Nemean Lion

Monsters of Mythology

by Bernard Evslin

Recounts the myth of the Nemean Lion, created by Gaia for Zeus in order to destroy Heraclea

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy

92 pages, Library Binding

First published July 1, 1990

About the author

Bernard Evslin was an author best known for his adaptations of Greek mythology. With over seventy titles, which include both novel-length retellings and short stories, Evslin is one of the most widely published authors of classical mythology in the world. His best-known work is Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths, which has sold more than ten million copies worldwide and has been translated into ten different languages. An estimated 30 million students have come into contact with Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths due to its repeated use in high school and college classrooms over the years. This bestselling anthology includes such well-known stories as "Theseus and the Minotaur" and "Perseus and Medusa." He also published non-Hellenic titles such as The Green Hero, based on the Irish mythological character Finn McCool. He also was involved in an audio book called: "Children of the Corn." It included "Whistling Boy" a Native American tale; "Pancho's Puppets," a story about a boy in Mexico, and other stories.

Reviews

[Meredith Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bernard Evslin relates a compelling story about a young woman who is pursued by Zeus. i am not entirely sure, but I think Evslin is reworking the myth of Hercules, only the hero is now a heroine. I enjoyed this creative twist, and the imagery and fast-paced plot was fun. I appreciated the coming-of-age story and the discussion of the two ways mortals cry: the selfish way causing us to shrink and the unselfish way, (crying in empathy for others), causing us to grow. My favorite adventures concerned a confrontation with a giant, monstrous bee and a terrifying confrontation with "the BUll-Man, a dangerous killer.

While this book was hard to put down, I had to lower my rating because of characterization. I found the inexplicable transformation of the healer character to be quite startling. I understand the change occurred because of Hades's manipulation, but it was a very abrupt and frustrating plot device. I also found the gods to be horribly cruel and uncaring. I know this is common in Greek mythology, but it seemed so horribly direct in this story. I just felt that the heroine was buffeted to and fro by the capricious gods and had no way to make her own choices. Even when she was defiant, it seemed very haphazard and pointless. Perhaps this is a series beginner as the ending is a bit ambiguous.

As for the final confrontation with the title monster of this book, I did enjoy that climactic scene very much.

The Nemean Lion is a good story, and I will probably read more books by this author in the future.
God bless you all.