These stories are retold on TV and movies today; which do you like? dislike?

V. L. Locey: I`ll admit that I am a huge fan of the Percy Jackson novels. Not only because it deals with my favorite gods and goddesses, but because Mr. Riordan has made Ares, Poseidon, Zeus, Athena, and all the rest cool again! He made mythology fun for kids. And those kids who fall in love with the legends, as I did as a child, will grow up and spread that love to others.

There are a slew of movies out, some good and some not so good. I enjoyed both Percy Jackson films although many didn`t. I also really liked the remake of Clash of the Titans, although for me, Harry Hamlin will always be Perseus on the silver screen. Again, the way Ares is cast in some of these films makes me twitch, but, at least he was getting some face time. I try not to be a nitpicker when the films deviate from the books or the classic legends. Sometimes it`s not easy, but if a movie can spark an interest in the Greek gods for someone, then all is good.

Cathy: Mostly I agree with you that anything that introduces these stories is great. Except right now we have this TV show Atlantis about Jason. I mean really? Slipped in from another dimension? Conflating Theseus and Pythagoras and who knows what else? I think this version is going to confuse everybody. And that Hercules is an insult to the hero, in my opinion.

I loved the Hercules TV show a few years ago, and Xena at the same time gave some exposure for the Amazons that was way overdue.

I too like what Rick Riordan did with the Percy Jackson story, and what he is doing in Egypt now. The idea that the gods and goddesses did not die is cool. The movies did the centaur Cheiron, a favorite character of mine, much better than the Hercules series. Kids really have gotten excited about the Greek pantheon thanks to him. I love listening to how many of the stories they’ve picked up.

If you`re interested in reading more about the Greek gods, check out our books:

Love of the HunterBy V. L. Locey

Of Gods & Goats  By V. L. Locey

Of Heroes & Hay Bales   By V. L. Locey

Moon of the Goddess  By Cathy Hird