Country
Spain

Tale typology
Local traditions

Age Suitability
5

Tale summary
The story explains where the name of Barcelona came from

Educational potential / Learning Outcomes
Description of the education potential of the tale

Full Plot
One legend says that Hercules once set off on a journey with nine ships, which got separated and only eight of them were initially found. Collectively, they began searching for the ninth one and found it at the bottom of the hill of Montjuïc. The crew fell in love with the area and decided to name the city after barca (boat) and nona (ninth). Hercules is also said to have fallen in love with a beautiful girl called Pyrene. However, they could not stay together for more than several months, as they supposedly had to continue on their journeys. That is where the name ‘Pyrenees’ comes from.

One Lesson Plan
PROCEDURAL INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction Activity: The teacher listens together with the pupils the short story about Barcelona. When the legend is ready, the teacher will ask to the pupils the following questions:
Who set on a journey with nine ships?
What are the two words Hercules named Barcelona? Why he stayed few more months before he continued his journey?
Main Activity: Barcelona time-lapse
Materials: colourful clay (different colours), origami or normal colourful paper, little characters, a big cardboard or a table. The teacher share to the pupils that they will recreate together the moment when Hercules reaches the Spanish shores. The pupils will learn how to create little boats from origami paper and from clay will create the Pyrenees mountains, the waves and the green fields. Each one of the pupils will receive a A6 drawing paper of Hercules that they are going to draw and afterwards cut the white part. They will stick Hercules figure on the boats or in the clay.
Prepare for the children in a time framework other symbols of Barcelona such as Sagrada Familia and other statues, representatives buildings and put them on the map based on the time they were built. Before sticking them into clay, you can ask the pupils if they recognize the buildings and who they think where the artists behind these masterpieces. Also tackle in which way the collection of symbols expresses the Spanish spirit and vibe.