Developing a personal response to 'Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx':

English

In 'Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx’, pupils read and listened to a modern myth. They discussed the features of modern myths. In ’Arthur and the Golden Rope’, children will develop their understanding of modern myths by drawing comparisons between the texts. 

In 'The Moon Dragons’, children read and listened to a quest narrative. In ’Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx’, pupils will read another quest narrative interwoven with themes of mythology.

'Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx': book club

the process of assigning meaning to something

the process of talking about something to exchange ideas

Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.

an idea, topic or message that appears once

What themes appear through the qualities Marcy shows in ‘Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx’?

the willingness to do something frightening or difficult

the mental ability to withstand or overcome difficulties

the quality of being honest and having strong morals

True or False? There is only one correct way to interpret a story and people need to agree on their perspectives.

Things are scary for a reason, so you should never face your fears.

Showing integrity in our actions helps to build positive relationships.

Showing resilience can help us to overcome difficult situations.

You should travel to Egypt on a wind weaver and meet the gods.

Through showing courage, we can overcome some fears.

What possible lessons could be learnt from 'Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx'?

a traditional tale explaining a culture's beliefs and customs

a tale that has elements of traditional myths but has been adapted to fit today

sends Marcy to retrieve the moon eye from the sun god

helps Marcy rescue her father by giving her his sun eye

helps by guiding the boat safely through the night

Match the Egyptian God to their action within the story, 'Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx'.

She realises he could be a good and kind god and it doesn't feel right.

She tries, but the other gods on the boat stop her.

Why is Marcy unable to steal the moon eye from Ra?

Ra gives her his moon eye so that she can guide her way through the night.

Ra gives her his sun eye so that she can rescue her father from the Sphinx.

Ra takes her home and rescues her father for her.

How does Marcy benefit from her decision to be honest with Ra?

She faces her fear of travelling and overcomes it.

She faces her fear of the dark and overcomes it.

She faces her fear of animals and overcomes it.

How does Marcy's adventure to rescue her father help her?

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

Starter Quiz