa) is employed in “How Odin Lost His Eyes,” and in your chosen aan 1. Her appeal — the character is the only one who can do the Te Pee Fed oll Tat TaliV ae) Yee) encarta teted | person who is not afraid to do something or he is the only b one who has a good solution to the problem. 3. Promise appeal — the character is offered some kind of reward for doing something. Same st TMA oamecta nia eta tea Roa ele Ce ee ng and speaking. cS ~~ ae —, — ST Ad Pa), =<SUMMARY: How Odin Lost His Eye Setting: Scandinavia ‘Odin, king of the gods, wants to protect humans from evil frost giants. To gain knowledge of the future, Odin must sip the water of a special well. This water will then reflect the images of the past and future. The guardian of the well, Mimir, requires a great price for the water: he asks for one of Odin’s eyes. Odin promptly plucks out the eye. After Odin drinks the water, he sees that the future holds sorrow and death for humans. He also sees that it will be redeemed by an event of great promise. Odin’s eye settles at the bottom of Mimir’s well asa. i reminder of Odin’s great sacrifice. Wo E = DT SSCP GPSLANGUAGE LINE. Sense of Value e Read the following sentences from “How Odin Lost His Eye.” 1. “Odin, the king of the gods, need to have more wisdom.” 2. “He ought to know more about his enemies.” a _ 3. “The price of a drink must be a great sacrifce.” 4. “You should think again before you ask to drink.” i | Seat¢ Form atriad, and answer the following questions. 1. What do the italicized words have in common? 2. How are they positioned in the sentences? 3. Which of them indicates a sense of obligation? a. a necessity? b. a prohibition, disapproval of something that was done in = the past? 4. How do we call these expressions? 5. How do they help in communicating messages? , ~~ et > and Be Sscer ss -> byB. Saving Grace Pair up and take turns in answering these questions. 1. Why do you need to sacrifice something to help the people you love? 2. Why must you struggle against the forces of evil or why is it necessary to win over challenges? 3. Whom must you turn to or consult in order to win over your challenges? How does he/she help you win over challenges? 5. What must be taken into consideration for you to turn challenges to opportunities? 6. How must you proceed in winning over challenges? =‘C. Rewarding + Write at least five desirable traits or habits you need to develop, and five undesirable traits or habits you ought fo weed out. + Write a short paragraph persuading others on the importance of developing these desirable attitudes and weeding out the undesirable habits to win over challenges. Use this title: Habits and Traits to Develop or to Weed Out in Order to Win over Challenges. Clarify your stand and use words that appeal to reason or emotion. Remember to use the appropriate modals. Remember the following points. Modals are auxiliary verbs performing specific functions like: Must — expresses obligation Need to — indicates necessity Should and ought to — express sense of obligation to do or to become something Shouldn't or should not have or ought not — indicate prohibition, or disapproval of something that was done in the past