Creature Languages, 3/20, Period 4

[game-of-you.livejournal.com]

It's possible Dream may not be entirely recovered from directing the play, but he hides it well as he4 stands before the class.

"Hello. This week, we will study the language of snakes. We'll begin today with a discussion of snake mythology -- human mythology about snakes, though most of it has parallels in the snake culture.


Cows, monkeys and dogs are revered by some cultures yet consumed as food by others. So, too, snakes are respected in some parts of the world and despised in others. The way that people feel about snakes is heavily influenced by cultural beliefs and mythology.

Some cultures held snakes in high esteem as powerful religious symbols. Quetzalcoatl, the mythical "plumed serpent," was worshiped as the "Master of Life" by ancient Aztecs of Central America. Some African cultures worshiped rock pythons and considered the killing of one to be a serious crime. In Australia, the Aborigines associated a giant rainbow serpent with the creation of life.

Other cultures have associated snakes with medicinal powers or rebirth. In India, cobras were regarded as reincarnations of important people called Nagas. Our modern medical symbol of two snakes wrapped around a staff, or 'caduceus,' comes from ancient Greek mythology. According to the Greeks, the mythical figure Aesculapius discovered medicine by watching as one snake used herbs to bring another snake back to life.

Judeo-Christian culture has been less kind to snakes. Tales of the Garden of Eden and the serpent's role in "man's fall from grace" have contributed to a negative image of snakes in western culture. In Appalachia, some Christians handle venomous snakes as part of ritual ceremonies, relying on faith to protect them from bites. Among Catholics, Saint Patrick is credited with ridding Ireland of snakes, a feat celebrated by many as a good thing.

Deep rooted cultural biases may be responsible, in part, for widespread fear and disdain for snakes.

Dream passes out a second handout listing additional myths about snakes.

"I would like for each of you to read and think about these stories and choose one as a favorite. For extra credit, imagine it from the snake's point of view."

Comments

Sign In, Creature, 3/20

[game-of-you.livejournal.com]

...

Class Discussion, Creature, 3/20

[game-of-you.livejournal.com]

Pick a snake story.

After Class, Creature, 3/20

[game-of-you.livejournal.com]

The professor is around.