Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventuresby Stephen Fry
Published by Michael Joseph
Non-fiction, mythology
There are Heroes - and then there are Greek Heroes.
Few mere mortals have ever embarked on such bold and heart-stirring adventures, overcome myriad monstrous perils, or outwitted scheming vengeful gods, quite as stylishly and triumphantly as Greek heroes.
In this companion to his bestselling Mythos, Stephen Fry brilliantly retells these dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales. Join Jason abroad the Argo as he quests for the Golden Fleece. See Atalanta - who was raised by bears - outrun any man before being tricked with golden apples. Witness wily Oedipus solve the riddle of the Sphinx and discover how Bellerophon captures the winged horse Pegasus to help him slay the monster Chimera.
Filled with white-knuckle chases and battles, impossible puzzles and riddles, acts of base cowardice and real bravery, not to mention murders and selfless sacrifices, Heroes is the story of what we mortals are truly capable of - at our worst and our very best.
Stephen Fry is truly talented, and perfect person to retell the great Greek myths and legends. Heroes is as stunning as Mythos was, and I loved it. It's brilliant, funny and insightful. Fry certainly has done extensive research and he offers some detail for alternative versions for certain myths and tells why he chose to go with the version presented in the book.
Only time I was bit bored was during Jason's voyage to retrieve the Golden Fleece, but it wasn't necessarily the book's fault; I just don't find that particular legend very interesting. Everything else was fascinating, I especially enjoyed Fry's take on to Heracles and Theseus.
I recommend Heroes wholeheartedly; alongside of Mythos, it is one of the best retells of the Greek myths and legends.
5 of 5 stars
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