Top 5 Best Compositions of "The Story of the Gods Who Created the World" - Literature 10

Knowledge of Literature Plot In narrative works (myths, epics, fairy tales, short stories, novels...) and drama, the plot is formed by a series of events or occurrences. - Storytelling The events in the plot are unfolded or connected in a specific narrative flow. This narrative is unified with a system of details and artistic language (including elements like narration, description, and commentary), which creates the story. - Narrator In folk literature, the storyteller is someone who directly recites the tale to the audience. In written literature, the narrator is a "role" or "representative" that the author creates to tell the story in place of themselves. - Characters A character is a person specifically depicted in the work of literature through artistic techniques. - Mythology Mythology is one of the earliest narrative genres, telling stories about the divine world and reflecting the ancient people's views on the universe and human existence. Myths usually have a simple plot: a single linear storyline focusing on one character or a combination of several simple plots. Study the story of the gods who created the world Read and understand the text - Question 1. Pay attention to the introductory details of the story. Introductory details: In the beginning, there was no universe, no creatures, and no humans. The sky and earth were merely a chaotic, dark, and cold mass. => Introduces the setting before the creation of the universe. - Question 2. Imagine the size and actions of the Sky Pillar god. Size: Enormous beyond measure, each step covered vast distances from one province to another, or from one mountain peak to another. Actions: Stands up, uses his head to prop up the sky, and then digs and piles up earth and stones to create a massive pillar to support the sky. - Question 3. What gods are listed in the myth? The gods listed are: the god of counting sand, the god of dredging seas, the god of astronomy, the god of digging rivers, the god of planting trees, the god of building mountains, and the Sky Pillar god. - Question 4. Focus on the description of the work and temperament of the Thunder god. Work: Specialized in enforcing laws on Earth. Temperament: Very hot-tempered. - Question 5. Focus on the appearance and activities of the Wind god. Appearance: Strange, without a head. Activities: Creates gentle winds or fierce storms, at the command of the Jade Emperor. - Question 6. What is the purpose of creating the character of the Wind god's child? To explain the phenomenon of the wind curling leaves and flowers, a sign for humans that the wind or rain is coming. Answering the questions - Question 1. Identify the time, space, characters, and main events in each of the stories. - Sky Pillar god Time: When the universe did not exist. Space: Sky and Earth Character: Sky Pillar god Event: The Sky Pillar god separated the sky and earth. - Thunder god Time: No specific time Space: Heaven and Earth Character: Jade Emperor, Thunder god, and Cường Bạo Event: Introduces the Thunder god; The Thunder god is punished by the Jade Emperor for causing an unjust death; The Thunder god once lost to Cường Bạo. - Wind god Time: No specific time Space: Heaven and Earth Character: Jade Emperor, Wind god, Rain god, Thunder god, the child of the Wind god, and humans Event: The Wind god creates wind at the command of the Jade Emperor; The Wind god's child, mischievous, is sent down to Earth. - Question 2. Identify some "signs" that show these three stories belong to the primordial myth group. - Main characters: Sky Pillar god, Thunder god, Wind god - Indeterminate time and cosmic space - Purpose: To explain natural phenomena and human life. - Question 3. How did ancient people view the form and "temperament" of the Sky Pillar god, Wind god, and Thunder god? What was the basis for their imagination of these gods? - The ancient people's view of the gods: The Sky Pillar god, Wind god, and Thunder god were imagined as enormous, strange beings. The Sky Pillar god was immeasurably large; the Thunder god had a fierce face, and loud, terrifying roars; the Wind god had no head. - Their imagination was based on the need to explain natural phenomena, so the gods also possessed qualities that matched those phenomena. - Question 4. What were the tasks of the Sky Pillar god, Thunder god, and Wind god? How were these tasks depicted, and what was their purpose? - Sky Pillar god Task: To create a large pillar from earth and stone to separate the sky and earth. Description: One day, the Sky Pillar god stood up, used his head to prop up the sky, and dug and piled earth and stone to create a huge pillar to support the sky. The pillar grew taller as he continued working alone. Purpose: To explain the creation of the sky and earth. - Thunder god Task: To enforce laws on Earth. Description: The Thunder god wielded a stone hammer. When delivering justice, regardless of whether the person, object, or plant was guilty, the god would jump down and strike them with his hammer after pointing at the culprit's head. Purpose: To explain the occurrence of thunder. - Wind god Task: To create wind. Description: The god's magical fan was used to create either a gentle breeze or a fierce storm, depending on the Jade Emperor's command. Sometimes, the Wind god would work with the Rain god, or even the Thunder god. Purpose: To explain the creation of wind and forecast weather. - Question 5. What do the figures of the Sky Pillar god, Thunder god, and Wind god reflect about ancient people's perceptions of the natural world? What aspirations are embedded in these figures? - These figures reflect the ancient people's simple view of the universe, where supernatural forces were believed to control natural phenomena and their lives. - The desire to conquer nature is shown through the use of symbolic actions (such as scaring or expelling the Thunder god with rooster calls or sending the Wind god's child to Earth to warn of incoming weather). - Question 6. What are the key features of character construction in these myths? What does this reveal about ancient people's attitudes toward nature? - The characters are all gods, depicted as strange and powerful beings. - They incorporate imaginative and supernatural elements. - Ancient people viewed nature with reverence and awe. - Question 7. Myths often contain a sacred belief that everything in the world has a spirit. Do you think this belief still holds appeal to modern humans? Why? - The belief still holds appeal. While science and technology have explained many natural phenomena, there are still aspects of the natural world that remain unexplained. People still turn to spiritual values for support when facing the unknown. Connecting reading and writing Write a paragraph (around 150 words) analyzing a fantastic detail in a myth you've studied or read.

