╓xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx»wнere«xx xxxMythology Classroom xxxxxxxx»wιтн«xx xxxxxxxxxSixth Year Students xxxxxxxxxxxxxx»ғeelιng«xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRelaxed xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx╜
αи∂ ∂ α я ℓ ι и g , ι ω ι ℓ ℓ вєxxxxxxxxxxxx ℓ σ ν ι и g у σ υ 'тιℓ ωє'яє ѕ є ν є и т уxxxxxxxxx αи∂ вαву му н є α я т ¢συℓ∂ ѕтιℓℓxxxxxx fαℓℓ αѕ нαя∂ αт т ω є и т у - т н я є єxxx
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spaceAmata entered the classroom with a gentle smile, eager to start the new term. She assumed her typical stance, sitting on the edge of her desk, back straight, and looked over the classroom a moment before beginning."It's good to see you all back. I don't think I really need to bother with the introduction this year. You've all been around long enough. I will take your forms, since you took the trouble to fill them out."She crossed her legs at the ankles, summoned the papers to her desk, and stacked them neatly before turning back to her students.
space"Now then. Onto the lecture. Rowena Ravenclaw was, as you all know, the founder of Ravenclaw house and one of the four founding members of our school. The story of her death is one shrouded in mystery and sorrow. The story, which was until the time of the second Wizarding War entirely speculative, has come to light thanks to Harry Potter and his search for the truth. Few knew that Ravenclaw had a daughter, named Helena. This daughter was her one love, the person who she cared about more than anything in the world. But, Helena at times was troubled, and grew to resent her mother for the shadow she'd cast on the girl. Out of retribution, Helena stole the Diadem of Ravenclaw, which was said to offer its wearer wisdom. Soon after, Ravenclaw fell ill. Desperate to reconcile with her daughter and retrieve the stolen artifact, which could prove incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands, Ravenclaw requested the assistance of her daughter's former lover. When he found the girl, there was a struggle, which led to the death of both Helena Ravenclaw and her lover. Ravenclaw was said to have died of sorrow shortly thereafter. Helena Ravenclaw and the man sent to find her would return to Hogwarts Castle as ghosts, known by many of you as The Gray Lady and the Bloody Baron."She made sure to talk slowly, knowing that it was a lot of information to copy down. She paused once it was all out there, and smiled."So what do you all think? Truth, or rumors? Legend, or fact? And questions or comments?"She waited patiently, curious. One of her favorite parts of teaching was getting to pick the brains of her students and see what they had to say. Especially at this level; they were old enough to think critically, mature enough to form their own opinions, and set enough in their own ways to dislike it when people disagreed with them. It was always interesting to see if they'd agree and back one another up, or disagree and start a debate. So long as nothing became hostile, she didn't care either way.
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xxxαи∂ ι'м т н ι и к ι и g 'вσυт нσω xxxxxxρєσρℓє f α ℓ ℓ ι и ℓ σ ν є ιи муѕтєяισυѕ ωαуѕ xxxxxxxxxωєℓℓ мє, ι fαℓℓ ιи ℓ σ ν є ωιтн уσυ єνєяу ѕ ι и g ℓ є ∂ α у xxxxxxxxxxxxαи∂ ι נυѕт ωαииα т є ℓ ℓ у σ υ ι α м
xx»╳♥╳«xx xx»oυт oғ cнaracтer«xx Please do not quote for replies! Questions will be answered later in the week, or when the lesson closes.
Mythology Notes
Lesson 1: The Death of Rowena Ravenclaw
Ravenclaw:
spaceProfessor Rowena Ravenclaw (fl. c. 993 – 1000) was a Scottish witch, who lived in the early Middle Ages. Noted for her intelligence and creativity and regarded as one of the greatest witches of the age, Ravenclaw was one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry along with Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff and Salazar Slytherin, as well as the namesake of the Ravenclaw House. Ravenclaw was "beautiful yet slightly intimidating."
Her Death:
spaceLittle is known about the exact details of Ravenclaw’s demise. The only facts we are certain of are as follows: After Helena Ravenclaw stole her mother’s famous diadem, Ravenclaw kept the theft a secret. Shortly after, she fell ill. Knowing that whatever sickness she had was fatal and that her time was near, she asked her daughter’s former lover, The Bloody Baron, to track down her daughter, not in retribution, but so that they could be reunited. However, Helena refused to return with him. The encounter resulted in the death of both the Baron and Helena. Sadly, mother and daughter were never reunited, and there was no reconciliation between the two. Legend holds that Ravenclaw’s heart was broken as a result of her daughter’s treachery and disappearance, and that this was the main cause of her untimely death.
Homework:Do you believe that it is possible for a person to die of sorrow? Why or why not?
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2016 8:54 pm
❤ Taken By : Tori Macclallan ❤
Location: Mythology - Friday @ 10:00am
Dakota walked into his only class on Friday. His mind was on his problems and he really wished he had more classes to stop him from dwelling. Then again if he had more classes he’d probably be swamped. Taking a seat he pulled out his things before classes started. Listening to the lecture he was interested being a Ravenclaw after all. Everyone knew the story of The Gray Lady and The Bloody Baron.
Taking down some notes, Dakota wondered if Rowena Ravenclaw really did die of a broken heart or if the illness she had to begin with was what did it. “I’ve heard of older couples passing shortly after each other and even animals after their owners… but was it really the heartbreak that killed Rowena Ravenclaw or was she just sick and the illness took her after she sent Helena’s former lover to get her.” He threw out there. It was hard to figure out which one really caused her death.
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Status:If only their were more classes in a day... With:Class... Professor Harlowe
╓xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx»wнere«xx xxxMythology Classroom xxxxxxxx»wιтн«xx xxxxxxxxxSixth Year Students xxxxxxxxxxxxxx»ғeelιng«xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRelaxed xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx╜
αи∂ ∂ α я ℓ ι и g , ι ω ι ℓ ℓ вєxxxxxxxxxxxx ℓ σ ν ι и g у σ υ 'тιℓ ωє'яє ѕ є ν є и т уxxxxxxxxx αи∂ вαву му н є α я т ¢συℓ∂ ѕтιℓℓxxxxxx fαℓℓ αѕ нαя∂ αт т ω є и т у - т н я є єxxx
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spaceAmata sat, perched as ever on her desk, and watched as her students came in and took their seats. She waited a moment for them to get situated and to take out their things before beginning the lecture."Afternoon, class. Since last week we learned about Rowena Ravenclaw and her death, this lesson is about her contributions to the school. As you all know, Hogwarts was the brainchild of the four greatest witches and wizards of their era, Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin and Rowena Ravenclaw. Each of the founders dedicated much to the building of the school, to its design and its systems. However, some of Hogwarts most exceptional features are most often credited to Ravenclaw. Being the cleverest of the founders, it is no surprise that it is widely believed that she was the one to envision the ever-changing floorplan, the magical rooms and complex passages. While she was, of course, helped by and occasionally inspired by her fellow founders, the majority of the work in making these ideas a reality is credited to her. While the work of each of the founders can be found within the castle walls, hers is some of the more obvious."Amata paused there, waiting for her students to catch up on their notes."Does anyone have any thoughts on the lesson? Questions, opinions they'd like to share?"Amata waited patiently to see if anyone had anything to say.
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xxxαи∂ ι'м т н ι и к ι и g 'вσυт нσω xxxxxxρєσρℓє f α ℓ ℓ ι и ℓ σ ν є ιи муѕтєяισυѕ ωαуѕ xxxxxxxxxωєℓℓ мє, ι fαℓℓ ιи ℓ σ ν є ωιтн уσυ єνєяу ѕ ι и g ℓ є ∂ α у xxxxxxxxxxxxαи∂ ι נυѕт ωαииα т є ℓ ℓ у σ υ ι α м
xx»╳♥╳«xx xx»oυт oғ cнaracтer«xx Please do not quote for replies! Questions will be answered later in the week, or when the lesson closes.
Mythology Notes
Lesson 2: Ravenclaw's Contributions to Hogwarts
The Castle:
xxxxxHogwarts was the dream of its four magical founders. The four of them sought to build a school where magical children could come to learn to use their talents to the best of their ability. As each founder had their own strengths, each contributed something different to the construction and running of the school. Most of the specifics on who did what have long since been lost, and the completion of the school has become a conglomeration of their efforts. However, there are a few things of which we can be almost certain, simply knowing what we do of each of the founders. The most widely accepted assumption credits Ravenclaw with the school’s ever changing floor plan. Prideful of her intellect and a lover of puzzles, Ravenclaw sought to make the school a challenge in all aspects. Thus, she developed the idea of staircases that move, trick stairs and false corridors. Presumably, she can also be credited with the invention of several of the castles’ most interesting areas, such as the Room of Requirement. As Ravenclaw was well known for being an expert in almost all wandwork, there is little doubt that she would have been able to devise such spells as those that cause our halls to alter themselves and rooms to disappear. We can also surmise that she had a hand in some of the school’s defense mechanisms, such as the spell that hides it from muggles and the protective barrier. The most interesting of these features is the creation of magical golems, which can be awakened to act as an army in defense of the school. Many believe that Ravenclaw was involved in the creation of this particular defense, although it is widely accepted that it was chiefly the idea of Godric Gryffindor, who was known for being a master duelist and an expert on any tactical magic.
Homework:Think of the things that make Hogwarts unique. What contributions do you think each of the founders might have made to the school, aside from those mentioned already in class?
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 10:47 pm
❤ Taken By : Tori Macclallan ❤
Location: Mythology - Friday @ 10:00am
Dakota slid into mythology and got ready to take notes. The moment that Professor Harlowe started talking, he started taking the notes down. He found this subject interesting because he was a Ravenclaw. The founder for his house was interesting when it came to ideas on how to make the castle unique. From the doors disappearing, stairs being a pain, to well that hidden room that he’d never been in. Though he knew the room of requirement was somewhere he didn’t think he’d see it in his life time. Not that he needed it which was probably why he’d never see it.
When Professor Harlowe asked for their thoughts, Dakota thought for a brief moment. “Professor, I don’t get why anyone would want to create stairs that move… It certainly doesn’t help getting from place to place. Well… unless you’re in sync with them that is. I get doors disappearing and stairs changing to slides but not them moving...” He commented before adding. “Oh my bet is the enchanted suits of armor around the castle were a combined effort of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Maybe, Ravenclaw came up with the idea to enchant them to talk and move. Then Gryffindor came over and suggested they make them able to defend the castle.” It was a thought, perhaps he was onto something.
