We see many different trends arise across entertainment as the years go by. As a general trend in Hollywood cinema, it’s all about remakes, reboots, and other such creatively devoid pursuits. Amidst all of this, film fans are getting very excited for a movie that’s not even finished production yet.
That film is The Odyssey, helmed by Christopher Nolan as a cinematic adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Not only can the movie buffs of Staffordshire get a glimpse into the action with another recent film and other ever-popular entertainment options, but they can even venture to a particularly scenic site to take in some Greek myth.
Fuelling the Greek Myth Fascination
Greek myths have long captured the imagination of people centuries after they were originally penned, with Homer’s two epics considered to be among the most important historical texts in the world. In fact, they were so potent that the Romans essentially borrowed and renamed the Greek pantheon to fit suit their means.
More recently, the popularity of the Thames & Hudson-published The Greek and Roman Myths book in 2010 has led to a hit series of seven books. In more digital and less educationally driven corners of entertainment, Greek mythology remains the biggest draw, with this corner being that of online slots.
Slot spinners can’t get enough of Greek gods. Just looking at the selection of themes across the slots at the Megaways casino, you can see that Poseidon has become a hot favourite. The god of the sea is there with Poseidon Ancient Fortunes Megaways and the WowPot! jackpot version.
Of course, this selection of slots has also been shaped by previous mythic trends, too. That’s why the Norse-inspired Gods of Asgard Megaways and Revenge of Loki Megaways remain among the hit games. This followed a TV trend of Norse popularity spurred on by the likes of The Last Kingdom and Vikings.
Now, it’s Greece’s turn again. Google Trends data shows several peaks of interest in The Odyssey movie as a topic in the UK since April, but interest shot up in early July. This is when filming came to Scotland. The behind-the-scenes piece from The Herald article gained a lot of traction, as did the Star Spotting in Moray piece later on. This has also inspired more to see the movie The Return with Ralph Fiennes, which passed by many in 2024.
Delve into Greek Myths in Staffordshire
One of the most famous Greek myths is that of Perseus and Medusa. Before Hercules, he was considered to be among the greatest Greek heroes and the most skilled slayer of monsters. Medusa was one of his greatest challenges. The Gorgon had snakes for hair and turned those who looked upon her to stone.
He was blessed with tools by Hermes and Athena, with the former giving Perseus his winged sandals, harpe sword, and helm of darkness that would turn him invisible. Athena gave him the ultimate foil to Medusa: her polished shield to enable him to see her reflection without looking directly at her, and a sack to put the head in.
This slice of Greek mythology can be seen in all its glory in Trentham Gardens. Here stands the original copy of Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus and Medusa statue, originally cast in 1553. A Grade II listed building by Historic England, the bronze cast statue shows Perseus’ triumph over the Gorgon, holding her head aloft.
If you want to delve into this slice of Greek mythology in Staffordshire, you can find the statue at Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8JG.