* Before Reading

Question (page 11 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1):

Can you name a story or a movie where the main character is a god? What do you think makes this work so captivating?

Answer:

• The film *Troy*, released in 2004, tells the story of a clash between two powerful ancient Greek nations. The main characters of the film include Hector, Achilles, and Odysseus.
• The protagonists are gods with supernatural abilities or extraordinary powers, coupled with a vivid imagination.

* While Reading

Pay attention to the opening details of the story.

• The opening details:
• At the beginning, there was no universe, no living creatures, and no humans.
• The world was a chaotic, dark, and cold place.

Visualize the appearance and actions of the Sky Pillar God.

• Appearance of the god: immense.
• Actions of the god: lifting the sky and digging earth and stones to build a towering column to support the heavens.

→ Extraordinary actions

Which gods are mentioned in the song?

• The gods listed in the song: the god of counting sand, the god of stirring the sea, the god of the stars, the god of digging rivers, the god of planting trees, the god of building mountains, the Sky Pillar God.

Focus on the details describing the work and the “temperament” of the Thunder God.

• Thunder God's work: enforcing the law on Earth.
• The Thunder God’s “temperament”: hot-tempered, sometimes harming innocent people or things.

Focus on the appearance and activities of the Wind God.

• Appearance of the Wind God: headless.
• Activities of the Wind God: creating wind or storms according to the Jade Emperor’s orders.
• What is the purpose of creating the Wind God’s child?
• The creation of the Wind God’s child is meant to explain why wind or rain begins when leaves and flowers are curled by the wind. People on Earth recognize this as a sign that wind or rain is coming.

* After Reading

Main content:

The text *The Story of the Gods Who Created the World* explains the origins of the natural world according to the imagination of primitive humans. The creation of god figures to explain natural phenomena reflects the reverence, admiration, faith, and desire of early humans to conquer nature.

Question 1 (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): Identify the time, space, characters, and main events in each story.

Answer:

• Sky Pillar God
• Thunder God
• Wind God
• Time
• Before the universe existed
• No specific time
• No specific time
• Space
• Heaven and Earth
• In the sky and on Earth
• In the sky
• Characters
• Sky Pillar God
• Thunder God, Jade Emperor, Cường Bạo
• Wind God, Rain God, Thunder God, Jade Emperor, Wind God's child

Main events

• Sky Pillar God separates Heaven and Earth
• Introduction of the Thunder God
• The Wind God’s child is sent to Earth by the Jade Emperor

Question 2 (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): Identify some “signs” that help the reader recognize that the three stories belong to the mythological group of origin myths.

Answer:

• Origin myths tell the story of the origins of the universe and all living things.
• All three texts are origin myths. Signs to recognize them include:
• The main characters are gods: Sky Pillar God, Thunder God, Thunderbolt God.
• Indefinite time and universal space.
• The gods’ stories explain natural phenomena and human society. Through these myths, they subtly express the primitive human desire to conquer nature.

