Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #1)

Title: Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #1)

Author: Stephen Fry

Published in: 2017

Date read: 13th August 2020

Score: 5/5

Genre: Mythology

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Mythos" by Stephen Fry, published in 2017, is the first in his "Great Mythology" series, offering an engaging and witty retelling of ancient Greek myths. It's a non-fiction work that traces the creation of the Greek universe and the tumultuous lives of the early gods, narrated with Fry's characteristic charm.

The book begins with Chaos, the primordial void, from which emerge primal deities like Gaia (Earth) and Ouranos (Sky). It then details the rise of the fearsome Titans, led by the cunning Kronos. Fry explains Kronos's fear of a prophecy that a child would overthrow him, leading him to swallow his offspring as they were born.

The narrative vividly recounts the Titanomachy, the epic war between the Titans and their children, the Olympians. Zeus, secretly saved by his mother Rhea, grows up to challenge Kronos, forcing him to regurgitate his siblings – Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, and Demeter – who then join him in the battle for supremacy on Mount Olympus.

Once the Olympians establish their rule, Fry delves into the individual stories and often outrageous personalities of the major gods and goddesses:

• Zeus: King of the Gods, known for his power and numerous affairs.
• Hera: His vengeful wife and sister.
• Poseidon: God of the sea.
• Hades: Ruler of the Underworld.
• Athena: Goddess of wisdom and warfare, born from Zeus's head.
• Apollo: God of light, music, and healing.
• Artemis: Goddess of the hunt.
• Aphrodite: Goddess of love and beauty.
• Hephaestus: God of blacksmiths.
• Ares: God of war.
• Hermes: Messenger of the gods.
• Dionysus: God of wine and revelry.

Fry's approach makes these complex myths accessible, using contemporary language, wry humour, and insightful analogies to illuminate the gods' very human flaws, rivalries, passions, and jealousies. He includes humorous footnotes and asides, connecting myths to modern language and culture.

While not shying away from the myths' darker elements (violence, betrayals, and sexual exploits), Fry presents them with a lightness that makes them incredibly entertaining. "Mythos" serves as an excellent entry point for new readers, making it easy to follow the sprawling family tree and interconnected narratives of the Greek pantheon.

The book is a celebration of storytelling, demonstrating how these foundational tales have shaped Western culture, literature, and art for millennia.

Comments:
Wonderful book, classics lessons from my youth brought back to life. Loved all of the links that Stephen added to ensure that we get the more crucial links and it has left me wanting to find out more.

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)