Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #2)

Title: Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #2)

Author: Stephen Fry

Published in: 2018

Date read: 5th December 2020

Score: 5/5

Genre: Mythology

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Heroes" by Stephen Fry is the second book in his popular series of retellings of Greek myths, following "Mythos." While "Mythos" focused on the origins of the gods and the cosmos, "Heroes" turns its attention to the legendary mortals and demi-gods who performed incredible feats, overcame monstrous perils, and often suffered tragic fates.

Fry's signature style—witty, conversational, and accessible—brings these ancient stories to life for a modern audience, making the complex genealogies and convoluted plots easy to follow. He doesn't shy away from the darker or more unusual aspects of the myths, presenting them with a blend of humor and genuine respect for their timeless power.

The book is structured as a collection of individual hero narratives, though many characters appear in multiple stories, reflecting the interconnectedness of Greek mythology. Some of the prominent heroes whose tales are retold include:

Perseus: His extraordinary birth, his quest to slay the Gorgon Medusa, and his rescue of Andromeda from a sea monster. Fry details the divine assistance Perseus received from Athena and Hermes.

Heracles (Hercules): The greatest and strongest of the heroes, cursed by Hera from birth. The book covers his infamous Twelve Labours, imposed on him as penance for a terrible act of madness, and his many other exploits and eventual apotheosis.

Bellerophon: His adventures with the winged horse Pegasus, including his slaying of the Chimera, and his eventual downfall due to hubris.

Orpheus: The legendary musician whose enchanting lyre could charm beasts and even the gods of the Underworld. His tragic journey to rescue his beloved Eurydice from the realm of the dead.

Jason: The leader of the Argonauts on their perilous quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece, facing challenges from vengeful kings, harpies, and the scheming Medea.

Atalanta: The formidable huntress, raised by bears, who challenges suitors to a footrace where defeat means death. She's the only prominent female hero featured.

Oedipus: The tragic figure destined to kill his father and marry his mother, his story of solving the riddle of the Sphinx and the devastating revelation of his true parentage.

Theseus: The hero of Athens, known for his many deeds including slaying the Minotaur in the labyrinth of Crete, his escape with Ariadne, and his later adventures and misfortunes.

Throughout these narratives, Fry highlights the recurring themes of Greek mythology: the arbitrary nature of fate, the jealousy and interference of the gods, the complex relationships between mortals and divinities, the definition of true heroism (often involving cunning as much as brute strength), and the profound human flaws of pride, lust, and vengeance. He weaves in etymological insights and modern-day analogies, making the ancient stories resonate with contemporary readers.

"Heroes" is both an entertaining and informative read, serving as an engaging introduction for those new to Greek mythology and a fresh, enjoyable retelling for those already familiar with the tales. It celebrates the enduring power of these stories to explain human nature and the world around us.

Comments:
Even better than Mythos! The characters in this episode are much more exciting, that is the best way of putting it.

Books that we've read by Stephen Fry (4):
Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #1) (2017), Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #2) (2018), Troy (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #3) (2020), Odyssey (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology #4) (2024)