Rating: 4/5
I thought this factual yet funny retelling of Ancient Greek mythology very well-written and engaging. Fry has researched deeply many legends that I previously didn’t know existed, while setting them out in a witty and original way.
One of my two favourite myths went as follows. At the wedding of Hera and Zeus, the latter god created a challenge that whoever could concoct the most unique and delicious dish for his celebration could ask any favour of him. Many hundreds of mythical creatures of all different types, be they mortal or immortal, anthropomorphic or absurdly unusual in looks, participated in the competition. Nearer the end of the feast, a bee named Melissa served her contribution to the challenge: a tiny vial of honey, her own creation. Zeus and Hera were so delighted that they quite forgot to test the remaining creatures’ dishes and awarded Melissa first prize on the spot.
Melissa the bee buzzed forward to accept her reward: that she could ask any favour of Zeus himself. The timid little thing actually goes on for quite a while about the tedious and time-consuming method by which she must make her honey, complaining that she can only carry tiny bits of nectar at a time, and concluding that other animals come to raid her nest and that she has no weapon with which to ward them off. Zeus is so offended by this speech that, outraged, he initially declares that Melissa’s wish—some kind of weapon—shall not be granted.
”
I think you’ll find that I proclaimed…’ growled the god with an icy self-restraint that was far more terrifying than any outburst of temper, ‘…that the winner could ask any favour. I made no promise that such a request would be granted.’”
Zeus later gives in, though, and grants Melissa’s wish, though he twists it and contorts it as the deities are renowned for doing. He gives the bee her famous sting with the ominous claim that it will bring death unto
her and
her kind whenever the bee family might chance to use it.
It’s pretty awe-inspiring and faintly amusing that the Ancient Greeks concocted so many tales to explain every last thing, all of which are contained within Stephen Fry’s
Mythos. I highly recommend this funny, insightful guide to Greek mythology.