Tori hurried to her Mythology class, prepared for a lecture with lots of notes. She enjoyed Mythology, but found it a bit too similar to History in the sense that there was a lot to remember. She would find a way to manage it, though. Listening to the lecture, she wrote down the notes and thought to herself. What parts of the castle did she associate with each of the founders? The common rooms were a good place to start, she figured. The Slytherin one seemed creepy, from what she had heard about it, which fit the house well enough. The Hufflepuff common room was warm and fuzzy, like most of the people in the house, and it was next to the kitchen. Was Hufflepuff responsible for that too, having to tickle a pear to enter the kitchen? It seemed quite possible. As for Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, the towers each had their own special way of entering them, one with a riddle and one through a painting. The riddle seemed simple enough for a Ravenclaw to come up with, but why a painting for Gryffindor? She couldn't figure that out. Perhaps she'll ask the professor near the end of class.
Armed with an attitude that she knows how to use, she's gonna get there any way she can. Now she knows what she wants. No one is gonna stop her. Nothing's ever gonna hold her back. That girl was a one time teenage drama queen, a hot, tough everyday wannabee. But she'll have changed her destiny. Now she's a somebody. That girl was a wild child dreamer but she'll find herself. 'Cause she believes in nothin' else, and you'll look back, and you won't believe, that girl was me.
╓xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx»wнere«xx xxxMythology Classroom xxxxxxxx»wιтн«xx xxxxxxxxxSixth Year Students xxxxxxxxxxxxxx»ғeelιng«xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRelaxed xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx╜
αи∂ ∂ α я ℓ ι и g , ι ω ι ℓ ℓ вєxxxxxxxxxxxx ℓ σ ν ι и g у σ υ 'тιℓ ωє'яє ѕ є ν є и т уxxxxxxxxx αи∂ вαву му н є α я т ¢συℓ∂ ѕтιℓℓxxxxxx fαℓℓ αѕ нαя∂ αт т ω є и т у - т н я є єxxx
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spaceAmata entered the classroom with a gentle smile, eager to start the new term. She assumed her typical stance, sitting on the edge of her desk, back straight, and looked over the classroom a moment before beginning."It's good to see you all back. I don't think I really need to bother with the introduction this year. You've all been around long enough. I will take your forms, since you took the trouble to fill them out."She crossed her legs at the ankles, summoned the papers to her desk, and stacked them neatly before turning back to her students.
space"Now then. Onto the lecture. Rowena Ravenclaw was, as you all know, the founder of Ravenclaw house and one of the four founding members of our school. The story of her death is one shrouded in mystery and sorrow. The story, which was until the time of the second Wizarding War entirely speculative, has come to light thanks to Harry Potter and his search for the truth. Few knew that Ravenclaw had a daughter, named Helena. This daughter was her one love, the person who she cared about more than anything in the world. But, Helena at times was troubled, and grew to resent her mother for the shadow she'd cast on the girl. Out of retribution, Helena stole the Diadem of Ravenclaw, which was said to offer its wearer wisdom. Soon after, Ravenclaw fell ill. Desperate to reconcile with her daughter and retrieve the stolen artifact, which could prove incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands, Ravenclaw requested the assistance of her daughter's former lover. When he found the girl, there was a struggle, which led to the death of both Helena Ravenclaw and her lover. Ravenclaw was said to have died of sorrow shortly thereafter. Helena Ravenclaw and the man sent to find her would return to Hogwarts Castle as ghosts, known by many of you as The Gray Lady and the Bloody Baron."She made sure to talk slowly, knowing that it was a lot of information to copy down. She paused once it was all out there, and smiled."So what do you all think? Truth, or rumors? Legend, or fact? And questions or comments?"She waited patiently, curious. One of her favorite parts of teaching was getting to pick the brains of her students and see what they had to say. Especially at this level; they were old enough to think critically, mature enough to form their own opinions, and set enough in their own ways to dislike it when people disagreed with them. It was always interesting to see if they'd agree and back one another up, or disagree and start a debate. So long as nothing became hostile, she didn't care either way.
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xxxαи∂ ι'м т н ι и к ι и g 'вσυт нσω xxxxxxρєσρℓє f α ℓ ℓ ι и ℓ σ ν є ιи муѕтєяισυѕ ωαуѕ xxxxxxxxxωєℓℓ мє, ι fαℓℓ ιи ℓ σ ν є ωιтн уσυ єνєяу ѕ ι и g ℓ є ∂ α у xxxxxxxxxxxxαи∂ ι נυѕт ωαииα т є ℓ ℓ у σ υ ι α м
xx»╳♥╳«xx xx»oυт oғ cнaracтer«xx Please do not quote for replies! Questions will be answered later in the week, or when the lesson closes.
Mythology Notes
Lesson 1: The Death of Rowena Ravenclaw
Ravenclaw:
spaceProfessor Rowena Ravenclaw (fl. c. 993 – 1000) was a Scottish witch, who lived in the early Middle Ages. Noted for her intelligence and creativity and regarded as one of the greatest witches of the age, Ravenclaw was one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry along with Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff and Salazar Slytherin, as well as the namesake of the Ravenclaw House. Ravenclaw was "beautiful yet slightly intimidating."
Her Death:
spaceLittle is known about the exact details of Ravenclaw’s demise. The only facts we are certain of are as follows: After Helena Ravenclaw stole her mother’s famous diadem, Ravenclaw kept the theft a secret. Shortly after, she fell ill. Knowing that whatever sickness she had was fatal and that her time was near, she asked her daughter’s former lover, The Bloody Baron, to track down her daughter, not in retribution, but so that they could be reunited. However, Helena refused to return with him. The encounter resulted in the death of both the Baron and Helena. Sadly, mother and daughter were never reunited, and there was no reconciliation between the two. Legend holds that Ravenclaw’s heart was broken as a result of her daughter’s treachery and disappearance, and that this was the main cause of her untimely death.
Homework:Do you believe that it is possible for a person to die of sorrow? Why or why not?
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
╓xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx»wнere«xx xxxMythology Classroom xxxxxxxx»wιтн«xx xxxxxxxxxSixth Year Students xxxxxxxxxxxxxx»ғeelιng«xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRelaxed xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx╜
αи∂ ∂ α я ℓ ι и g , ι ω ι ℓ ℓ вєxxxxxxxxxxxx ℓ σ ν ι и g у σ υ 'тιℓ ωє'яє ѕ є ν є и т уxxxxxxxxx αи∂ вαву му н є α я т ¢συℓ∂ ѕтιℓℓxxxxxx fαℓℓ αѕ нαя∂ αт т ω є и т у - т н я є єxxx
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spaceAmata entered the classroom with a gentle smile, eager to start the new term. She assumed her typical stance, sitting on the edge of her desk, back straight, and looked over the classroom a moment before beginning."Hello, everyone, in case you've forgotten over the Summer holiday, I'm Professor Harlowe, and this is fourth year Mythology. If you're in the wrong class, feel free to quietly exit while everyone is watching me and won't notice."She grinned impishly at her students."Now then, you should all remember the rules and such from last year, so I'll only go over the most important ones very quickly: You come in, you copy the notes, then we open the floor for discussion. Contributions will earn you house points. However, it should be noted that a lot of what is covered in this class can be somewhat controversial. That said, I will not tolerate anyone who is rude or belittling to their classmates, no matter what subject you might disagree with them on. Respect is key to an enlightening and stimulating conversation, so keep your minds open."
spaceAmata paused, giving them a moment to let that sink in. Not that she expected problems from any of them, but one could never be too sure, after all. After a decent pause, she gave an introduction."Today's lesson will be somewhat similar to the first lesson of your fourth year. However, this time we will be discussing the differences between the mythologies of the muggle and magical worlds. If you'll copy down the notes on the board, we can begin."The sound of quills scratching lasted for a while, given that the notes on this particular subject were a bit on the wordy side. She waited until it began to slow and quiet, and then launched into the lecture proper."Now, generally speaking, wizards and muggles are separated by a wealth of knowledge that muggles believe to be fictitious, but which the magical community knows to be true. The existence of a good bit of flora and fauna, for instance, such as dragons and devil's snares. However, the wizarding world is not without myths of its own. There are a good many stories passed along in magical households, whispered by the fires and written in books, of which there are no verifiable facts, but were believed to be true at one time. Previous lessons prove that, with discussions on the Quintaped and the consequences of drinking unicorn blood to name a couple."She paused, pursing her lips. She had known a good many witches and wizards over the years who had a sense of arrogance about them, thinking that they were more aware of the reality of the world than muggles, simply because they knew of the existences of the magical world. Nonsense. There were just as many gaps in magical knowledge, maybe more. Considering that muggle gaps were actual blindness, and not an arrogant refusal to even look, she wouldn't be surprised.
space"Now then, for the most part, the differences between muggle and magical myths can be chalked up to how they came into being. Most muggle myths stem from a lack of knowledge on how the universe works, and a desperate need to explain it. For instance, what causes storms? Many ancient cultures believed they were the work of gods, ancient battles among powerful beings. Lightening was a weapon in the hands of some, used to smite enemies. To others, it marked a space consecrated by the god who wielded it, and temples would be erected where it struck."Her expression grew thoughtful, finger tapping at her chin."Now, it should be noted that ancient witches and wizards had no more understanding of these forces than muggles did. What is called 'muggle mythology' is in fact the mythology of the world, divided among its cultures. Wizarding culture was not separate from that of muggles for most of history, and so the myths were shared. This is a good reason why most magical people lack their own versions of gods and natural laws; the beliefs were shared among muggle and magical alike."Sometimes, when she talked about these things, she wondered how many people she was annoying, or how many would like to argue with her. She knew that times had changed greatly from years past, but the roots of bigotry were far from dead."Most myths among wizarding culture, then, are the result, not of creating explanations where the answers to questions were not apparent or understood, but rather of misinformation. Many 'myths' in magical history are rooted in fact, but the details have been lost or changed or muddled over the years. We know that a certain event took place, and the result, but the how and why can often be forgotten. We have the benefit of contact with ghosts, and in more recent centuries, the advent of enchanted portraits, to keep the information fresh, with the participants in events still being present in some form or another to share. However, even provided the subjects are inclined to talk on the subject, as many aren't (such as the Grey Lady and Bloody Baron, for example), this isn't the most reliable method, as I'm sure anyone who has met Sir Cadogan can attest to."Her lips quirked into an amused smile. Sir Cadogan was a treasure, if a particularly bothersome one. She both loved and hated the knight, because he was utterly hilarious... unless she was the one he was pestering with the tales of his Wyvern."And now, I'm opening the floor to discussion. Questions and comments are welcome, and worth house points."She waited patiently; hopefully, she hadn't bored them to death with her little lecture/rant. She knew she tended to ramble, and exposure to Grayson had only made it worse over the years. Having someone who listened so intently, and who responded just as enthusiastically, tended to make you forget that some people found this sort of thing dull.
