Master Collection activity 13: monsters and dragons
Pupils investigate the painting of Hercules slaying the Hydra.
They research the story in Ancient Greek and/or Roman mythology, then explore the theme of monsters and dragons more widely, looking at:
- the painting of Saint George and the Dragon (Learn with Objects Master Collection 2: animal studies) and
- a painting of a hippogryph (a mythical beast that features in Harry Potter) at the National Gallery.
Ideas for creative activities include designing a monster for Hercules to vanquish and creating a new adaptation of/or response to the story through drama, creative writing or art.
Learning objectives
Increased knowledge and understanding of Ancient Greek and Roman mythology and the story of Hercules (Heracles) and the Hydra, one of his famous Twelve Labours.
Being able to compare and contrast artworks, including developing critical thinking skills.
Skills in creating an artwork or piece of drama or creative writing inspired by the painting.
Curriculum links
KS1-2 Art (investigating and creating portraits, animals in art)
KS1-2 History (Ancient Greek myths, Roman myths)
KS1-2 English (speaking and listening, discussing and debating art)
Use the Master Collection drawing of Saint George and the Dragon (Learn with Objects Master Collection 2: animal studies) to compare the dragon and Hydra.
Find other depictions of monsters (see links under Creative Ideas for Saint George and the Dragon). Include the National Gallery’s painting by Ingres of Angelica saved by Ruggiero
The monster in the Ingres painting is a hippogryph. This mythical animal features in Harry Potter and is a force for good. Not all monsters are therefore evil.
Creative writing:
Working in groups, ask pupils to create cartoon bubbles to dramatize the action in the drawing:
- What is Hercules saying?
- What is each of the seven heads of the Hydra saying?
Or ask pupils to imagine what might be happening outside the drawing and create a story:
- Where are the townspeople?
- What are they saying and doing?
- What happens before Hercules arrives?
- What happens when he has gone, having killed the Hydra:
- Where are the townspeople?
Art project:
Using collage, modelling clay or pen & paper, ask pupils to design a monster for Hercules to vanquish:
- What type of monster is it? Is it a good and helpful monster or a bad one?
Learn with Objects links
Use Learn with Objects Master Collection 13: Hercules and the Hydra and Learn with Objects Master Collection 2: animal studies