Question 3 (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): How do the Sky Pillar God, Wind God, and Thunder God appear and behave in the ancient human perspective? What is the basis for the imagination of these gods?

Answer:

• In the ancient view, the Sky Pillar God, Wind God, and Thunder God are gods with unusual appearances. They all possess supernatural powers. In addition, they have fiery temperaments and are fearsome.
• Based on the characteristics of natural phenomena and society, ancient humans created these divine characters in their myths.

Question 4 (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): What are the roles of the Sky Pillar God, Thunder God, and Wind God? How are these roles described, and what is their purpose?

Answer:

• Sky Pillar God:
  • Role: Used earth and stone to build a tall column to separate Heaven from Earth.
  • Role description: “One day, he suddenly stood up, lifted the sky, and dug earth and stone to create a column to support the heavens.” “The god kept working alone, stacking stones higher and higher, pushing the sky upwards.”
  • Purpose: To separate Heaven and Earth.

• Thunder God:
  • Role: Enforces laws on Earth.
  • Description: The god has a stone hammer. When administering justice, he personally jumps down, points a flag at the wrongdoer, and uses his hammer to strike.
  • Purpose: To explain the occurrence of thunder.

• Wind God:
  • Role: Creates wind at the command of the Jade Emperor.
  • Description: “The Wind God’s treasure is a magical fan. The god will create either a gentle breeze or a storm, depending on the Jade Emperor’s order. When the Wind God works with the Rain God, sometimes even the Thunder God joins in.”
  • Purpose: To create wind on Earth.

Question 5 (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): What views and understandings of the natural world do the Sky Pillar God, Thunder God, and Wind God represent? What aspirations were expressed through these divine figures?

Answer:

• The images of the Sky Pillar God, Thunder God, and Wind God reflect the ancient view of the universe’s formation. With primitive thinking, humans could not scientifically or logically explain natural phenomena. Therefore, they believed that divine forces were responsible for these phenomena.
• Through these gods, early humans expressed their desire to conquer nature and master their environment.

Question 6 (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): Identify the prominent features in the character construction of these myths. From this, assess the attitude and feelings of ancient people towards the natural world.

Answer:

• Features:
  • The characters are real individuals depicted through various artistic methods. The characters in these three myths are gods with extraordinary appearances and powers.
  • The role of these gods is to explain natural phenomena.
  • The artistic style uses fantastical and imaginative elements.

• The attitude and feelings of ancient people toward nature: They expressed reverence, admiration, belief, and a deep desire to conquer the natural world.

Question 7 (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): In the unique beauty of mythology, there is a sacred belief in a world where everything has a soul. Do you think this belief still holds fascination for modern humans? Why?

Answer:

• The sacred belief in a world where everything has a soul still holds fascination for modern humans. This is evident in modern belief systems like Buddhism and Christianity.
• Belief in the existence of another world is not inherently negative. It is only when individuals exploit this belief for personal gain that it becomes problematic.

* Connect Reading - Writing

Assignment (page 14 of the 10th-grade Vietnamese Literature textbook, Volume 1): Write a paragraph (approximately 150 words) analyzing a magical detail from a mythology story you have studied or read on your own.

Sample paragraph:

In Vietnam’s mythological system about the creation of the universe, the story of the Sky Pillar God is considered the first. Following this are stories about other gods like the Rain God, Sea God, Wind God, Sun God, Moon God, and later stories about gods who created all creatures and humans, such as the tale of the repair of all species and the twelve midwives. The story tells that, in ancient times, humans and creatures did not exist, and Heaven and Earth were a chaotic, undivided mass. The Sky Pillar God dug the earth, lifted stones, and built a column to hold up the sky and separate the Earth. Through this myth, the ancient Vietnamese sought to explain the origins of natural phenomena such as why there is a sky and Earth, why they were separated, why the land is uneven with some areas raised and others sunken, and why there are rivers, mountains, seas, and islands.