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xxxαи∂ ι'м т н ι и к ι и g 'вσυт нσω xxxxxxρєσρℓє f α ℓ ℓ ι и ℓ σ ν є ιи муѕтєяισυѕ ωαуѕ xxxxxxxxxωєℓℓ мє, ι fαℓℓ ιи ℓ σ ν є ωιтн уσυ єνєяу ѕ ι и g ℓ є ∂ α у xxxxxxxxxxxxαи∂ ι נυѕт ωαииα т є ℓ ℓ у σ υ ι α м
xx»╳♥╳«xx xx»oυт oғ cнaracтer«xx Please do not quote for replies! Questions will be answered later in the week, or when the lesson closes.
Mythology Notes
Lesson 1: The Difference Between Muggle and Magical Mythology
Definition of Mythology:
- An allegorical narrative - A body of myths, IE -- The myths dealing with the gods, demigods, and legendary heroes of a particular people -- A pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture - A branch of knowledge that deals with myth - A popular belief or assumption that has grown up around someone or something
Muggle Mythology:
- By and large, Muggle Mythology is made up of the myths and legends specific to ancient cultures, which have largely fallen out of practice and belief. - An example of this is the myths of Ancient Greece, pertaining to the pantheon of gods and the worship of them. Modern Greek culture, for the most part, no longer believes in the gods of Mount Olympus or believes the stories about them. - The study of mythology is closely tied to the study of history, but the two are viewed as wholly separate from one another in most respects. - History is a factual depiction of what did happen, Mythology is a depiction of the interpretation of the events, oftentimes made by people who had no real understanding of the world and how things happened. - For instance, history paints a picture of the discovery of how our solar system works, that the Sun is at its center and the Earth, and other planets, revolve around it. There are fixed points in history regarding the discovery of each planet, and of the advancements in knowledge teaching us about their orbits. - Mythology's part in this story is found in the sun gods of old. Ancient peoples, not having the understanding of their descendants, came up with all manner of stories to explain the sun, and the stars, and how they and the Earth interacted with one another. - In Greek Mythology, the god Apollo would bring the sun into the sky each morning with a chariot, journeying across the sky with it each day. Another example, which is not generally considered, is the ancient belief that the sun revolved around the Earth. This was proven incorrect by study, and thus, it is a myth.
Magical Mythology:
- In general, the mythology of the magical world differs from that of muggles in that there are very few stories that are specific to wizarding culture, or from an attempt to explain the unexplained. - Generally speaking, magic is very much accepted as the answer to the unexplained, without the need to create godlike figures or invent rules of nature to make mysteries make sense. - More frequently, myths in magical history come, not from a lack of understanding of events as they happen, but in the facts of an event being lost to time. - For example, the story of Salazar Slytherin's departure from Hogwarts, and The Chamber of Secrets, is one rife with controversy and misinformation. Theories have abounded as to the details of why Slytherin fell out with his fellow founders, where the chamber was located, and what lay within. - With the openings of the Chamber in our recent history, much of this information was rediscovered (with the exception of the true nature of Slytherin's departure, which can only be left up to speculation, as their are no sources capable of speaking to the facts that are willing to do so). - However, the details even on the most recent events are obscured by a lack of willingness to discuss them, as well as the fear of the spread of certain knowledge (specifically, how to open the chamber). It is likely that, as the years progress, more and more of this information will be warped and lost to time, until the story once again becomes a proper myth.
Similarities:
- Both Muggle and Magical mythology are subject to changing over time. Details are lost to history as the minds that remember them leave this world, and second hand knowledge becomes Sixth hand, fourth hand, and so on. - Consider the spread of rumors across the school; if you asked ten students a question regarding the same rumor, each student would likely have heard a different version, depending on where they heard it from, how many people it had to pass through to get to them, and how reliable each source was. History and Mythology suffer from the same issue, on a much larger scale. The more people tell the story, the fuzzier the details get. - Likewise, while there are a good many creatures believed to be mythical by muggles that are known to be real by wizardkind, there are a good many creatures that even we consider mythical. Gods and goddesses, for instance, are a subject of great debate, and certain publications are famous for telling what are generally regarded as tall tales of encounters with non-existent creatures.
Homework:Write a short essay comparing and contrasting muggle and magical culture and how myths are derived from each.
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:11 pm
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αи∂ ∂ α я ℓ ι и g , ι ω ι ℓ ℓ вєxxxxxxxxxxxx ℓ σ ν ι и g у σ υ 'тιℓ ωє'яє ѕ є ν є и т уxxxxxxxxx αи∂ вαву му н є α я т ¢συℓ∂ ѕтιℓℓxxxxxx fαℓℓ αѕ нαя∂ αт т ω є и т у - т н я є єxxx
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spaceAmata entered the classroom with a gentle smile, eager to start the new term. She assumed her typical stance, sitting on the edge of her desk, back straight, and looked over the classroom a moment before beginning."Hello, everyone, in case you've forgotten over the Summer holiday, I'm Professor Harlowe, and this is sixth year Mythology. If you're in the wrong class, feel free to quietly exit while everyone is watching me and won't notice."She grinned impishly at her students."Now then, you should all remember the rules and such from last year, so I'll only go over the most important ones very quickly: You come in, you copy the notes, then we open the floor for discussion. Contributions will earn you house points. However, it should be noted that a lot of what is covered in this class can be somewhat controversial. That said, I will not tolerate anyone who is rude or belittling to their classmates, no matter what subject you might disagree with them on. Respect is key to an enlightening and stimulating conversation, so keep your minds open."
spaceAmata paused, giving them a moment to let that sink in. Not that she expected problems from any of them, but one could never be too sure, after all. After a decent pause, she gave an introduction."Today's lesson will be somewhat similar to the first lesson of your fourth year. However, this time we will be discussing the differences between the mythologies of the muggle and magical worlds. If you'll copy down the notes on the board, we can begin."The sound of quills scratching lasted for a while, given that the notes on this particular subject were a bit on the wordy side. She waited until it began to slow and quiet, and then launched into the lecture proper."Now, generally speaking, wizards and muggles are separated by a wealth of knowledge that muggles believe to be fictitious, but which the magical community knows to be true. The existence of a good bit of flora and fauna, for instance, such as dragons and devil's snares. However, the wizarding world is not without myths of its own. There are a good many stories passed along in magical households, whispered by the fires and written in books, of which there are no verifiable facts, but were believed to be true at one time. Previous lessons prove that, with discussions on the Quintaped and the consequences of drinking unicorn blood to name a couple."She paused, pursing her lips. She had known a good many witches and wizards over the years who had a sense of arrogance about them, thinking that they were more aware of the reality of the world than muggles, simply because they knew of the existences of the magical world. Nonsense. There were just as many gaps in magical knowledge, maybe more. Considering that muggle gaps were actual blindness, and not an arrogant refusal to even look, she wouldn't be surprised.
space"Now then, for the most part, the differences between muggle and magical myths can be chalked up to how they came into being. Most muggle myths stem from a lack of knowledge on how the universe works, and a desperate need to explain it. For instance, what causes storms? Many ancient cultures believed they were the work of gods, ancient battles among powerful beings. Lightening was a weapon in the hands of some, used to smite enemies. To others, it marked a space consecrated by the god who wielded it, and temples would be erected where it struck."Her expression grew thoughtful, finger tapping at her chin."Now, it should be noted that ancient witches and wizards had no more understanding of these forces than muggles did. What is called 'muggle mythology' is in fact the mythology of the world, divided among its cultures. Wizarding culture was not separate from that of muggles for most of history, and so the myths were shared. This is a good reason why most magical people lack their own versions of gods and natural laws; the beliefs were shared among muggle and magical alike."Sometimes, when she talked about these things, she wondered how many people she was annoying, or how many would like to argue with her. She knew that times had changed greatly from years past, but the roots of bigotry were far from dead."Most myths among wizarding culture, then, are the result, not of creating explanations where the answers to questions were not apparent or understood, but rather of misinformation. Many 'myths' in magical history are rooted in fact, but the details have been lost or changed or muddled over the years. We know that a certain event took place, and the result, but the how and why can often be forgotten. We have the benefit of contact with ghosts, and in more recent centuries, the advent of enchanted portraits, to keep the information fresh, with the participants in events still being present in some form or another to share. However, even provided the subjects are inclined to talk on the subject, as many aren't (such as the Grey Lady and Bloody Baron, for example), this isn't the most reliable method, as I'm sure anyone who has met Sir Cadogan can attest to."Her lips quirked into an amused smile. Sir Cadogan was a treasure, if a particularly bothersome one. She both loved and hated the knight, because he was utterly hilarious... unless she was the one he was pestering with the tales of his Wyvern."And now, I'm opening the floor to discussion. Questions and comments are welcome, and worth house points."She waited patiently; hopefully, she hadn't bored them to death with her little lecture/rant. She knew she tended to ramble, and exposure to Grayson had only made it worse over the years. Having someone who listened so intently, and who responded just as enthusiastically, tended to make you forget that some people found this sort of thing dull.
