Mythical and Legendary Creatures Club

This is a fun and simple class to introduce stories of various creatures from myths and folktales, to inform and spark children's mythical imaginations. (If your learner is below the age range but would like to enroll, please message me to discuss!) 

Inspired by my "Horses in Mythology and Folklore" class, this club gives students an opportunity to explore the catalog of mythical and folkloric creatures from all over the world. As a professional in the world of animal-human interactions, I am fascinated by the study of mythical animal archetypes that exist around the world, and how animal-beings take on various traits, powers, and ideas. 

From Selkies of the Northern Isles, to Tulpar of Tuva, to Gowrow of the Arkansas Ozarks, come learn about legendary beings from around the world and use your imagination to create a being in your personal mythology. Stories and subjects will follow the learners' interests and suggestions, some will connect to a particular seasons or times of year! 

Learners are encouraged to share their own knowledge of the mythologies and the creatures we discuss, towards a comparative folklore discussion. 

Each meeting:

- We will learn a little something about a particular mythical creature. Diverse origin will be centered, often rotating through the continents. We might read a story, learn facts, or view art involving that creature. 

- Learners will be invited to make a "profile" of the new creature we learn about. This has evolved over time. Originally the suggestion was a doodle with their name and origin listed, but many students have begun to bring another "creating medium" of choice, with the most popular alternative being modeling clay. This is also super! 

- Learners will conceptualize a legendary creature who fits into their own life, story, interests, and family traditions.

- Learners will have a chance to show & tell their illustrations and personal creatures.

Please expect a fair amount of "focused time" in this class, where students are welcome to make conversation while they work if desired, but if they are all quite focused while they work it may be quiet and background music may be played. The class is structured to spark students' interest and creativity, with a great value put on the space to be imaginative in a group of students with a similar interest. 


Class graphic is compiled from work in the public domain by Utagawa Yoshitora (Qilin/Kirin), Caspar David Friedrich (Owl), Theodor Kittelsen (Nokken), and John Bauer (Troll).