Myths of the Creators of the World

Mythological Genre

• Although mythology has gradually faded over time, it remains a rich heritage with hundreds of tales told by the Kinh people and various ethnic minorities.
• In some collections and anthologies, many myths have been mixed with legends and fairy tales, causing the distinct features of mythology to be somewhat diluted.
• Vietnamese mythology consists of two main groups:
  • Creation Myths:

• These myths explain the formation of the natural world, the origins of humans, and all living beings in ways that closely align with other mythological systems.
• The main characters are the gods who created the world: the sky, the earth, the sun, the moon, rivers, seas, rain, wind, thunder, and all living creatures.
  • Creative Myths:

• The main characters are legendary heroes and cultural heroes.
• Their feats reflect the unique beauty of human labor, beliefs, and the cultural values of each community.

Structure

Comprising three small texts:

• Text 1: The God of the Heavenly Pillar
• Text 2: The God of Thunder
• Text 3: The God of Wind

Content Value

• The texts reflect the process of the formation of the sky, the earth, thunder, and wind, with captivating stories.
• They express beliefs in the gods, nature, and the spiritual world of humanity.

Artistic Value

• The way characters are developed is unique and characteristic of the mythological genre.
• The characters represent typical, idealized figures.
• The writing style is clear and easy to understand.
• The language used is pure Vietnamese.

Study Guide

Question 1. Identify the time, space, characters, and main events in each of the stories.

Question 2. Point out some "signs" that help readers recognize the three stories belong to the creation myth group.

Question 3. How do the ancient people perceive the appearance and temperament of the God of the Heavenly Pillar, the God of Wind, and the God of Thunder? What is the basis for their imagination of these gods?

Question 4. What are the duties of the God of the Heavenly Pillar, the God of Wind, and the God of Thunder? How are these duties described, and for what purpose?

Question 5. What ideas and beliefs about the natural world do the characters of the God of the Heavenly Pillar, the God of Wind, and the God of Thunder reflect? What aspirations are conveyed through these characters?

Question 6. Identify the notable features in the character development of the mythological group. From this, comment on the attitudes and feelings of the ancients toward the natural world.

Question 7. One of the beautiful aspects of mythology is the sacred belief in a world where all things have souls. Do you think this belief still attracts modern people? Why or why not? Suggested answer to Question 1 - Vietnamese Literature 10 - Connecting Knowledge: Question 1. Time, space, characters, and main events in each story: The God of the Heavenly Pillar: - Time: Long ago, "when the universe did not exist, there were no beings or humans." - Space: "The heavens and earth were just a chaotic, dark, and cold mass." - Characters: The God of the Heavenly Pillar (a giant deity) - Main Event: The God of the Heavenly Pillar erects a pillar to support the sky. The God of Thunder: - Time: Undefined (general) - Space: The heavenly palace and the mortal world - Character: The God of Thunder (with a fierce face, a thunderous voice) - Event: The God of Thunder executes the laws of the heavens on earth. The God of Wind: - Time: Undefined (general) - Space: The heavenly palace and the mortal world - Character: The God of Wind (headless, wielding a magical fan) - Main Event: The God of Wind creates winds or storms by order of the Jade Emperor and punishes the mischievous child of the God of Wind who causes disasters.

Question 2. Some "signs" to help readers identify the three stories as creation myths: - The God of the Heavenly Pillar explains the formation of the sky, the earth, mountains, and seas. - The God of Thunder reflects the ancient people's understanding of thunder and lightning. - The God of Wind illustrates the ancient perception of wind and the natural phenomena of winds and storms.

Question 3. In the eyes of ancient people, how did the God of the Heavenly Pillar, the God of Wind, and the God of Thunder appear and behave? - The God of the Heavenly Pillar was gigantic, with legs so long that one step could span across mountains. The deity worked diligently to "build the pillar higher and higher, pushing the sky up." The God of Thunder had a fierce face, a loud voice, and a fiery temper, which led to mistakes. The God of Wind had a strange, headless shape, representing the unpredictable nature of wind: sometimes small, sometimes strong, and even bringing storms. Their images were based on their tasks and natural phenomena, like the God of the Heavenly Pillar’s giant stature to hold up the sky, the God of Thunder’s fierce look as a punisher, and the headless God of Wind to reflect the formlessness of wind itself.

Question 4. The duties of the God of the Heavenly Pillar, the God of Wind, and the God of Thunder are: The God of the Heavenly Pillar digs, builds the pillar, and holds up the sky...; the God of Thunder enforces divine laws on earth; the God of Wind brings the wind to the world. These tasks are described in detail to explain natural phenomena. For instance, the God of the Heavenly Pillar’s work of digging and erecting pillars explains not only the sky and earth but also the mountains and seas.

