Earthquake

The myth of Earthquake has three different purposes. First off it shows the power of Zeus being able to maintain peace and order in the universe which he rules. Earthquake is the first challenger of Zeus's great power. Earthquake is a very formidable foe that has tremendous strength and size. Zeus got rid of Earthquake by himself and was able to triumph, but the triumph would not have been possible without the support and help of other gods. The Gods all thought and worked together to defeat this horrible monster. Zeus sets an example for all modern leaders to follow in this myth. The myth of Earthquake is also used to explain a natural phenomenon. Earthquakes can cause great destruction. Throughout time earthquakes have destroyed cities, and killed people. Earthquakes have caused millions of dollars in damage like the earthquake in San Francisco in 1989. Earthquakes have always been feared greatly by people who have experienced them or heard of them and will frighten people for as long as life goes on. The myth of Earthquake also explains the Bermuda Triangle, another phenomenon in nature. Many ships have disappeared while traveling through the Bermuda Triangle. According to this myth Poseidon the Sea God a funnel of water, that cannot be seen engulfs whatever passes over it. Because it is not detectable many things are sucked into the funnel. The Bermuda Triangle is responsible for the disappearance of many ships in the present day. ANTICIPATIONS 1. Give examples of natural occurrences that can cause harm or destruction to man. 2. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? If so was it a large earthquake or a small earthquake. How did you deal with it? 3. What is the name of the system used to rate earthquakes? What is its purpose? 4. Look at articles that involve disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. Do any of the cases have similarities 5. Do you believe that ships truly disappear in the Bermuda Triangle? THE MYTH Earthquake was the first major challenge to Zeus's reign over the universe. After the war between the Titans and the Gods, the Titans were imprisoned in Tuataras. The mother of the Titans, Gaea, sought her imprisoned children. Gaea wanted revenge on Zeus and all of the Olympian Gods, so she had a son with Tuataras. Gaea named her son earthquake. He was supposed to revenge the imprisonment of Gaea children. Earthquake grew into enormous monster, which was stronger than anyone that had ever lived. Earthquake's appearance was down right revolting. Earthquake seemed to be a mix of many different animals. His head was made up of fifty lion's heads, fifty tiger's heads, along with one large mouth that spewed out hot lava. His gigantic arms were covered in snakes, like that of medusa's head, but these snakes were much larger and bit with deadly venom. Earthquake made all sorts of strange sounds, none that could be interrupted by any of the Gods. He often roared like a lion, or hissed like a snake. Earthquake's legs were covered in a poisonous tar that instantly killed whomever it touched. Earthquake was equipped with fins on the bottom of his legs that were also cover in that poisonous tar. This allowed him to swim, scale walls, or travel across land at tremendous speeds. His body reached high into the sky and his arms reached from the far east to the far west. Earthquake gained full strength and was determined to kill Zeus. He was on the island of Crete, and now at his mothers command was going to challenge the rule of Zeus. Earthquake proceeded across the sea, leaving a trail of dead life in his path. He finally hit the mainland, and scorched his way toward Mount Olympus. Zeus, with news of this beast, warned the Gods of this horrible monster. The Gods were scared, but remained at Zeus side. Earthquake was approaching fast, and Zeus had to think of something. Earthquake began spewing hot lava, along with blowing a fierce wind out of his gigantic mouth. Zeus countered throwing raining lighting bolts down upon Earthquake. The earth trembled and everyone above and below were terrified, even the Titans in Tuataras. Zephyrus, the west wind, led the Gods to a place of secrecy. He directed the Gods to Mount Aetna in Sicily. Here, inside the volcano, was a hidden lake. The Gods sought refuge here and thought hard on a way to defeat this gigantic monster. Meanwhile Earthquake had torn up the countryside of Sicily in route to Mount Olympus. When he found Mount Olympus empty he was enraged. He now traveled faster than ever, toward the sea, killing whatever was in sight. Zeus could not stand to let this go on. Once Earthquake had safely passed Mount Aetna, Zeus emerged and followed the powerful Earthquake. Approaching from behind, Zeus showered thunderbolts down upon Earthquake, though greatly stunned, Earthquake still possessed much power. Stunned, Zeus hurled a spear, which permanently damaged Earthquake. Earthquake and Zeus struggled, immortal on immortal, for power of the universe. Zeus fought with great tenacity, but the large and powerful Earthquake overwhelmed him. Earthquake, in control, pulled the spear out of his body and used it to cut off the feet of Zeus. He took Zeus's feet and placed them in a deer's skin. He then took Zeus to the island of Crete where he held him captive in a cave that was well concealed. With Zeus's feet cut off, it was