Mythology Remix: Greek Epics with a Desi Twist

We’re so used to movies being adaptations of books—but Clash of the Titans is a rare exception. In this case, the movie came first, and the book followed.

I first came across Clash of the Titans as a comic-style classic when my son was in 5th grade. It was part of his reading collection, and around the same time, I also read The Ramayan in an illustrated classic format. Looking back, those two were probably my earliest experiences of reading epics, and they left a deep impact.

The original Clash of the Titans film released in the 1980s. I watched it only after reading the comic—but I hardly remember much of the movie now. So, when our KK group decided to dive into Greek literature, the first title that came to my mind was Clash of the Titans. Interestingly, the book by Alan Dean Foster was actually released after the movie, based on its screenplay.

Clash of the Titans

By Alan Dean Foster (based on the 1981 film screenplay)

This novel is a thrilling fusion of Greek mythology and fantasy, bringing to life a world governed by gods, fate, and fearsome creatures. The story follows Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, on his heroic quest to rescue Princess Andromeda. Along the way, he encounters iconic mythical figures—the Kraken, Medusa, Pegasus—and faces the wrath and whims of Mount Olympus.

Foster’s writing is quick-paced and accessible, making it a great choice for fans of mythological adventures. While the book closely follows the movie’s storyline, it adds valuable depth through inner monologues and background insights, especially around Perseus and the divine drama between the gods.

That said, I found the number of characters and their interwoven stories a bit overwhelming. So many gods and complex relationships—it was hard to keep track! But one thing became crystal clear: Zeus is at the center of it all. Most Greek tragedies seem to stem from his love affairs and Hera’s resulting curses. That led me to pick up The Lovers of Zeus next—an equally engaging and whimsical read.

What struck me most was how similar Greek mythology feels to our own Puran Kathas. The gods’ personalities, their moods, their mischief—it all felt very familiar. There’s even a kind of trinity in Greek mythology, much like our Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Athena reminds me of Durga, Aphrodite feels akin to Rati, and Zeus—well, he comes across very much like Indra, especially considering the story of Ahilya in our texts.

There’s something about these ancient tales that pulls you in. Despite their fantastical nature, they reflect so much of human nature, culture, and timeless drama. I could write pages on these parallels, but to put it simply—Greek mythology is endlessly entertaining. It's like a fairy tale for grown-ups: rich in imagination, full of spectacle, and totally paisa vasool—both for the book and for the time spent reading it.