Question 5. The images of the God of the Heavenly Pillar, the God of Wind, and the God of Thunder reflect ancient beliefs about the formation of the natural world. These myths express desires to conquer, explore, and understand the origins of nature.

Question 6. Key features in the character development of the myths: - The gods are mighty, with extraordinary powers. - Each god is personified, with characteristics resembling the phenomena they control. - The gods symbolize the folk beliefs about the creation of the world and humanity’s aspiration to understand and master nature.

Question 7. One of the enchanting aspects of mythology is the sacred belief in a world where everything has a soul. This belief continues to resonate with many in the modern age. While it may seem "naive," it reflects the vivid, imaginative worldview of ancient people, and modern readers can still find fascination in exploring such stories of a world where all things are alive and interconnected.

I. Introduction to the Genre of Mythological Tales Most researchers agree that mythology consists of fantastical stories about gods and supernatural beings who play direct or indirect roles in the creation of the world and its natural and cultural elements. Mythology serves as a fundamental method for understanding the world, reflecting the perceptions and knowledge of the time in which it was created. Vietnamese mythology, as a prose narrative genre, recounts the legends of gods who created the natural world and human culture. These myths are based on unreal images and details that are the product of human imagination, often linked to ancient materialistic views of the world and human evolution. These legends embody ancient attempts to explain the origins of the world and human life. II. Overview of Myths About the Gods Who Created the World 1. Genre: Mythological Tale. 2. Structure: The text consists of three smaller sections: - Text 1: The God Who Holds Up the Sky - Text 2: The God of Thunder - Text 3: The God of Wind 3. Content Value: - The myth reflects the creation of the world, thunder, and wind, offering intriguing stories. - It demonstrates belief in the sacred, natural, and spiritual world. 4. Artistic Features: - Unique character construction typical of mythological genres. - Symbolic, archetypal characters. - Clear and accessible writing style. - Use of pure Vietnamese language. III. Questions Based on the Knowledge of the Story of the Gods Who Created the World Question 1: Analyze the detail where Nüwa uses five-colored stones to repair the sky and save humanity from suffering in the Chinese myth of Nüwa Mends the Sky. Answer: Imaginary, supernatural details in myths are often used to create extraordinary tales that explain events or to deify revered characters. In the story, Nüwa, the goddess of creation, is said to have repaired the torn sky with five-colored stones. This act symbolizes her divine power and devotion, offering an explanation for the existence of multicolored clouds in the sky. Question 2: In the worldview of ancient people, how were the gods of the Sky Pillar, Wind, and Thunder imagined, and what inspired these depictions? Answer: In the minds of ancient people, these gods were colossal (the Sky Pillar God) or had unusual forms (the Wind God had no head). Each possessed superhuman powers (the Sky Pillar God separated heaven from earth; the Thunder God wielded a massive hammer for enforcing divine justice; the Wind God controlled the winds). They were often described as temperamental and fearsome. The creation of these gods was inspired by the need to explain natural phenomena and human society. Before Reading: Name a myth or movie featuring a deity. What makes that story appealing? Answer: One example is the movie Troy, which tells the dramatic story of a battle between two great nations in ancient Greece, featuring heroes like Hector, Achilles, and Odysseus. The appeal of such tales often lies in the gods' supernatural abilities and the romanticized, imaginative storytelling. While Reading: Pay attention to the opening details of the story. Answer: In the beginning, the myth tells us that there was once no universe or life, only a dark, cold void. The universe and all beings were created from this chaotic nothingness. While Reading: Question 2: How is the appearance and actions of the Sky Pillar God described? Answer: The Sky Pillar God is depicted as enormous, and his actions involve lifting the sky and using earth and stone to build a colossal pillar to support the heavens. While Reading: Question 3: Which gods are listed in the myth? Answer: The gods mentioned in the myth include: the God of Counting Sand, the God of Tilling the Sea, the God of Birds, the God of Digging Rivers, the God of Planting Trees, the God of Building Mountains, and the Sky Pillar God. While Reading: Question 4: Pay attention to the description of the Thunder God's actions and temperament. Answer: The Thunder God is known for his fiery temper and the swift execution of divine justice. He uses a hammer to strike down wrongdoers, often without mercy. While Reading: Question 5: How is the Wind God portrayed in terms of appearance and behavior? Answer: The Wind God is described as having an unusual form—without a head—and is capable of causing winds of various intensities, either gentle or stormy, as directed by the Jade Emperor. While Reading: Question 6: Why was the Wind God's child created in the myth? Answer: The Wind God's child was created to explain why certain phenomena, such as wind gusts or rainstorms, occur, symbolizing the connection between natural events and divine intervention. After Reading: Question 1: Identify the time, setting, characters, and main events of each myth. Answer: The myths describe a time before the universe existed, with settings ranging from the heavens to the earthly realm. The key characters are the gods of the Sky Pillar, Thunder, and Wind, with events involving their powers shaping the world. After Reading: Question 2: What are the signs that indicate these stories belong to the primordial mythological genre? Answer: These myths are examples of primordial mythology, as they explain the origins of the universe and humanity through tales of gods. They feature timeless settings, supernatural events, and deities responsible for natural phenomena. After Reading: Question 3: How are the gods of the Sky Pillar, Wind, and Thunder described in terms of their appearance and temperament? Answer: These gods are typically described as large and extraordinary, with powers beyond human capabilities. They reflect the ancient peoples' views of nature and the divine forces shaping their world. After Reading: Question 4: What are the roles of the Sky Pillar, Thunder, and Wind Gods, and how are their actions depicted? Answer: Each god plays a role in shaping the world: the Sky Pillar God separates heaven and earth, the Thunder God enforces justice, and the Wind God controls the winds. Their actions serve to explain the natural order. After Reading: Question 5: How do the myths of the Sky Pillar, Thunder, and Wind Gods reflect the ancient peoples' understanding of the natural world? Answer: These myths symbolize the ancient people's attempts to explain the forces of nature—earthquakes, storms, and winds—through divine characters, showing their desire to control and understand the world around them. After Reading: Question 6: What are the notable features in character development in these myths? How do they reflect the ancient people's attitude toward nature? Answer: The characters in these myths are extraordinary beings with supernatural powers, reflecting the ancient peoples' reverence and fear of nature's forces. These myths reveal a deep respect for the natural world and the divine forces believed to govern it. After Reading: Question 7: Analyze how the myths' characters are constructed and what they reveal about the ancient people's feelings toward the natural world. Answer: The characters in these myths are divine beings who embody the forces of nature. They reflect the people's desire to understand, control, and revere the natural world through these larger-than-life figures. The myths also express awe and respect for nature, with gods representing both creation and destruction. Connection to Writing: Analyze the character construction in these stories and reflect on how they show the ancient people's view of the natural world. Answer: These mythological characters are divine beings created to explain natural phenomena, with each god embodying an essential force in the world. The stories highlight the reverence ancient people had for nature and their belief in powerful forces shaping their lives.