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xxxαи∂ ι'м т н ι и к ι и g 'вσυт нσω xxxxxxρєσρℓє f α ℓ ℓ ι и ℓ σ ν є ιи муѕтєяισυѕ ωαуѕ xxxxxxxxxωєℓℓ мє, ι fαℓℓ ιи ℓ σ ν є ωιтн уσυ єνєяу ѕ ι и g ℓ є ∂ α у xxxxxxxxxxxxαи∂ ι נυѕт ωαииα т є ℓ ℓ у σ υ ι α м
xx»╳♥╳«xx xx»oυт oғ cнaracтer«xx Please do not quote for replies! Questions will be answered later in the week, or when the lesson closes.
Mythology Notes
Lesson 1: The Difference Between Muggle and Magical Mythology
Definition of Mythology:
- An allegorical narrative - A body of myths, IE -- The myths dealing with the gods, demigods, and legendary heroes of a particular people -- A pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture - A branch of knowledge that deals with myth - A popular belief or assumption that has grown up around someone or something
Muggle Mythology:
- By and large, Muggle Mythology is made up of the myths and legends specific to ancient cultures, which have largely fallen out of practice and belief. - An example of this is the myths of Ancient Greece, pertaining to the pantheon of gods and the worship of them. Modern Greek culture, for the most part, no longer believes in the gods of Mount Olympus or believes the stories about them. - The study of mythology is closely tied to the study of history, but the two are viewed as wholly separate from one another in most respects. - History is a factual depiction of what did happen, Mythology is a depiction of the interpretation of the events, oftentimes made by people who had no real understanding of the world and how things happened. - For instance, history paints a picture of the discovery of how our solar system works, that the Sun is at its center and the Earth, and other planets, revolve around it. There are fixed points in history regarding the discovery of each planet, and of the advancements in knowledge teaching us about their orbits. - Mythology's part in this story is found in the sun gods of old. Ancient peoples, not having the understanding of their descendants, came up with all manner of stories to explain the sun, and the stars, and how they and the Earth interacted with one another. - In Greek Mythology, the god Apollo would bring the sun into the sky each morning with a chariot, journeying across the sky with it each day. Another example, which is not generally considered, is the ancient belief that the sun revolved around the Earth. This was proven incorrect by study, and thus, it is a myth.
Magical Mythology:
- In general, the mythology of the magical world differs from that of muggles in that there are very few stories that are specific to wizarding culture, or from an attempt to explain the unexplained. - Generally speaking, magic is very much accepted as the answer to the unexplained, without the need to create godlike figures or invent rules of nature to make mysteries make sense. - More frequently, myths in magical history come, not from a lack of understanding of events as they happen, but in the facts of an event being lost to time. - For example, the story of Salazar Slytherin's departure from Hogwarts, and The Chamber of Secrets, is one rife with controversy and misinformation. Theories have abounded as to the details of why Slytherin fell out with his fellow founders, where the chamber was located, and what lay within. - With the openings of the Chamber in our recent history, much of this information was rediscovered (with the exception of the true nature of Slytherin's departure, which can only be left up to speculation, as their are no sources capable of speaking to the facts that are willing to do so). - However, the details even on the most recent events are obscured by a lack of willingness to discuss them, as well as the fear of the spread of certain knowledge (specifically, how to open the chamber). It is likely that, as the years progress, more and more of this information will be warped and lost to time, until the story once again becomes a proper myth.
Similarities:
- Both Muggle and Magical mythology are subject to changing over time. Details are lost to history as the minds that remember them leave this world, and second hand knowledge becomes Sixth hand, fourth hand, and so on. - Consider the spread of rumors across the school; if you asked ten students a question regarding the same rumor, each student would likely have heard a different version, depending on where they heard it from, how many people it had to pass through to get to them, and how reliable each source was. History and Mythology suffer from the same issue, on a much larger scale. The more people tell the story, the fuzzier the details get. - Likewise, while there are a good many creatures believed to be mythical by muggles that are known to be real by wizardkind, there are a good many creatures that even we consider mythical. Gods and goddesses, for instance, are a subject of great debate, and certain publications are famous for telling what are generally regarded as tall tales of encounters with non-existent creatures.
Homework:Write a short essay comparing and contrasting muggle and magical culture and how myths are derived from each.
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
╓xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx»wнere«xx xxxMythology Classroom xxxxxxxx»wιтн«xx xxxxxxxxxSixth Year Students xxxxxxxxxxxxxx»ғeelιng«xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRelaxed xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx╜
αи∂ ∂ α я ℓ ι и g , ι ω ι ℓ ℓ вєxxxxxxxxxxxx ℓ σ ν ι и g у σ υ 'тιℓ ωє'яє ѕ є ν є и т уxxxxxxxxx αи∂ вαву му н є α я т ¢συℓ∂ ѕтιℓℓxxxxxx fαℓℓ αѕ нαя∂ αт т ω є и т у - т н я є єxxx
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spaceAmata sat, perched as ever on her desk, and watched as her students came in and took their seats. She waited a moment for them to get situated and to take out their things before beginning the lecture."Alright, class, today we'll be discussing the commonalities between mythology in muggle and magical culture. As always, there are notes up on the board for you to copy. Once you all have those written down, we can begin."She paused to give them time to write down the notes, knowing that it was hard to pay attention to copying words from the board and listening to words being spoken at the same time. When the scratching of quills had come to an almost halt, she smiled, launching into the lecture.
space"I know that many of you might question if there is much, if any, crossover between myths among muggles, and magical people. After all, much of their mythology are legends and rumors and tales of things which we among the magical community know to be real, such as the existence of magic in general, magical beings such as dragons and unicorns, and so on. However, while there may not be much of an immediately recognizable link, there are some similarities and even shared myths among the muggle and magical communities."She paused for a short moment to give her students time to think on her words, watching their faces to see if anyone was drawing any links. There were, of course, those on the board, but it would be interesting if by the end of the lesson, some of her students had happened upon a few thoughts of their own.
space"As you can see on the board, I have outline three different categories we are going to discuss. There are, of course, many more. But, these are the ones we'll focus on. The first being, magical creatures. Now, we're beginning with this because it's one of the more prevalent examples of myths among muggles that are known to be fact for magical people. After all, everyone in this room has likely seen, or at least knows someone who has seen, a Unicorn. Likewise, I doubt any of you would question the existence of a dragon, a sphnix, or any number of other magical creatures. That being said,"she paused, eyes lighting mischievously,"how many of you believe in, say, Nargles, or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks?"She waited a moment, again watching their faces to see any surprise or thoughtfulness that might cross them, or even stubbornness."Now, you might think that the existence of such creatures is preposterous. After all, you might say, everyone knows that the horns supposedly taken from Crumple-Horned Snorkacks are in fact Erumpet horns, right?"Again, she paused, expecting some noise of agreement, or expressions of curiosity."But, whenever muggles are presented with 'unicorn horns', do they not claim they are simply the horns of another creature, like a rhino? When modern muggles were asked to explain mermaid sightings, did they not claim their ancestors were seeing seals and walruses, simply mistaking them for sirens? The point being that, truthfully, we cannot claim to know for certain if the creatures we believe to be myths are myths, anymore than a muggle can."
spaceOnce more, she waited. This was a long lecture, so she wanted to give them time for everything to sink in, rather than rushing through the information and leaving someone confused."The second example you see is a similar one, that of The Faire Folk. Now, many of you know that fae creatures obviously exist. Pixies and House-Elves and all manner of other small beings, creatures that have found their way into the tales of muggles. However, the muggle belief of 'The Good Neighbors' extends far beyond the creatures we know to exist. There is a long and complex history, factions of good and evil fae, rules for interacting with the fae. How many in this room, in spite of being magical, believe any of these superstitions?"The answer, of course, was probably more than would admit to it. After all, they did live in the United Kingdom. Her Irish students in particular were likely to, perhaps even unconsciously, alter their behaviors around politeness to the fae."When I was growing up, my mother would leave out small offerings, tucked into what she called 'the in-betweens' of our home. Doorways, windows, any space that was somehow 'between' one place and another, and would tell me not to stand there, lest I be snatched away. I was warned to avoid fairy rings, to not follow the bright lights into the forest near our home. "Never take food from a stranger," she warned me often, not because strangers could not be trusted, but because you never knew if a stranger was a fairy. Now, my mother is a witch. She knows full well of the existence of common fae creatures. But, she still believes in the veil between worlds. She believes there is more to the fae than we know, or will ever know. In spite of our close relationships with some of these creatures, many magical people's belief in these tales stands firm."
spaceTo this day, Amata couldn't quite decide if her mother was a loon, or more clever than she gave her credit for. But, that didn't change the fact that Amata never stepped in a fairy ring."Now, the last example is a more understandable one. Though a few people in the modern era still worship ancient gods, the vast majority of people, magical and muggle alike, consider the tales of gods such as Zeus, Thor, Osiris, and so on, to be nothing more than stories. Belief in their existence, once widespread among all peoples, is now a rarity. This, then, is the true common ground between muggle and magical history, isn't it? In ancient times, magic was not a secret kept from our muggle neighbors. Their religion, their gods, were our gods. Ancient wizards were often believed to be more closely connected to these gods, were called the children of them, their chosen ones, their prophets, their priests, et cetera. There was a time that magic was believed to be a blessing from these higher powers. For instance, a wizard who found himself adept at combative magic might be said to've been gifted by Ares, god of war, to lead his allies to victory on the battlefield. This common thread ties us together; many of the figures of ancient muggle myths are a part of our history, but the gods themselves are just as much myth to us as they are to muggles."
spaceAmata shifted her position on the desk, looking to her students."As always, the floor is open to discussion. Questions and opinions are encouraged, though I remind you all to be mindful. House points will, of course, be awarded for contributions."Any lesson, she'd learned, could turn controversial. All it took was one person with an odd quirk to take something seemingly innocuous as offensive. Hopefully, there'd be no trouble.
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xxxαи∂ ι'м т н ι и к ι и g 'вσυт нσω xxxxxxρєσρℓє f α ℓ ℓ ι и ℓ σ ν є ιи муѕтєяισυѕ ωαуѕ xxxxxxxxxωєℓℓ мє, ι fαℓℓ ιи ℓ σ ν є ωιтн уσυ єνєяу ѕ ι и g ℓ є ∂ α у xxxxxxxxxxxxαи∂ ι נυѕт ωαииα т є ℓ ℓ у σ υ ι α м
Lesson 2: Crossovers Between Muggle and Magical Mythology
Magical Creatures:
- Some of the most prevalent muggle myths are about creatures like dragons, unicorns, and the like. - However, in spite of knowing the truth of these creatures, magical people have just as many mythological creatures. - One way that muggles answer the question regarding dragons, for instance, is by saying that their ancestors found and ascribed stories to the bones of dinosaurs. - Magical people do similar things with creatures we do not believe in, such as Wrackspurts. Afflictions such as those supposedly caused by these creatures are generally explained as lack of sleep, or the ill-effects of a spell.
