Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures

The second book of Stephen Fry’s “Ancient” cycle. In it, we’ll follow heroes and their exploits. Jason and Hercules, Perseus and Orpheus, Oedipus and Bellerophon. Riddles, chases, battles, unbelievable puzzles, killings, and rescues. “Heroes” are stories about the astonishing deeds, foolishness, acts of despair, and bravery of which we—mortals—are capable, if matters get truly urgent.

“Heroes” can be considered a continuation of the book “Myth,” where I set down the story of the beginning of everything— the birth of the titans and gods, and the creation of humankind. To understand “Heroes”—and, I hope, to enjoy it—reading “Myth” is not required; however, many references and footnotes will send you back to “Myth,” to the corresponding pages, and to the stories, characters, and mythical events described in the previous book, where you can meet them in all their detail.