Prepare the Lesson Plan for the Story of the Gods Who Created the World

Provide the title of a story or a movie featuring a god as the main character. What do you think makes this story captivating?

Answer

• Movies: Troy, Clash of the Gods, Hercules, etc.
• What makes them captivating: They all possess supernatural powers.

Read and understand the Story of the Gods Who Created the World

Answer the questions during the lesson:

1. The Pillar God

Question 1 (page 11, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Pay attention to the opening details of the story.

Answer

• At that time, there was no universe, no creatures, and no humans.
• The sky and earth were a dark, cold chaos.

Question 2 (page 11, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Imagine the appearance and actions of the Pillar God.

Answer

Imagination:

• Appearance: Gigantic.
• Actions: The god lifted the sky with his head, dug the earth, and stacked rocks to create a column both large and tall to support the sky. The god worked alone, continuing to build the pillar.
• Clearly, the Pillar God was colossal, strong, and had extraordinary power.

Question 3 (page 12, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Identify the gods mentioned in the poem.

Answer

Seven gods are listed: The Sand Counting God, The Sea Draining God, The Star Counting God, The River Digging God, The Tree Planting God, The Mountain Building God, and The Pillar God.

2. The Thunder God

Question 1 (page 12, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Focus on the description of the Thunder God's work and 'temperament'.

Answer
The Thunder God is responsible for enforcing justice in the mortal world.

