English words related to mythology often came from Roman names because the development of English was heavily influenced by Latin, the language of the Roman Empire. When the Romans conquered the Greeks, they assimilated the Greek gods into their own culture. Because of this, Roman versions of the Greek gods and goddesses are similar, but have different names. It's from these names that many familiar English words begin to appear.
| Greek Name | Roman Name | Greek Name | Roman Name | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeus | Jupiter/Jove | Hera | Juno | |
| Hades | Pluto | Poseidon | Neptune | |
| Demeter | Ceres | Hestia | Vesta | |
| Hephaestus | Vulcan | Aphrodite | Venus | |
| Apollo | Apollo | Artemis | Diana | |
| Athena | Minerva | Ares | Mars | |
| Hermes | Mercury | Dionysus | Bacchus | |
| Hercules | Hercules | Persephone | Proserpina |
Students will create a visual vocabulary board that shows the relationship between the god from the Greek myth and the English word.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard for at least three vocabulary words that shows the relationship between the character from the myth and the English word.
Create a visible, interactive word wall featuring Greek mythology vocabulary to boost student engagement and word retention. Label each word with its mythological root and modern meaning for quick reference and daily reinforcement.
Review your current reading materials and highlight essential Greek mythology terms students need to know. Choose words that appear in texts, class discussions, or assessments.
Assign each student (or pair) a vocabulary word to research, define, and illustrate. Encourage them to show both the mythical character and the word's modern meaning on their cards for increased understanding.
Arrange word cards neatly on a dedicated section of your wall or bulletin board. Make sure the display is eye-catching and allows students to add or reference words throughout the unit.
Use quick games, review questions, or exit tickets involving the word wall to reinforce vocabulary. Invite students to use words in context or connect them to other subjects for deeper learning.
A Greek mythology vocabulary activity helps students connect English words to their mythological origins by exploring how terms like "jovial" or "martial" relate to gods and myths. This boosts both vocabulary and cultural understanding.
Use visual vocabulary boards by having students pick mythology-based words, research their origins, and create storyboards that show both the mythological figure and the word's modern meaning side by side for deeper learning.
Common English words from Greek and Roman gods include jovial (Jupiter), herculean (Hercules), cereal (Ceres), martial (Mars), volcano (Vulcan), and mercurial (Mercury).
Many English words come from Greek and Roman mythology because English was influenced by Latin, and the Romans adopted Greek gods with new names, leading to vocabulary based on their myths and stories.
The best way is through creative activities like making visual vocabulary boards, which help students link mythological characters to word meanings, making abstract vocabulary more memorable and engaging.