The Faire Folk:
- There are a lot of fae creatures in muggle myth with direct counterparts in magical reality, such as the resemblance between House-Elves and Brownies. - However, the belief in the Faire Folk extends far beyond this. Both Magical and Muggle people hold many beliefs regarding 'fairy' creatures, including a belief in two opposing courts among a higher being of fae, tales of an alternate reality in which these beings exist, and rules regarding how to interact with the fae beings to avoid dire consequences. - An interesting example: Some people, both magical and muggle, attest the apparent magical prowess of Santa Claus to his being fae, or being in league with the fae. Indeed, his magical powers extend far beyond what is possible for your common witch or wizard, implying there is more to him than being simply magic. - Likewise, the 'elves' who make his toys are generally thought to be fairies, even among people who believe Santa to be human.
Ancient Religions:
- In ancient times, there was no separation between magical and muggle peoples. - Therefore, much of what is myth to them, is also myth to us, particularly in regards to their gods. - While belief in the ancient pantheons persists to some small degree, most people, regardless of if they are magical or not, would agree that they are simply myths. - This, then, is the easiest to comprehend common thread among magical and muggle people.
Homework:Consider stories you were told as a child that you now know to be just that, stories, but that you believed in when you were young. If you grew up in a magical household, consider if there is a muggle equivalent. If you grew up in a muggle household, consider the reverse. Compare and contrast the two stories.
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
spaceAmata entered the classroom with a gentle smile, eager to start the new term. She assumed her typical stance, sitting on the edge of her desk, back straight, and looked over the classroom a moment before beginning."Hello, everyone, in case you've forgotten over the Summer holiday, I'm Professor Harlowe, and this is sixth year Mythology. If you're in the wrong class, feel free to quietly exit while everyone is watching me and won't notice."She grinned impishly at her students."Now then, you should all remember the rules and such from last year, so I'll only go over the most important ones very quickly: You come in, you copy the notes, then we open the floor for discussion. Contributions will earn you house points. However, it should be noted that a lot of what is covered in this class can be somewhat controversial. That said, I will not tolerate anyone who is rude or belittling to their classmates, no matter what subject you might disagree with them on. Respect is key to an enlightening and stimulating conversation, so keep your minds open."
spaceAmata paused, giving them a moment to let that sink in. Not that she expected problems from any of them, but one could never be too sure, after all. After a decent pause, she gave an introduction."Today's lesson will be somewhat similar to the first lesson of your fourth year. However, this time we will be discussing the differences between the mythologies of the muggle and magical worlds. If you'll copy down the notes on the board, we can begin."The sound of quills scratching lasted for a while, given that the notes on this particular subject were a bit on the wordy side. She waited until it began to slow and quiet, and then launched into the lecture proper."Now, generally speaking, wizards and muggles are separated by a wealth of knowledge that muggles believe to be fictitious, but which the magical community knows to be true. The existence of a good bit of flora and fauna, for instance, such as dragons and devil's snares. However, the wizarding world is not without myths of its own. There are a good many stories passed along in magical households, whispered by the fires and written in books, of which there are no verifiable facts, but were believed to be true at one time. Previous lessons prove that, with discussions on the Quintaped and the consequences of drinking unicorn blood to name a couple."She paused, pursing her lips. She had known a good many witches and wizards over the years who had a sense of arrogance about them, thinking that they were more aware of the reality of the world than muggles, simply because they knew of the existences of the magical world. Nonsense. There were just as many gaps in magical knowledge, maybe more. Considering that muggle gaps were actual blindness, and not an arrogant refusal to even look, she wouldn't be surprised.
space"Now then, for the most part, the differences between muggle and magical myths can be chalked up to how they came into being. Most muggle myths stem from a lack of knowledge on how the universe works, and a desperate need to explain it. For instance, what causes storms? Many ancient cultures believed they were the work of gods, ancient battles among powerful beings. Lightening was a weapon in the hands of some, used to smite enemies. To others, it marked a space consecrated by the god who wielded it, and temples would be erected where it struck."Her expression grew thoughtful, finger tapping at her chin."Now, it should be noted that ancient witches and wizards had no more understanding of these forces than muggles did. What is called 'muggle mythology' is in fact the mythology of the world, divided among its cultures. Wizarding culture was not separate from that of muggles for most of history, and so the myths were shared. This is a good reason why most magical people lack their own versions of gods and natural laws; the beliefs were shared among muggle and magical alike."Sometimes, when she talked about these things, she wondered how many people she was annoying, or how many would like to argue with her. She knew that times had changed greatly from years past, but the roots of bigotry were far from dead."Most myths among wizarding culture, then, are the result, not of creating explanations where the answers to questions were not apparent or understood, but rather of misinformation. Many 'myths' in magical history are rooted in fact, but the details have been lost or changed or muddled over the years. We know that a certain event took place, and the result, but the how and why can often be forgotten. We have the benefit of contact with ghosts, and in more recent centuries, the advent of enchanted portraits, to keep the information fresh, with the participants in events still being present in some form or another to share. However, even provided the subjects are inclined to talk on the subject, as many aren't (such as the Grey Lady and Bloody Baron, for example), this isn't the most reliable method, as I'm sure anyone who has met Sir Cadogan can attest to."Her lips quirked into an amused smile. Sir Cadogan was a treasure, if a particularly bothersome one. She both loved and hated the knight, because he was utterly hilarious... unless she was the one he was pestering with the tales of his Wyvern."And now, I'm opening the floor to discussion. Questions and comments are welcome, and worth house points."She waited patiently; hopefully, she hadn't bored them to death with her little lecture/rant. She knew she tended to ramble, and exposure to Grayson had only made it worse over the years. Having someone who listened so intently, and who responded just as enthusiastically, tended to make you forget that some people found this sort of thing dull.
Lesson 1: The Difference Between Muggle and Magical Mythology
Definition of Mythology:
- An allegorical narrative - A body of myths, IE -- The myths dealing with the gods, demigods, and legendary heroes of a particular people -- A pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture - A branch of knowledge that deals with myth - A popular belief or assumption that has grown up around someone or something
Muggle Mythology:
- By and large, Muggle Mythology is made up of the myths and legends specific to ancient cultures, which have largely fallen out of practice and belief. - An example of this is the myths of Ancient Greece, pertaining to the pantheon of gods and the worship of them. Modern Greek culture, for the most part, no longer believes in the gods of Mount Olympus or believes the stories about them. - The study of mythology is closely tied to the study of history, but the two are viewed as wholly separate from one another in most respects. - History is a factual depiction of what did happen, Mythology is a depiction of the interpretation of the events, oftentimes made by people who had no real understanding of the world and how things happened. - For instance, history paints a picture of the discovery of how our solar system works, that the Sun is at its center and the Earth, and other planets, revolve around it. There are fixed points in history regarding the discovery of each planet, and of the advancements in knowledge teaching us about their orbits. - Mythology's part in this story is found in the sun gods of old. Ancient peoples, not having the understanding of their descendants, came up with all manner of stories to explain the sun, and the stars, and how they and the Earth interacted with one another. - In Greek Mythology, the god Apollo would bring the sun into the sky each morning with a chariot, journeying across the sky with it each day. Another example, which is not generally considered, is the ancient belief that the sun revolved around the Earth. This was proven incorrect by study, and thus, it is a myth.
Magical Mythology:
- In general, the mythology of the magical world differs from that of muggles in that there are very few stories that are specific to wizarding culture, or from an attempt to explain the unexplained. - Generally speaking, magic is very much accepted as the answer to the unexplained, without the need to create godlike figures or invent rules of nature to make mysteries make sense. - More frequently, myths in magical history come, not from a lack of understanding of events as they happen, but in the facts of an event being lost to time. - For example, the story of Salazar Slytherin's departure from Hogwarts, and The Chamber of Secrets, is one rife with controversy and misinformation. Theories have abounded as to the details of why Slytherin fell out with his fellow founders, where the chamber was located, and what lay within. - With the openings of the Chamber in our recent history, much of this information was rediscovered (with the exception of the true nature of Slytherin's departure, which can only be left up to speculation, as their are no sources capable of speaking to the facts that are willing to do so). - However, the details even on the most recent events are obscured by a lack of willingness to discuss them, as well as the fear of the spread of certain knowledge (specifically, how to open the chamber). It is likely that, as the years progress, more and more of this information will be warped and lost to time, until the story once again becomes a proper myth.
Similarities:
- Both Muggle and Magical mythology are subject to changing over time. Details are lost to history as the minds that remember them leave this world, and second hand knowledge becomes Sixth hand, fourth hand, and so on. - Consider the spread of rumors across the school; if you asked ten students a question regarding the same rumor, each student would likely have heard a different version, depending on where they heard it from, how many people it had to pass through to get to them, and how reliable each source was. History and Mythology suffer from the same issue, on a much larger scale. The more people tell the story, the fuzzier the details get. - Likewise, while there are a good many creatures believed to be mythical by muggles that are known to be real by wizardkind, there are a good many creatures that even we consider mythical. Gods and goddesses, for instance, are a subject of great debate, and certain publications are famous for telling what are generally regarded as tall tales of encounters with non-existent creatures.
Homework:Write a short essay comparing and contrasting muggle and magical culture and how myths are derived from each.