• When delivering judgment, no matter whether the offender is human, animal, or plant, the god personally descends and strikes the guilty with a lightning bolt.
• He usually sleeps during the winter, waking around February or March to resume his duties.
• He is hot-tempered, sometimes causing innocent casualties.
• He is formidable and fierce.

The Wind God

Question 1 (page 13, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Focus on the form and activities of the Wind God.

Answer

• Appearance:
  • Unusual.
  • Headless.
  • Activity:
  • Creates either gentle breezes or violent storms, slow or fast, depending on the command of the Jade Emperor.
• Every time he descends to the mortal world, a whirlwind appears.

Question 2 (page 13, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: What is the purpose of creating the Wind God's child character?

Answer

The purpose: So that when the Wind God’s gusts scatter leaves and petals, people on Earth will know that wind or rain is coming.

Question 1 (page 14, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Identify the time, space, characters, and main events in each of the stories.

Question 2 (page 14, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Identify signs that indicate these three stories belong to the creation myth category.

Signs:

• All feature gods.
• The setting is either in the heavens or before the Earth took shape.
• The gods are responsible for tasks related to natural phenomena.

Question 3 (page 14, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: How did ancient people view the Pillar God, Wind God, and Thunder God? What was the basis for these imaginative depictions?

Answer

Ancient people saw gods as enormous and bizarre, endowed with supernatural powers.

These depictions were based on natural phenomena they observed in life. Powerful winds and fierce storms terrified people, leading them to imagine gods with similar frightening qualities.

Question 4 (page 14, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: What were the jobs of the Pillar God, Thunder God, and Wind God? How were their tasks depicted, and what was their purpose?

Answer

• Pillar God:
  • Job: To separate the sky and the earth.
  • Depiction: The god, with a massive body, lifted the sky with his head, dug the earth, and stacked rocks to create a huge column that held up the sky. The higher the pillar grew, the higher the sky was lifted. The god worked alone to raise the pillar.
  • Purpose: To separate the sky from the earth.
• Thunder God:
  • Job: To enforce laws on Earth.
  • Depiction: The Thunder God wields a stone axe. When delivering justice, he personally descends and strikes offenders with lightning. He rests during the winter and resumes work in February or March.
  • Purpose: To punish wrongdoers.
• Wind God:
  • Job: To control the wind.
  • Depiction: The Wind God creates either gentle breezes or powerful storms, depending on the Jade Emperor’s commands. When he visits the mortal world, a whirlwind often appears.
  • Purpose: To create wind.

Question 5 (page 14, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: What do the images of the Pillar God, Thunder God, and Wind God reflect about ancient people's views of nature? What aspirations were expressed through these images?

Answer

• These gods reflect the belief that natural phenomena were caused by supernatural forces.
• The images of the gods represent ancient people's desire to conquer nature. For example, the crowing of a rooster drives away the Thunder God, while the Wind God's child was banished to Earth for disturbing life there.

Question 6 (page 14, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Identify distinctive features in the character development of these myths. From there, assess ancient people's attitudes toward nature.

Answer

• Distinctive features:
  • All characters are gods.
  • They are depicted with elements of mystery and the supernatural.
  • Each god has a specific role related to natural phenomena.
• Assessment: Ancient people believed in supernatural forces in nature and showed respect for the gods.

Question 7 (page 14, Literature 10 textbook, volume 1)

Task: Discuss the appeal of the belief in a world where everything has a soul. Does this belief still appeal to modern humans? Why?

Answer

I believe the belief in a world where everything has a soul still fascinates modern humans. This belief stems from our thoughts. People today still hold many beliefs, and as long as they are not harmful, they are respected. The idea that all things have a soul prevents us from becoming cold and indifferent. It helps us appreciate the world around us, not just humans but also plants and animals.

Reading - Writing Connection

Write a 150-word paragraph analyzing a magical detail from a myth you have read or discovered on your own.

Answer

A magical detail in an Indian myth I read involves the Fire God A Nhi, who has seven rainbow-colored arms and an extraordinarily long and quick tongue. At first glance, he appears terrifying, but without him, we would have no light, warmth, or cooked food. He can also accidentally harm others, like the Thunder God. However, like all gods, his role is to create natural phenomena. This unbelievable detail captivates people of all ages, and the myth was created to explain nature, showing humanity's desire to understand and conquer the natural world.