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Myths and Minefields

Myths and ethical debates

This illustrated audio resource is for students aged 10-12 and aims to awaken a sense that not all issues are black and white, and they will have many interesting science (and other) debates in their future education, and beyond.

Top storytellers Hugh Lupton and Daniel Morden narrate fascinating Greek myths. The issues that come up for discussion in a science context are featured in our teachers’ notes.

WARNING: If you aren’t familiar with the myths yourself watch out, some of the stories are quite graphic and contain gripping but possibly disturbing plots – have a listen yourself before you try them on your class to make sure you won’t upset more sensitive students.

Episode 1 - The Very Beginning (7mins 12secs)

Chronos the Titan hurt his father to separate his father (the sky) and mother (the earth). This brought life to the earth.

What would you have done? Is it ever right to inflict pain to ease the suffering of others?

Episode 2 - The Making of the People (9mins 2secs)

Prometheus made people from the fertile earth. He and his brother Epimetheus taught them skills, but some people died from cold. Prometheus stole fire from the Gods, knowing he would be punished. But his people prospered after this. Prometheus was punished everyday by Zeus.

What would you have done? Would you risk your life or break a rule for the sake of a cause, or for the sake of your country, or for the sake of your family?

Episode 3 - Pandora (9mins 44secs)

Zeus was bored with the happy humans. He made another human; a beautiful woman called Pandora. She was bestowed with gifts, one of which was curiosity. She was given to Epimetheus. Epimetheus was looking after Prometheus's stone jar, which contained all the misery in the world. Pandora's curiosity made her open the jar releasing suffering into the world. Zeus then found humans interesting.

What would you have done? How do we learn without taking risks?

Episode 4 - Talos (5mins 38secs)

Daedalus was a clever inventor. He had a nephew Talos, who appeared to be even cleverer. One evening Talos picked out a fish jaw from his soup and was struck by an idea. He made a bronze saw (the first saw) and Daedalus was jealous. Daedalus tried to murder Talos by throwing him off a cliff but Athene, who favoured Talos, changed Talos into a lapwing, to save him. Daedalus escaped to Crete.

What would you have done? Do scientists and inventors work to further their own reputations, or do they work for the greater good?

Episode 5 - Minotaur (10mins 49secs)

Minos, the King of Crete, received Daedalus. Minos wanted a son, and told Daedalus that if he could give him a son, he would make Daedalus rich.

What would you have done? How much would you have to be paid to forget your principles? A hundred pounds? A thousand pounds? A million pounds?

Episode 6 - Theseus (11mins 5secs)

Under orders from Minos Cretan soldiers grab men off the street in Athens. Theseus, the son of the king of Athens is taken. In Crete, the men are eaten by the minotaur one at a time. King Minos's daughter Ariandne fell in love with Theseus. She went to Daedalus and blackmailed him (she knew about Icarus). Daedalus helped by providing a sword, a crown for light, and thread. With the help of these Theseus entered the labyrinth, killed the Minotaur and ran away with Ariadne.

What would you have done? What is a monster? An evil thing or something we don’t understand?

Episode 7 - Icarus (8mins 1sec)

Minos punishes Daedalus and Icarus for Asterious's death, Ariadne's disappearance and Theseus's escape by putting them in the labyrinth. Daedaulus makes two pairs of wings, made of wax and feathers as Daedalus and Icarus escape by flying off a cliff. But Icarus flies too close to the Sun; the wax melts and Icarus falls to his death.

What would you have done? How do you know when you’ve gone too far?

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