Mythos

APPLE BOOKS REVIEW

Vengeful gods, overconfident kings, snake-haired gorgons, sea voyages, heroic quests—it’s all Greek to us. We were happy to follow wherever British comedian, actor, and author Stephen Fry led us in this retelling of classical mythology. His skilled narration—complete with cheeky impersonations, zany contemporary characterizations, and comical commentary—brings excitement to the escapades of the Greek pantheon. Fry’s dry wit is perfect for updating these timeless tales, but what makes his storytelling really crackle is his remarkably deep knowledge of the material. He doesn’t just rewrite these myths to add punch lines. By updating them with modern language, Fry makes it clear how relatable they are and have always been. We loved all the fascinating things we learned in passing, like why a snake wrapped around a stake is a symbol of the medical profession, or that the horrific eternal punishment of King Tantalus gave us the word “tantalizing.” Mythos is a blast from the storied past that helps us better understand our own world—a Herculean task in its own right.