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
spaceAmata sat, perched as ever on her desk, and watched as her students came in and took their seats. She waited a moment for them to get situated and to take out their things before beginning the lecture."Alright, class, today we'll be discussing the commonalities between mythology in muggle and magical culture. As always, there are notes up on the board for you to copy. Once you all have those written down, we can begin."She paused to give them time to write down the notes, knowing that it was hard to pay attention to copying words from the board and listening to words being spoken at the same time. When the scratching of quills had come to an almost halt, she smiled, launching into the lecture.
space"I know that many of you might question if there is much, if any, crossover between myths among muggles, and magical people. After all, much of their mythology are legends and rumors and tales of things which we among the magical community know to be real, such as the existence of magic in general, magical beings such as dragons and unicorns, and so on. However, while there may not be much of an immediately recognizable link, there are some similarities and even shared myths among the muggle and magical communities."She paused for a short moment to give her students time to think on her words, watching their faces to see if anyone was drawing any links. There were, of course, those on the board, but it would be interesting if by the end of the lesson, some of her students had happened upon a few thoughts of their own.
space"As you can see on the board, I have outline three different categories we are going to discuss. There are, of course, many more. But, these are the ones we'll focus on. The first being, magical creatures. Now, we're beginning with this because it's one of the more prevalent examples of myths among muggles that are known to be fact for magical people. After all, everyone in this room has likely seen, or at least knows someone who has seen, a Unicorn. Likewise, I doubt any of you would question the existence of a dragon, a sphnix, or any number of other magical creatures. That being said,"she paused, eyes lighting mischievously,"how many of you believe in, say, Nargles, or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks?"She waited a moment, again watching their faces to see any surprise or thoughtfulness that might cross them, or even stubbornness."Now, you might think that the existence of such creatures is preposterous. After all, you might say, everyone knows that the horns supposedly taken from Crumple-Horned Snorkacks are in fact Erumpet horns, right?"Again, she paused, expecting some noise of agreement, or expressions of curiosity."But, whenever muggles are presented with 'unicorn horns', do they not claim they are simply the horns of another creature, like a rhino? When modern muggles were asked to explain mermaid sightings, did they not claim their ancestors were seeing seals and walruses, simply mistaking them for sirens? The point being that, truthfully, we cannot claim to know for certain if the creatures we believe to be myths are myths, anymore than a muggle can."
spaceOnce more, she waited. This was a long lecture, so she wanted to give them time for everything to sink in, rather than rushing through the information and leaving someone confused."The second example you see is a similar one, that of The Faire Folk. Now, many of you know that fae creatures obviously exist. Pixies and House-Elves and all manner of other small beings, creatures that have found their way into the tales of muggles. However, the muggle belief of 'The Good Neighbors' extends far beyond the creatures we know to exist. There is a long and complex history, factions of good and evil fae, rules for interacting with the fae. How many in this room, in spite of being magical, believe any of these superstitions?"The answer, of course, was probably more than would admit to it. After all, they did live in the United Kingdom. Her Irish students in particular were likely to, perhaps even unconsciously, alter their behaviors around politeness to the fae."When I was growing up, my mother would leave out small offerings, tucked into what she called 'the in-betweens' of our home. Doorways, windows, any space that was somehow 'between' one place and another, and would tell me not to stand there, lest I be snatched away. I was warned to avoid fairy rings, to not follow the bright lights into the forest near our home. "Never take food from a stranger," she warned me often, not because strangers could not be trusted, but because you never knew if a stranger was a fairy. Now, my mother is a witch. She knows full well of the existence of common fae creatures. But, she still believes in the veil between worlds. She believes there is more to the fae than we know, or will ever know. In spite of our close relationships with some of these creatures, many magical people's belief in these tales stands firm."
spaceTo this day, Amata couldn't quite decide if her mother was a loon, or more clever than she gave her credit for. But, that didn't change the fact that Amata never stepped in a fairy ring."Now, the last example is a more understandable one. Though a few people in the modern era still worship ancient gods, the vast majority of people, magical and muggle alike, consider the tales of gods such as Zeus, Thor, Osiris, and so on, to be nothing more than stories. Belief in their existence, once widespread among all peoples, is now a rarity. This, then, is the true common ground between muggle and magical history, isn't it? In ancient times, magic was not a secret kept from our muggle neighbors. Their religion, their gods, were our gods. Ancient wizards were often believed to be more closely connected to these gods, were called the children of them, their chosen ones, their prophets, their priests, et cetera. There was a time that magic was believed to be a blessing from these higher powers. For instance, a wizard who found himself adept at combative magic might be said to've been gifted by Ares, god of war, to lead his allies to victory on the battlefield. This common thread ties us together; many of the figures of ancient muggle myths are a part of our history, but the gods themselves are just as much myth to us as they are to muggles."
spaceAmata shifted her position on the desk, looking to her students."As always, the floor is open to discussion. Questions and opinions are encouraged, though I remind you all to be mindful. House points will, of course, be awarded for contributions."Any lesson, she'd learned, could turn controversial. All it took was one person with an odd quirk to take something seemingly innocuous as offensive. Hopefully, there'd be no trouble.
Lesson 2: Crossovers Between Muggle and Magical Mythology
Magical Creatures:
- Some of the most prevalent muggle myths are about creatures like dragons, unicorns, and the like. - However, in spite of knowing the truth of these creatures, magical people have just as many mythological creatures. - One way that muggles answer the question regarding dragons, for instance, is by saying that their ancestors found and ascribed stories to the bones of dinosaurs. - Magical people do similar things with creatures we do not believe in, such as Wrackspurts. Afflictions such as those supposedly caused by these creatures are generally explained as lack of sleep, or the ill-effects of a spell.
The Faire Folk:
- There are a lot of fae creatures in muggle myth with direct counterparts in magical reality, such as the resemblance between House-Elves and Brownies. - However, the belief in the Faire Folk extends far beyond this. Both Magical and Muggle people hold many beliefs regarding 'fairy' creatures, including a belief in two opposing courts among a higher being of fae, tales of an alternate reality in which these beings exist, and rules regarding how to interact with the fae beings to avoid dire consequences. - An interesting example: Some people, both magical and muggle, attest the apparent magical prowess of Santa Claus to his being fae, or being in league with the fae. Indeed, his magical powers extend far beyond what is possible for your common witch or wizard, implying there is more to him than being simply magic. - Likewise, the 'elves' who make his toys are generally thought to be fairies, even among people who believe Santa to be human.
Ancient Religions:
- In ancient times, there was no separation between magical and muggle peoples. - Therefore, much of what is myth to them, is also myth to us, particularly in regards to their gods. - While belief in the ancient pantheons persists to some small degree, most people, regardless of if they are magical or not, would agree that they are simply myths. - This, then, is the easiest to comprehend common thread among magical and muggle people.
Homework:Consider stories you were told as a child that you now know to be just that, stories, but that you believed in when you were young. If you grew up in a magical household, consider if there is a muggle equivalent. If you grew up in a muggle household, consider the reverse. Compare and contrast the two stories.
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
spaceAmata entered the classroom with a gentle smile, eager to start the new term. She assumed her typical stance, sitting on the edge of her desk, back straight, and looked over the classroom a moment before beginning."Hello, everyone, in case you've forgotten over the Summer holiday, I'm Professor Harlowe, and this is sixth year Mythology. If you're in the wrong class, feel free to quietly exit while everyone is watching me and won't notice."She grinned impishly at her students."Now then, you should all remember the rules and such from last year, so I'll only go over the most important ones very quickly: You come in, you copy the notes, then we open the floor for discussion. Contributions will earn you house points. However, it should be noted that a lot of what is covered in this class can be somewhat controversial. That said, I will not tolerate anyone who is rude or belittling to their classmates, no matter what subject you might disagree with them on. Respect is key to an enlightening and stimulating conversation, so keep your minds open."
spaceAmata paused, giving them a moment to let that sink in. Not that she expected problems from any of them, but one could never be too sure, after all. After a decent pause, she gave an introduction."Today's lesson will be somewhat similar to the first lesson of your fourth year. However, this time we will be discussing the differences between the mythologies of the muggle and magical worlds. If you'll copy down the notes on the board, we can begin."The sound of quills scratching lasted for a while, given that the notes on this particular subject were a bit on the wordy side. She waited until it began to slow and quiet, and then launched into the lecture proper."Now, generally speaking, wizards and muggles are separated by a wealth of knowledge that muggles believe to be fictitious, but which the magical community knows to be true. The existence of a good bit of flora and fauna, for instance, such as dragons and devil's snares. However, the wizarding world is not without myths of its own. There are a good many stories passed along in magical households, whispered by the fires and written in books, of which there are no verifiable facts, but were believed to be true at one time. Previous lessons prove that, with discussions on the Quintaped and the consequences of drinking unicorn blood to name a couple."She paused, pursing her lips. She had known a good many witches and wizards over the years who had a sense of arrogance about them, thinking that they were more aware of the reality of the world than muggles, simply because they knew of the existences of the magical world. Nonsense. There were just as many gaps in magical knowledge, maybe more. Considering that muggle gaps were actual blindness, and not an arrogant refusal to even look, she wouldn't be surprised.
space"Now then, for the most part, the differences between muggle and magical myths can be chalked up to how they came into being. Most muggle myths stem from a lack of knowledge on how the universe works, and a desperate need to explain it. For instance, what causes storms? Many ancient cultures believed they were the work of gods, ancient battles among powerful beings. Lightening was a weapon in the hands of some, used to smite enemies. To others, it marked a space consecrated by the god who wielded it, and temples would be erected where it struck."Her expression grew thoughtful, finger tapping at her chin."Now, it should be noted that ancient witches and wizards had no more understanding of these forces than muggles did. What is called 'muggle mythology' is in fact the mythology of the world, divided among its cultures. Wizarding culture was not separate from that of muggles for most of history, and so the myths were shared. This is a good reason why most magical people lack their own versions of gods and natural laws; the beliefs were shared among muggle and magical alike."Sometimes, when she talked about these things, she wondered how many people she was annoying, or how many would like to argue with her. She knew that times had changed greatly from years past, but the roots of bigotry were far from dead."Most myths among wizarding culture, then, are the result, not of creating explanations where the answers to questions were not apparent or understood, but rather of misinformation. Many 'myths' in magical history are rooted in fact, but the details have been lost or changed or muddled over the years. We know that a certain event took place, and the result, but the how and why can often be forgotten. We have the benefit of contact with ghosts, and in more recent centuries, the advent of enchanted portraits, to keep the information fresh, with the participants in events still being present in some form or another to share. However, even provided the subjects are inclined to talk on the subject, as many aren't (such as the Grey Lady and Bloody Baron, for example), this isn't the most reliable method, as I'm sure anyone who has met Sir Cadogan can attest to."Her lips quirked into an amused smile. Sir Cadogan was a treasure, if a particularly bothersome one. She both loved and hated the knight, because he was utterly hilarious... unless she was the one he was pestering with the tales of his Wyvern."And now, I'm opening the floor to discussion. Questions and comments are welcome, and worth house points."She waited patiently; hopefully, she hadn't bored them to death with her little lecture/rant. She knew she tended to ramble, and exposure to Grayson had only made it worse over the years. Having someone who listened so intently, and who responded just as enthusiastically, tended to make you forget that some people found this sort of thing dull.
