Zeus's Family Drama Has Never Been More Entertaining
Review of Stephen Fry's "Mythos" (2017)
Ever wondered what would happen if your witty British uncle decided to retell Greek mythology?
That's essentially what you get with Stephen Fry's Mythos (2017), a delightful romp through the cosmos-creating, titan-fighting, mortal-meddling tales of Greek mythology.
Not Your Dusty Classics Professor's Mythology
Drawing inspiration from Hesiod's Theogony and Ovid's Metamorphoses, Fry breathes fresh life into these ancient sources.
If you're expecting the stern, academic tone of Edith Hamilton's Mythology or Robert Graves's The Greek Myths, you're in for a surprise.
Fry's style is more like having a gin and tonic with Oscar Wilde while he dishes about the gods' latest scandals. When gods behave badly, Fry is there with a raised eyebrow and a clever quip.
His description of Zeus's romantic escapades reads like gossip column fodder:
"Zeus had as much chance of remaining faithful to one lover as a charging bull has of stopping to stroke a kitten."
You'll find yourself chuckling at divine foibles while marvelling at how relatable these immortal beings can be, despite their tendency to transform humans into various flora and fauna when mildly annoyed.
"The gods of Olympus are alive in all of us. They are our mighty dreams, our highest hopes and our deepest dreads."
His approach sits somewhere between Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology and Roberto Calasso's The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony, though with decidedly more British humour.
Fry's genius lies in analogies that make complex genealogies and interweaving narratives accessible without dumbing them down.
"Intercourse of the personal, social, sexual kind with the Gods were as normal to the men and women of the Silver Age as intercourse with machines and AI assistants is to us today. And, I dare say, a great deal more fun."
Word enthusiasts will love Fry's explorations of Greek etymology, cultural context, and the occasional cheeky observation.
For instance, he explains how "panic" comes from the god Pan's habit of terrifying travellers with sudden, mysterious sounds in the wilderness.
These linguistic asides never feel pedantic or annoying, except maybe to purists seeking a more traditional retelling. Instead, they add layers of meaning to already rich tales.
You'll appreciate Fry's ability to make ancient deities feel like characters in a contemporary HBO drama (think Sopranos, Succession and Game of Thrones). Take his descriptions of Prometheus:
"Like many who are clever enough to see what others cannot, he had the habit of pointing it out to them, which rarely endears anyone to anybody."
And later:
"Prometheus hung there, spread-eagled on the rock face like a starfish on the side of an aquarium."
But by focusing primarily on the origins and early myths, Fry leaves out many of the best-known stories. No Odysseus, Perseus, or Theseus here.
Some readers might feel shortchanged, like being served an elaborate appetiser without the main course. Well, they just have to buy the courses separately, as Fry explores them in his sequels: Heroes, Troy, and The Odyssey.
Survival of the Myths in the Silicon Age
The influence of these myths remains staggering. From Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series to countless adaptations in film, literature, and art, Greek mythology continues to captivate new generations.
Fry's version has spawned its own BBC radio adaptation, with his mellifluous voice bringing these stories to life for millions of listeners.
The audiobook, narrated by Fry himself, has also become particularly popular, proving that these tales remain best when told aloud.
Critics have largely embraced Mythos, praising its accessibility and wit.
Some classicists, however, have grumbled about Fry's occasional liberties with the source material. Yet as Fry himself points out, "These stories have survived precisely because they have been retold."
The Final Verdict
If you're a mythology novice, Mythos is your perfect entry point – accessible without being simplistic, entertaining without being frivolous.
At 432 pages, it's a substantial read, but like ambrosia for mortals, it goes down easy.
For veterans of Greek mythology, you'll find fresh perspectives on familiar tales, though you might occasionally roll your eyes at Fry's more indulgent moments.
Either way, you're in for a treat that makes the ancient world feel as gossipy and relevant as today's social media feed.
Read next:
If you're hungry for more mythology after Mythos, pick up Fry's sequels - Heroes, Troy, and The Odyssey.
Or, dive into Madeline Miller's Circe for a feminist perspective on Greek mythology that transforms a minor character into an unforgettable protagonist.
For non-fiction, try Mary Beard's SPQR to understand the civilisation that inherited and transformed these Greek myths into Roman legends.