In a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, Nicole Kidman was left in awe by Stephen Fry‘s brilliance. The chat show, known for its fun and engaging conversations, provided the perfect platform for the two celebrities to discuss Fry’s latest book, “Heroes”, a continuation of his best-selling book on Greek mythology.
Fry shared the inspiration behind his book, stating that his love for Greek myths led him to discuss creation myths and the origins of early Greek gods with a group of friends. The positive response from his friends encouraged him to write the first book, and now “Heroes” delves deeper into the world of Greek mythology, focusing on the human aspect of the stories.
One of the unique aspects of Fry’s writing is his conversational style, which aims to connect the readers to these ancient stories and find relevance in their own lives. He acknowledges that many people view Greek mythology as a purely academic subject, but to the Greeks, it was a fundamental part of their culture and worldview. Fry believes that by recreating the atmosphere of sitting around a fire and listening to stories, he can reignite that primal connection between the myths and modern readers.
During their conversation, the topic of Hestia, the least well-known of the Olympians, came up. Fry expressed his fascination with Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, who symbolizes communal gatherings and storytelling. He lamented the loss of this shared experience in today’s society, where people are more focused on their individual pursuits rather than coming together to share stories.
Aside from Hestia, Fry also mentioned another significant character in his book, Queen Atlanna. He explained that the name “Atlantis” originated from the Titan Atlas, who was tasked with holding up the sky as punishment for his defiance against Zeus. The image of Atlas holding up the sky was depicted in early maps and eventually gave rise to the term “atlas” for a collection of maps. This connection between myth and language showcases the deep impact of Greek mythology on various aspects of our culture.
Throughout the conversation, Nicole Kidman couldn’t help but express her admiration for Stephen Fry‘s intelligence. The audience applauded Fry’s insightful explanations, proving that his knowledge and passion for Greek mythology are deserving of praise.
The Graham Norton Show continues to bring together fascinating guests and create engaging discussions that entertain and educate viewers. With moments like Kidman’s admiration for Fry, the show proves once again why it remains one of the most beloved talk shows on television.
