Mythos
2017
- mythology, greek
- mythology, classical
- gods
- goddesses
- legends
- greek mythology
- classical mythology
- mythology
The story
Here are the thrills, grandeur, and unabashed fun of the Greek myths, stylishly retold by Stephen Fry. The legendary writer, actor, and comedian breathes life into ancient tales, from Pandora's box to Prometheus's fire, and transforms the adventures of Zeus and the Olympians into emotionally resonant and deeply funny stories, without losing any of their original wonder. Classical artwork inspired by the myths and learned notes from the author offer rich cultural context.
What it’s like
Warm, conversational and wry, with the voice doing most of the work: a witty narrator who sounds like he is leaning across a table to tell you something outrageous about Zeus. The prose is brisk and sharply comic, full of modern asides and gleeful irreverence, yet it keeps a sincere reverence for the ancient material, so the gods come across as vain, petty and magnificent in equal measure. Classical artwork and the author's learned notes lend the pages a bookish, slightly gilded feel, the kind of handsome volume that rewards dipping in and out. It suits a lazy weekend afternoon, a bedside read in short stints, or a comfort re-read when you want something light but never empty. The register is playful with flashes of genuine feeling, especially around the tragic figures; the stories are self-contained, so the pace stays easy and forgiving. Violence and sexual content are present, as they are in the myths, but handled with a comic shrug rather than dwelling on them, so it feels mild and breezy overall. For readers who love myth, enjoy a sharp, affectionate narrator, and want an accessible entry point into the classics.
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