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Volcanoes and other disasters have frightened and fascinated people throughout history. Face to face with the raw power and beauty of nature, different cultures have created great myths and stories.

Topics and Connections:

• Volcanoes
• Cultures and mythology
• Creative writing

Volcano Myths:

• Ancient Romans thought that Vulcan, the god of fire, had a blacksmith shop under certain mountains. When he pounded pieces of hot metal he could cause rumbling, lava, clouds of ash, and explosions.
• The Cowlitz Indians in Washington state believed that Mt. St. Helens and near-by Mt. Adams were both wives of Mt. Rainier. Rainier had an argument with the two of them, and St. Helens got so mad she blew her top and also knocked the head off Rainier.
• The Aztecs believed that the volcano Popocatepetl (Po-po-ca-teh-PET-el) in Mexico was a warrior who was in love with the lady Xochiquetzal (Sho-chee-KET-sal). While Popocatepetl was away hunting, Xochiquetzal was mistakenly told that Popocatepetl had been killed. Deciding that she could not live without her love, she killed herself. When Popocatepetl returned and found her dead, he was overcome with grief. He built a mound and laid her body on it, and vowed that he would never leave her again. The mound is now the mountain called Iztaccihuatl (Iz-tock-SEE-wah-tul). At her feet stands Popocatepetl, eternally watching over her. The fire that comes from Popocatepetl is an indication that he is still alive, and his heart is still warm for her.

Directions:

Students:

• Read these mythological 'explanations' of volcanoes. Then write out your own explanation, making up a new myth with new characters.

Follow Up:

• Research a specific volcano and the details of its eruption (lava, ash, frequency, landslides, nearby towns) and have your myth contain these details, and explanations within the myth.
• Make similar myths for other phenomena: lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes, seasons...

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