Lesson 1: The Difference Between Muggle and Magical Mythology
Definition of Mythology:
- An allegorical narrative - A body of myths, IE -- The myths dealing with the gods, demigods, and legendary heroes of a particular people -- A pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture - A branch of knowledge that deals with myth - A popular belief or assumption that has grown up around someone or something
Muggle Mythology:
- By and large, Muggle Mythology is made up of the myths and legends specific to ancient cultures, which have largely fallen out of practice and belief. - An example of this is the myths of Ancient Greece, pertaining to the pantheon of gods and the worship of them. Modern Greek culture, for the most part, no longer believes in the gods of Mount Olympus or believes the stories about them. - The study of mythology is closely tied to the study of history, but the two are viewed as wholly separate from one another in most respects. - History is a factual depiction of what did happen, Mythology is a depiction of the interpretation of the events, oftentimes made by people who had no real understanding of the world and how things happened. - For instance, history paints a picture of the discovery of how our solar system works, that the Sun is at its center and the Earth, and other planets, revolve around it. There are fixed points in history regarding the discovery of each planet, and of the advancements in knowledge teaching us about their orbits. - Mythology's part in this story is found in the sun gods of old. Ancient peoples, not having the understanding of their descendants, came up with all manner of stories to explain the sun, and the stars, and how they and the Earth interacted with one another. - In Greek Mythology, the god Apollo would bring the sun into the sky each morning with a chariot, journeying across the sky with it each day. Another example, which is not generally considered, is the ancient belief that the sun revolved around the Earth. This was proven incorrect by study, and thus, it is a myth.
Magical Mythology:
- In general, the mythology of the magical world differs from that of muggles in that there are very few stories that are specific to wizarding culture, or from an attempt to explain the unexplained. - Generally speaking, magic is very much accepted as the answer to the unexplained, without the need to create godlike figures or invent rules of nature to make mysteries make sense. - More frequently, myths in magical history come, not from a lack of understanding of events as they happen, but in the facts of an event being lost to time. - For example, the story of Salazar Slytherin's departure from Hogwarts, and The Chamber of Secrets, is one rife with controversy and misinformation. Theories have abounded as to the details of why Slytherin fell out with his fellow founders, where the chamber was located, and what lay within. - With the openings of the Chamber in our recent history, much of this information was rediscovered (with the exception of the true nature of Slytherin's departure, which can only be left up to speculation, as their are no sources capable of speaking to the facts that are willing to do so). - However, the details even on the most recent events are obscured by a lack of willingness to discuss them, as well as the fear of the spread of certain knowledge (specifically, how to open the chamber). It is likely that, as the years progress, more and more of this information will be warped and lost to time, until the story once again becomes a proper myth.
Similarities:
- Both Muggle and Magical mythology are subject to changing over time. Details are lost to history as the minds that remember them leave this world, and second hand knowledge becomes Sixth hand, fourth hand, and so on. - Consider the spread of rumors across the school; if you asked ten students a question regarding the same rumor, each student would likely have heard a different version, depending on where they heard it from, how many people it had to pass through to get to them, and how reliable each source was. History and Mythology suffer from the same issue, on a much larger scale. The more people tell the story, the fuzzier the details get. - Likewise, while there are a good many creatures believed to be mythical by muggles that are known to be real by wizardkind, there are a good many creatures that even we consider mythical. Gods and goddesses, for instance, are a subject of great debate, and certain publications are famous for telling what are generally regarded as tall tales of encounters with non-existent creatures.
Homework:Write a short essay comparing and contrasting muggle and magical culture and how myths are derived from each.
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
spaceAmata sat, perched as ever on her desk, and watched as her students came in and took their seats. She waited a moment for them to get situated and to take out their things before beginning the lecture."Alright, class, today we'll be discussing the commonalities between mythology in muggle and magical culture. As always, there are notes up on the board for you to copy. Once you all have those written down, we can begin."She paused to give them time to write down the notes, knowing that it was hard to pay attention to copying words from the board and listening to words being spoken at the same time. When the scratching of quills had come to an almost halt, she smiled, launching into the lecture.
space"I know that many of you might question if there is much, if any, crossover between myths among muggles, and magical people. After all, much of their mythology are legends and rumors and tales of things which we among the magical community know to be real, such as the existence of magic in general, magical beings such as dragons and unicorns, and so on. However, while there may not be much of an immediately recognizable link, there are some similarities and even shared myths among the muggle and magical communities."She paused for a short moment to give her students time to think on her words, watching their faces to see if anyone was drawing any links. There were, of course, those on the board, but it would be interesting if by the end of the lesson, some of her students had happened upon a few thoughts of their own.
space"As you can see on the board, I have outline three different categories we are going to discuss. There are, of course, many more. But, these are the ones we'll focus on. The first being, magical creatures. Now, we're beginning with this because it's one of the more prevalent examples of myths among muggles that are known to be fact for magical people. After all, everyone in this room has likely seen, or at least knows someone who has seen, a Unicorn. Likewise, I doubt any of you would question the existence of a dragon, a sphnix, or any number of other magical creatures. That being said,"she paused, eyes lighting mischievously,"how many of you believe in, say, Nargles, or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks?"She waited a moment, again watching their faces to see any surprise or thoughtfulness that might cross them, or even stubbornness."Now, you might think that the existence of such creatures is preposterous. After all, you might say, everyone knows that the horns supposedly taken from Crumple-Horned Snorkacks are in fact Erumpet horns, right?"Again, she paused, expecting some noise of agreement, or expressions of curiosity."But, whenever muggles are presented with 'unicorn horns', do they not claim they are simply the horns of another creature, like a rhino? When modern muggles were asked to explain mermaid sightings, did they not claim their ancestors were seeing seals and walruses, simply mistaking them for sirens? The point being that, truthfully, we cannot claim to know for certain if the creatures we believe to be myths are myths, anymore than a muggle can."
spaceOnce more, she waited. This was a long lecture, so she wanted to give them time for everything to sink in, rather than rushing through the information and leaving someone confused."The second example you see is a similar one, that of The Faire Folk. Now, many of you know that fae creatures obviously exist. Pixies and House-Elves and all manner of other small beings, creatures that have found their way into the tales of muggles. However, the muggle belief of 'The Good Neighbors' extends far beyond the creatures we know to exist. There is a long and complex history, factions of good and evil fae, rules for interacting with the fae. How many in this room, in spite of being magical, believe any of these superstitions?"The answer, of course, was probably more than would admit to it. After all, they did live in the United Kingdom. Her Irish students in particular were likely to, perhaps even unconsciously, alter their behaviors around politeness to the fae."When I was growing up, my mother would leave out small offerings, tucked into what she called 'the in-betweens' of our home. Doorways, windows, any space that was somehow 'between' one place and another, and would tell me not to stand there, lest I be snatched away. I was warned to avoid fairy rings, to not follow the bright lights into the forest near our home. "Never take food from a stranger," she warned me often, not because strangers could not be trusted, but because you never knew if a stranger was a fairy. Now, my mother is a witch. She knows full well of the existence of common fae creatures. But, she still believes in the veil between worlds. She believes there is more to the fae than we know, or will ever know. In spite of our close relationships with some of these creatures, many magical people's belief in these tales stands firm."
spaceTo this day, Amata couldn't quite decide if her mother was a loon, or more clever than she gave her credit for. But, that didn't change the fact that Amata never stepped in a fairy ring."Now, the last example is a more understandable one. Though a few people in the modern era still worship ancient gods, the vast majority of people, magical and muggle alike, consider the tales of gods such as Zeus, Thor, Osiris, and so on, to be nothing more than stories. Belief in their existence, once widespread among all peoples, is now a rarity. This, then, is the true common ground between muggle and magical history, isn't it? In ancient times, magic was not a secret kept from our muggle neighbors. Their religion, their gods, were our gods. Ancient wizards were often believed to be more closely connected to these gods, were called the children of them, their chosen ones, their prophets, their priests, et cetera. There was a time that magic was believed to be a blessing from these higher powers. For instance, a wizard who found himself adept at combative magic might be said to've been gifted by Ares, god of war, to lead his allies to victory on the battlefield. This common thread ties us together; many of the figures of ancient muggle myths are a part of our history, but the gods themselves are just as much myth to us as they are to muggles."
spaceAmata shifted her position on the desk, looking to her students."As always, the floor is open to discussion. Questions and opinions are encouraged, though I remind you all to be mindful. House points will, of course, be awarded for contributions."Any lesson, she'd learned, could turn controversial. All it took was one person with an odd quirk to take something seemingly innocuous as offensive. Hopefully, there'd be no trouble.
Lesson 2: Crossovers Between Muggle and Magical Mythology
Magical Creatures:
- Some of the most prevalent muggle myths are about creatures like dragons, unicorns, and the like. - However, in spite of knowing the truth of these creatures, magical people have just as many mythological creatures. - One way that muggles answer the question regarding dragons, for instance, is by saying that their ancestors found and ascribed stories to the bones of dinosaurs. - Magical people do similar things with creatures we do not believe in, such as Wrackspurts. Afflictions such as those supposedly caused by these creatures are generally explained as lack of sleep, or the ill-effects of a spell.
The Faire Folk:
- There are a lot of fae creatures in muggle myth with direct counterparts in magical reality, such as the resemblance between House-Elves and Brownies. - However, the belief in the Faire Folk extends far beyond this. Both Magical and Muggle people hold many beliefs regarding 'fairy' creatures, including a belief in two opposing courts among a higher being of fae, tales of an alternate reality in which these beings exist, and rules regarding how to interact with the fae beings to avoid dire consequences. - An interesting example: Some people, both magical and muggle, attest the apparent magical prowess of Santa Claus to his being fae, or being in league with the fae. Indeed, his magical powers extend far beyond what is possible for your common witch or wizard, implying there is more to him than being simply magic. - Likewise, the 'elves' who make his toys are generally thought to be fairies, even among people who believe Santa to be human.
