Myths and Folklore
For my fourth project, I initially wanted to focus on old Norse mythology, but because I was taking American studies, this was not a real possibility for me. So, I did some brainstorming on where to go with it. At last, I found it. I would analyze 3 different mythologies/realms of folklore and find what their threads were. Common elements, recurring story elements, characters, etc.
Social Studies
For Social Studies, I chose to analyze the myths and legends that sprouted from America (following its colonization). I (mostly) examined tales stemming from the "wild west" era and areas of America. I noticed a lot of the popular tales of that time involve real life people being turned into Herculean legends and tales. This predates even America's independence from Britain, but it's still interesting to take note of.
After I had taken a look at some existing tales of the time, I had to look into some other American champions who haven't had such treatment before, and that's the point at which I decided to look into Audie Murphy. Depsite the fact he performed his most miraculous deed nearly 80 years ago, it sounded to me like something straight from an old western flick. "1 man fends off army of enemies looking to cash in on the territory."
So, I started researching him, his life, and most important of all, the event in question, the 1 hour battle of Colmar Pocket. And then came the writing.
I never had particularly great time management, so I will be the first to admit I struggled to get it made, but, it was eventually finished. As I wrote and after I had, I added extra notes and clarification to certain elements within the story. I also left elements of my brainstorming process on the document so you can see my thinking process.
After I had taken a look at some existing tales of the time, I had to look into some other American champions who haven't had such treatment before, and that's the point at which I decided to look into Audie Murphy. Depsite the fact he performed his most miraculous deed nearly 80 years ago, it sounded to me like something straight from an old western flick. "1 man fends off army of enemies looking to cash in on the territory."
So, I started researching him, his life, and most important of all, the event in question, the 1 hour battle of Colmar Pocket. And then came the writing.
I never had particularly great time management, so I will be the first to admit I struggled to get it made, but, it was eventually finished. As I wrote and after I had, I added extra notes and clarification to certain elements within the story. I also left elements of my brainstorming process on the document so you can see my thinking process.
English
For English, I chose to analyze Norse mythology. This originally started as their fables, like the Scandinavian equivalents to Aesop's fables. Alas, I failed to find a good enough number or worth of these moral tales, so instead, I broadened my horizons to Norse tales in general, and chose to write my own tale to fill in story gaps I felt were missing and to demonstrate an understanding of my learning.
The end result was a story about one of the largest mythical threats in Norse mythology, Surtr, and his new offspring, Müstafa (a new character to Norse myth). I also annotated any points of which I felt needed clarification or had extra notes tied to them. I also left elements of my brainstorming process. Note: Muselpheim and Múspel are different names for identical realms, so I use them interchangeably. There are 2 different proposed sets of Nordic realms, and those 2 are completely indistinguishable from one another.
Mústafa is sent into the plains of Múspel/Muselpheim (for he is named) and confronted by the gods. Read it to find out what happens!
The end result was a story about one of the largest mythical threats in Norse mythology, Surtr, and his new offspring, Müstafa (a new character to Norse myth). I also annotated any points of which I felt needed clarification or had extra notes tied to them. I also left elements of my brainstorming process. Note: Muselpheim and Múspel are different names for identical realms, so I use them interchangeably. There are 2 different proposed sets of Nordic realms, and those 2 are completely indistinguishable from one another.
Mústafa is sent into the plains of Múspel/Muselpheim (for he is named) and confronted by the gods. Read it to find out what happens!
Art
For Art, I chose to analyze Japanese folklore and some of the common attributes applied to certain animals, items, and even colors. Some common threads I found were related to the warding of spirits (rather that be dispelling them or drawing them in), healing, and doing the service of the gods. Some other common themes I found were humanoid form and mythical entities being created from spirits. Traditionally, vengeful spirits would take the form of more hostile and unwieldy entities, while good spirits take the form of nicer (sometimes even helpful) beings.
The resulting creature of mine bears: A fox head and tail, as foxes (kitsune) are a pretty big recurring theme in Japanese mythology; Deer antlers, as deer are said to be sacred and messengers of the Kami (shinto gods); Frog charm/smoke bomb, as frogs are said to grant a safe return, and smoke bombs are simply a recurring item in certain Japanese media (though don't carry a real meaning with them); A gourd, for they are said to bring healing, as the creature is meant to be a healer;
The resulting creature of mine bears: A fox head and tail, as foxes (kitsune) are a pretty big recurring theme in Japanese mythology; Deer antlers, as deer are said to be sacred and messengers of the Kami (shinto gods); Frog charm/smoke bomb, as frogs are said to grant a safe return, and smoke bombs are simply a recurring item in certain Japanese media (though don't carry a real meaning with them); A gourd, for they are said to bring healing, as the creature is meant to be a healer;