Mythology Expert Reviews Greek & Roman Mythology in Movies & TV (Part 2) | Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair10 minutes read

Professor Peter Meineck discusses Greek and Roman mythology in various TV shows and movies, highlighting inaccuracies and deviations from traditional myths in popular adaptations. These adaptations range from incorporating historical symbols like the ululation sound to inaccurately depicting chariot warfare in films like "Troy".

Insights

  • The portrayal of Greek and Roman mythology in modern media, as discussed by Professor Peter Meineck, often involves creative adaptations and deviations from traditional myths to suit contemporary storytelling.
  • Various films and TV shows, such as "Aquaman," "Immortals," "Jason and the Argonauts," "Xena Warrior Princess," "Troy," and "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters," draw on different aspects of Greek mythology, incorporating symbols, themes, and characters in ways that reflect evolving cultural interpretations and storytelling techniques.

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Recent questions

  • How does the movie "Aquaman" incorporate Greek mythology?

    By drawing on Plato's dialogues about Atlantis.

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Summary

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Greek and Roman Mythology in Media

  • Professor Peter Meineck, a classics professor at New York University, delves into Greek and Roman mythology in TV and film.
  • The movie "Aquaman" showcases the lost Trident of Atlantis, drawing on Plato's dialogues from 360 BCE about the mythical city.
  • The film "Immortals" portrays Theseus and the Minotaur, deviating from traditional myths by associating Theseus with a bow instead of a sword.
  • "Jason and the Argonauts" movie retells the myth accurately, featuring the Spartoi, a many-headed creature, and the Hydra, symbolizing irrigation.
  • The TV show "Xena Warrior Princess" incorporates the ululation sound, a symbol of female power in Greek antiquity, and the Amazon fighter trope.
  • The movie "Troy" inaccurately depicts chariot warfare, using chariots as transport rather than in battle, deviating from historical accuracy.
  • "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters" adapts Greek mythic material into children's stories, focusing on themes of identity, sacrifice, and rites of passage.
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