The Mythos Youth Council has released game prompts for the Mythos Challenge to create a digital story, game, or app about world traditions. Building on the theme of “Gods and Heroes,” the prompts are age appropriate for 3rd to 12th grades.

We are delighted to share the prompts and support youth made code and games. If you have any questions, please contact us. We’ll share your comments with the youth counsel.

Mythos Challenge Game Prompts

Developed by the Mythos Youth Council

Prompts help us brainstorm ideas. Choose 1 that interests you the most. Then, brainstorm ideas or research myths to help develop your game. Find online resources for research and inspiration at the Portland Art Museum Mythos Challenge website!

Web Weaving a Tapestry

What connects our mythologies across time? What figures keep reappearing in different places, times, and contexts? What hidden discoveries can your game help uncover and reveal?

Beyond the Myths

What stories are left out of the legends of Gods and Heroes? Are any of the less popular gods or heroes overlooked? How would you tell their tale?

Both, And, Neither

What happens when we mix up the genders and sexes of our gods and heroes? How would the story change if the woman were men and vice versa? What if our gods and heroes didn’t have a gender at all?

Faster Than Light

What story of mythology can lead to a better future? How does that story need to be retold or played?

Science Fantasy

What would happen if our mythologies were science fiction? What strange new worlds would we discover?

Building Blocks

How can old stories inspire new ones? What would you create? What new gods and heroes emerge?

Location Location Location

How much would a story change if it took place somewhere else? What languages and cultures would your gods and heroes be a part of? How could this affect the style of the game?

Brought Down to Size

What would happen if the gods or heroes lost their powers? How would they get them back? Would they even need them?

Role Switch

What if villains became heroes? How would our stories of heroes change?

Simple Pick

What is your favorite mythological story? How would it work as a game?

Point of view

How different would a story be if it followed a different character? Would it be fun to play as them instead?

Collision Vision

What would happen if mythological stories collided? What could you do with the combinations?

A Tail to Tell

What if all the characters were animals? What kinds would they be? What would they do?

Game Night

What would happen if gods, heroes, and maybe even villains, all got together to play a game? What would they play?

Introduce Yourself

How would you fit into a myth? What would you choose to do differently?