Thomas W. Hodgkinson

The Greek myths are always with us

Richard Buxton demonstrates how Icarus, Hercules and Odysseus, among others, remain firmly rooted in the popular imagination

An exhibition in Moscow in 2014 presents Putin performing equivalents of the 12 Labours of Hercules. [Getty Images] 
issue 19 March 2022

Once upon a time there was a collection of stories that everybody loved. They involved brave heroes such as Perseus and Theseus defeating fearful monsters like Medusa and the Minotaur. Sometimes they used ingenious gadgets to achieve their goals, a bit like James Bond with his exploding pen. Sometimes they were helped by women who took a fancy to them.

GIF Image

Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it

TRY A MONTH FREE
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Try a month of Britain’s best writing, absolutely free.

Comments

Join the debate, free for a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first month free.

Already a subscriber? Log in