Comparative Analysis of Myths: "Maui and the Sun" and "The Sun Dancer"

In this assignment, you will explore two myths, "Maui and the Sun" and "The Sun Dancer," which both explain how the sun came to be. You will be asked to compare and contrast these myths, focusing on the characters' motivations and the patterns of events. Use details from both myths to support your answers.

Answer the following short response question using details from both myths.

"Maui and the Sun" and "The Sun Dancer" are both myths that tell about how the sun came to be. What is one important difference between Maui's reason for wanting to change the sun and the warrior's role as the sun in the two myths? Use details from both myths to support your answer.

Question:

"Maui and the Sun" and "The Sun Dancer" are myths from different cultures that both explain the origin of the sun.

• What pattern of events (how the story unfolds) do you notice in each myth?

• How are the patterns of events in the two myths similar or different?

Use details from both myths to support your answer. Explain your thinking clearly and completely.