Greek Myths: The Wooden Horse (Pandora's Box) (Younger Fiction)
Orchard Myths. Series
on Goodreads (36)
What’s inside...
McCaughrean has retold many classic stories, including The Canterbury Tales and The Arabian Nights. In this volume, she retells the story of the ending of the Battle of Troy. She also reveals how Pandora's curiosity brought cruelty into the world. The book includes two classic myths, 'The Wooden Horse' which refers to the Trojan Horse myth and 'Pandora's Box' which describes how evils spread in the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the people of Troy decided to bring the wooden horse inside their city walls?
What feelings do you think Pandora experienced when she opened the box?
How do you think the story would have changed if Pandora hadn’t opened the box?
What lesson can we learn from the story of the wooden horse and Pandora’s box?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they already know about Greek mythology to gauge their initial interest and knowledge.
Use expressive reading to highlight the emotions and drama in the story, making the myths more engaging and relatable to your child.
Discuss the moral lessons behind the myths, asking your child to connect them with real-life situations or personal experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the story, boosting their creativity and critical thinking.
Relate the themes from the book to everyday values like honesty, curiosity, and the consequences of decisions, making the conversation both educational and practical.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and caution
Explanation: The story of Pandora's Box highlights the consequences of unchecked curiosity, when Pandora opens the box and releases troubles into the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to balance their natural curiosity with caution, understanding that their actions have consequences and they should think before they act.
Example Lesson: Wisdom in obedience and listening to advice
Explanation: In 'The Wooden Horse,' the Trojans' failure to heed warnings about accepting the horse leads to their downfall.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of listening to guidance and advice from trusted sources, reinforcing the importance of obedience in certain situations.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience and clever problem-solving
Explanation: The Greeks' use of the wooden horse to enter Troy demonstrates strategic thinking and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sometimes creativity and persistence are necessary to solve problems and achieve goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of deceit
Explanation: The use of the Trojan Horse was a deceptive tactic by the Greeks to win the war, showing the negative aspects of deceit.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that dishonesty can lead to harm and mistrust, emphasizing the importance of honesty in maintaining healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of historical and cultural awareness
Explanation: The tale introduces children to elements of Greek mythology and ancient history, enriching their cultural knowledge.
Real-World Application: Understanding different cultures and histories can foster a more inclusive worldview and appreciation for diverse narratives and traditions among children.