Mythos. The Greek myths retold, Stephen Fry (ISBN 978-1 405 934138, Penguin)

Started reading this book during the summer holidays after a tip from friends. When i was at school classical studies were out of vogue and my knowledge of Greek history and mythology is ‘somewhat poor’. So for me this book was definitely educational. In my (probably distorted) memory books about myths were always written in an archaic language making it difficult for me to enjoy. This book by Stephen Fry doesn’t suffer that problem. On the contrary, Stephen often make comparisons between the myths and our modern world. The myths are retold in modern language and using contemporary concepts and images where appropriate. Fry also brings his own view and thoughts about these stories which forms nice intermezzos now and then. This book tells you the Greek mythological equivalent of the modern day big bang. How did the world come into being, why are there humans, why is there suffering, are there seasons, … . It is the ancient Greek answer to all the questions people have been struggling with for millennia, trying to bring order and meaning to life. The explanations the Greek invented are colourful and never boring. Besides bringing order to the cosmos the stories are full of warnings to readers not to behave foolhardy or impolite. Characters in the myths that behave inhospitable towards visitors and strangers invariably bring doom upon themselves and are severely punished by the Gods. Besides giving me a couple of hours immersed in well told stories this book also taught me who all these people in the heavens are as many moons and constellations are names of characters from Greek mythology. I can only agree with the professional reviewers, this book is a cracking good story, entertaining and edifying and perfect for the 21st century. I enjoyed it very much. It is part of a series of 4, so objective for this year is to still start reading the second volume called Heroes before the end of 2021.