Inca Sapa Inca Activity
From your lesson, you know that the Inca did not have a written language. Instead, stories about their leaders were passed down orally from generation to generation. Over time, it may be that truths got stretched until the stories about their leaders resembled, at best, a tall tale - part fact, part fiction.
It's important to keep in mind that, even when truths get stretched in tall tales, the tales themselves usually keep some truth at their core. As a result of this process - and due to the Inca's lack of written language - the existence of some of the Sapa Incas, some of the Lords of Cuzco, is questioned. It may be that some of the Lords of Cuzco have been transformed over time into mythical beings. That's OK. We can still learn a lot about a people from their myths.
Put on your storytelling hat!
Your job on this activity is to write about an incident in your own daily life and turn it into a heroic tall tale.
It's important to keep in mind that, even when truths get stretched in tall tales, the tales themselves usually keep some truth at their core. As a result of this process - and due to the Inca's lack of written language - the existence of some of the Sapa Incas, some of the Lords of Cuzco, is questioned. It may be that some of the Lords of Cuzco have been transformed over time into mythical beings. That's OK. We can still learn a lot about a people from their myths.
Put on your storytelling hat!
Your job on this activity is to write about an incident in your own daily life and turn it into a heroic tall tale.
For example, you could write about coming to school today or eating breakfast. This can be done as an independent activity or as a group activity. Your story can be in the form of a play or a story. Both choices are yours. But wait! What is a tall tale?
Keep in mind, the KEY to a tall tale is EXAGERATION! Also, tall tales have one or more of the following traits. Your tall tale should, as well. Entertain us by including several of the following:
1. The main character accomplishes great feats using strength, skill, and wits.
2. The main character is helped by a powerful object or animal.
3. The author (that's you!) uses exaggeration & humor; the hero might brag, but the hero also makes fun of him/herself.
5. The story explains how some familiar things began.
6. The hero has a colorful way of speaking.
7. Famous people and places show up in the story.
Create a Google doc in the History folder in your DRIVE. If you are working with partners, make sure that you share your doc with your group.
When done, print your story and come to class ready to read it aloud!
Keep in mind, the KEY to a tall tale is EXAGERATION! Also, tall tales have one or more of the following traits. Your tall tale should, as well. Entertain us by including several of the following:
1. The main character accomplishes great feats using strength, skill, and wits.
2. The main character is helped by a powerful object or animal.
3. The author (that's you!) uses exaggeration & humor; the hero might brag, but the hero also makes fun of him/herself.
5. The story explains how some familiar things began.
6. The hero has a colorful way of speaking.
7. Famous people and places show up in the story.
Create a Google doc in the History folder in your DRIVE. If you are working with partners, make sure that you share your doc with your group.
When done, print your story and come to class ready to read it aloud!