Ancient Religions:
- In ancient times, there was no separation between magical and muggle peoples. - Therefore, much of what is myth to them, is also myth to us, particularly in regards to their gods. - While belief in the ancient pantheons persists to some small degree, most people, regardless of if they are magical or not, would agree that they are simply myths. - This, then, is the easiest to comprehend common thread among magical and muggle people.
Homework:Consider stories you were told as a child that you now know to be just that, stories, but that you believed in when you were young. If you grew up in a magical household, consider if there is a muggle equivalent. If you grew up in a muggle household, consider the reverse. Compare and contrast the two stories.
xxxx× × ×xxxxSTUDENTSxxxx× × ×xxxx Any registered student who fails to post at least once this year will have their house docked ten points at the end of the term. Exceptions can be made provided you contact Cara MiaKitty and are able to provide a reasonable excuse.
Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 11:50 pm
I can't sleep tonight. Wide awake and so confused. Everything's in line, but I am bruised. I need a voice to echo. I need a light to take me home. I kinda need a hero, is it you?
♡ℳ𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓴𝓪 𝓣𝓪𝔂𝓵𝓸𝓻 𝓔𝓿𝓪𝓷𝓼♡ Sixth Year / Ravenclaw / Muggleborn
I never see the forest for the trees. I could really use your melody. Baby I'm a little blind. I think it's time for you to find me.
╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌
Monika hurried into her Mythology class, dropping off her homework on her professor's desk before taking her seat in the first row. She quickly prepared her parchment and quill to take notes, knowing there would be quite a lot of them for their lecture. Professor Harlowe was a tough teacher, and made them work hard for their grade, which Monika respected. Writing down everything on the board, she listened to the lecture, adding in more as the lecture went on. At the end, Monika did have a question to ask. Raising her hand, she spoke. "If muggles and magical people lived together with no separation back then, and magic was said to be a gift from the gods, why do we hide our magic now? What happened to cause us to hide our powers, if everyone was okay with it before? What changed?" Maybe that was a few too many questions, but it was all tied together. Monika looked to her professor, hoping for enlightenment.
╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌╌
Can you be my nightingale? Sing to me, I know you're there. You could be my sanity, but bring me peace. Sing me to sleep. Say you'll be my nightingale.
spaceAmata entered the classroom with a gentle smile, eager to start the new term. She assumed her typical stance, sitting on the edge of her desk, back straight, and looked over the classroom a moment before beginning. "Hello, everyone, in case you've forgotten over the Summer holiday, I'm Professor Harlowe, and this is sixth year Mythology. If you're in the wrong class, feel free to quietly exit while everyone is watching me and won't notice." She grinned impishly at her students. "Now then, you should all remember the rules and such from last year, so I'll only go over the most important ones very quickly: You come in, you copy the notes, then we open the floor for discussion. Contributions will earn you house points. However, it should be noted that a lot of what is covered in this class can be somewhat controversial. That said, I will not tolerate anyone who is rude or belittling to their classmates, no matter what subject you might disagree with them on. Respect is key to an enlightening and stimulating conversation, so keep your minds open."
spaceAmata paused, giving them a moment to let that sink in. Not that she expected problems from any of them, but one could never be too sure, after all. After a decent pause, she gave an introduction. "Today's lesson will be somewhat similar to the first lesson of your fourth year. However, this time we will be discussing the differences between the mythologies of the muggle and magical worlds. If you'll copy down the notes on the board, we can begin." The sound of quills scratching lasted for a while, given that the notes on this particular subject were a bit on the wordy side. She waited until it began to slow and quiet, and then launched into the lecture proper. "Now, generally speaking, wizards and muggles are separated by a wealth of knowledge that muggles believe to be fictitious, but which the magical community knows to be true. The existence of a good bit of flora and fauna, for instance, such as dragons and devil's snares. However, the wizarding world is not without myths of its own. There are a good many stories passed along in magical households, whispered by the fires and written in books, of which there are no verifiable facts, but were believed to be true at one time. Previous lessons prove that, with discussions on the Quintaped and the consequences of drinking unicorn blood to name a couple." She paused, pursing her lips. She had known a good many witches and wizards over the years who had a sense of arrogance about them, thinking that they were more aware of the reality of the world than muggles, simply because they knew of the existences of the magical world. Nonsense. There were just as many gaps in magical knowledge, maybe more. Considering that muggle gaps were actual blindness, and not an arrogant refusal to even look, she wouldn't be surprised.
space"Now then, for the most part, the differences between muggle and magical myths can be chalked up to how they came into being. Most muggle myths stem from a lack of knowledge on how the universe works, and a desperate need to explain it. For instance, what causes storms? Many ancient cultures believed they were the work of gods, ancient battles among powerful beings. Lightening was a weapon in the hands of some, used to smite enemies. To others, it marked a space consecrated by the god who wielded it, and temples would be erected where it struck." Her expression grew thoughtful, finger tapping at her chin. "Now, it should be noted that ancient witches and wizards had no more understanding of these forces than muggles did. What is called 'muggle mythology' is in fact the mythology of the world, divided among its cultures. Wizarding culture was not separate from that of muggles for most of history, and so the myths were shared. This is a good reason why most magical people lack their own versions of gods and natural laws; the beliefs were shared among muggle and magical alike." Sometimes, when she talked about these things, she wondered how many people she was annoying, or how many would like to argue with her. She knew that times had changed greatly from years past, but the roots of bigotry were far from dead. "Most myths among wizarding culture, then, are the result, not of creating explanations where the answers to questions were not apparent or understood, but rather of misinformation. Many 'myths' in magical history are rooted in fact, but the details have been lost or changed or muddled over the years. We know that a certain event took place, and the result, but the how and why can often be forgotten. We have the benefit of contact with ghosts, and in more recent centuries, the advent of enchanted portraits, to keep the information fresh, with the participants in events still being present in some form or another to share. However, even provided the subjects are inclined to talk on the subject, as many aren't (such as the Grey Lady and Bloody Baron, for example), this isn't the most reliable method, as I'm sure anyone who has met Sir Cadogan can attest to." Her lips quirked into an amused smile. Sir Cadogan was a treasure, if a particularly bothersome one. She both loved and hated the knight, because he was utterly hilarious... unless she was the one he was pestering with the tales of his Wyvern. "And now, I'm opening the floor to discussion. Questions and comments are welcome, and worth house points." She waited patiently; hopefully, she hadn't bored them to death with her little lecture/rant. She knew she tended to ramble, and exposure to Grayson had only made it worse over the years. Having someone who listened so intently, and who responded just as enthusiastically, tended to make you forget that some people found this sort of thing dull.
xxxx× × ×xxxxLesson 1 The Difference Between Muggle and Magical Mythologyxxxx× × ×xxxx (( Notes Under Spoiler ))
Definition of Mythology:
x An allegorical narrative xA body of myths, IE xxxxThe myths dealing with the gods, demigods, and legendary heroes of a particular people xxxxA pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture xA branch of knowledge that deals with myth xA popular belief or assumption that has grown up around someone or something
Muggle Mythology:
x By and large, Muggle Mythology is made up of the myths and legends specific to ancient cultures, which have largely fallen out of practice and belief. xAn example of this is the myths of Ancient Greece, pertaining to the pantheon of gods and the worship of them. Modern Greek culture, for the most part, no longer believes in the gods of Mount Olympus or believes the stories about them. xThe study of mythology is closely tied to the study of history, but the two are viewed as wholly separate from one another in most respects. xHistory is a factual depiction of what did happen, Mythology is a depiction of the interpretation of the events, oftentimes made by people who had no real understanding of the world and how things happened. xFor instance, history paints a picture of the discovery of how our solar system works, that the Sun is at its center and the Earth, and other planets, revolve around it. There are fixed points in history regarding the discovery of each planet, and of the advancements in knowledge teaching us about their orbits. xMythology's part in this story is found in the sun gods of old. Ancient peoples, not having the understanding of their descendants, came up with all manner of stories to explain the sun, and the stars, and how they and the Earth interacted with one another. xIn Greek Mythology, the god Apollo would bring the sun into the sky each morning with a chariot, journeying across the sky with it each day. Another example, which is not generally considered, is the ancient belief that the sun revolved around the Earth. This was proven incorrect by study, and thus, it is a myth.
Magical Mythology:
x In general, the mythology of the magical world differs from that of muggles in that there are very few stories that are specific to wizarding culture, or from an attempt to explain the unexplained. xGenerally speaking, magic is very much accepted as the answer to the unexplained, without the need to create godlike figures or invent rules of nature to make mysteries make sense. xMore frequently, myths in magical history come, not from a lack of understanding of events as they happen, but in the facts of an event being lost to time. xFor example, the story of Salazar Slytherin's departure from Hogwarts, and The Chamber of Secrets, is one rife with controversy and misinformation. Theories have abounded as to the details of why Slytherin fell out with his fellow founders, where the chamber was located, and what lay within. xWith the openings of the Chamber in our recent history, much of this information was rediscovered (with the exception of the true nature of Slytherin's departure, which can only be left up to speculation, as their are no sources capable of speaking to the facts that are willing to do so). xHowever, the details even on the most recent events are obscured by a lack of willingness to discuss them, as well as the fear of the spread of certain knowledge (specifically, how to open the chamber). It is likely that, as the years progress, more and more of this information will be warped and lost to time, until the story once again becomes a proper myth.
Similarities:
x Both Muggle and Magical mythology are subject to changing over time. Details are lost to history as the minds that remember them leave this world, and second hand knowledge becomes Sixth hand, fourth hand, and so on. xConsider the spread of rumors across the school; if you asked ten students a question regarding the same rumor, each student would likely have heard a different version, depending on where they heard it from, how many people it had to pass through to get to them, and how reliable each source was. History and Mythology suffer from the same issue, on a much larger scale. The more people tell the story, the fuzzier the details get. xLikewise, while there are a good many creatures believed to be mythical by muggles that are known to be real by wizardkind, there are a good many creatures that even we consider mythical. Gods and goddesses, for instance, are a subject of great debate, and certain publications are famous for telling what are generally regarded as tall tales of encounters with nonexistent creatures.
