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Clash of the Gods

(Rated TV-PG, Educational, Where to watch: History, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Docudrama sheds light on the Greek gods' gritty origins.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, revenge

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–12

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Sending a positive (or negative) message really isn't the point of this show, but it does present heroic acts in a positive light and shows the result of negative actions like philandering, treachery, and dishonesty.

  • Role models:

    The gods' behavior is complex, and good and evil aren't necessarily black and white. Zeus, for one, vanquishes the ruling Titans and frees his siblings from imprisonment in their father's stomach (yes, stomach -- he had swallowed them). But once he's in power, he swallows one of his own wives and wears disguises to trick women into sleeping with him.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Gods and goddesses wage war against their enemies with spears and bows and enlist the services of otherworldy allies -- including cyclops and the so-called "hundred handers" -- that are pretty scary-looking. Cannibalism is mentioned.

  • Sex:

    It's not a major focus, but depending on the story, things can get a little steamy. Zeus, for example, had an "an uncontrollable sex drive," "an endless string of sexual partners," and "liked the ladies." A lot. (He had upwards of 100 conquests.) Some gods and goddesses also produced children through incestuous relationships, specifically brothers mating with sisters.

  • Language:

    Occasional (and generally academic) use of words like "hell," "damned," and "bitch."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Clash of the Gods

Parents need to know that this educational series offers up fascinating tidbits about the origins of the mythical Greek gods -- a popular subject among many tweens. But along with that information comes stylized depictions of violence and monsters that could scare younger children, as well as matter-of-fact references to sex (including incest between brothers and sisters). When it comes to messages and role modeling, it's a draw: Most of the gods are complex characters who engage in a mix of good and bad behavior, but there are certainly heroes among them.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the relative importance of violence and sex in ancient myths. Does ancient Greece seem inherently more violent or more sexual than our modern culture?
  • How did myths help ancient people explain otherwise unexplainable events like death, destruction, and epidemic illness? What role did religion play in shaping culture and national identity?
Tools and tips that can help

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