Egyptian Gods and Animal Symbolism

Egyptian Gods and Animal Symbolism
An Internet Hotlist on Character Education

created by Mrs. Cinco in partnership with Mrs. Lewonka
Sagamore Middle School Library

Introduction | THE CREATION | GODS DEFINITIONS | ANIMAL TRAITS AND CHARACTERS | GET YOUR IMAGES

Introduction
We will be examining Egyptian Gods and Animal Symbolism.

This assignment has two parts.

In Part One, you will look at CREATION. The sites in this category will help you fill out the graphic organizer #1.

The sites under the GODS DEFINITIONS category will help you fill out graphic organizer #2.

In category #3, ANIMAL TRAITS AND CHARACTERS, you should be thinking about the following:

Have you ever thought about what kind of animal you'd like to be? Why do you think you chose that animal? Animals are often used as symbols for certain human characteristics. Cultures from around the world and over many centuries have relied on animal symbolism to explain pieces of their religion and traditions. Think about what animals represent to us. Why does a lion usually represent courage? What habits or 'jobs' do lions have that allows us to perceive them as courageous? Here are some other associations based on common phrases:

-Wise as an owl

-Busy as a bee

-Strong as an ox

-Sly as a fox

-Slippery as an eel

You are to pick some animals that you look up to or would want to be like, based on those animals' habits, physical traits, and perceived character traits. Find the character traits traditionally associated with your animal, using any cultures' beliefs and stories about animals, from Egyptian to Native American to Chinese to Mother Goose, Disney movies, fairytales. Fill out graphic organizer #3, for animals and their traits.

Now let's move onto Part 2 of our assignment, 'GET YOUR IMAGES.'

At this site, you will choose your animal, based on its character traits. You will be using this animal for our upcoming project in which you will create your own Egyptian-style 'god.' Follow Mrs. Lewonks's instructions and be sure to hand the printed page to her to hold until the next class.

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'RE DONE, AND PREPARED FOR NEXT CLASS!

The Internet Resources

THE CREATION

The Creation of the World and the gods according to Ancient Egyptians - Use this website to read the Story and Explore information about the gods and goddesses in that creation story and complete the graphic organizer #1.

GODS DEFINITIONS

Polytheism - All about Polytheism in various cultures. Use this site for graphic organizer #2.
The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt - Read about the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Use this site for graphic organizer #2.

ANIMAL TRAITS AND CHARACTERS

A. Character Traits - Use this for graphic organizer #3.
B. Honoring the Animal Spirits - Use this for graphic organizer #3.
C. Feature Story: Animals and the Gods of Ancient Egypt - Use this for graphic organizer #3.
D. Animal Stereotypes - Use this for graphic organizer #3.
E. Chinese Zodiac - Use this for graphic organizer #3.
F. Native American Animal Symbols - Use this for graphic organizer #3.

GET YOUR IMAGES

Google Images - Once you have chosen your animal, at this site you will type in the animal, comma, and then the word profile and click Search Images (i.e. Tiger, profile). Find some images of your animal's head in a profile or side view. Copy and paste the images into a Word document. Type your name and period at the top of the Word document. Print the page to printer #9040. Turn the printed page into Mrs. Lewonka. She will hold it until your next class.

Content by Mrs. Cinco in partnership with Mrs. Lewonka, dcinco@sachem.edu
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listsymbolisci.html
Last revised Fri Jan 20 8:43:41 US/Pacific 2012