Clash of the Gods

TV review by Kari Croop, Common Sense Media
Clash of the Gods Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Docudrama sheds light on the Greek gods' gritty origins.

History Educational 2009
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 17+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

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.

Community Reviews

PeterM
PeterM Adult
November 5, 2011
age 13+

Superb Faithful Presentation

The 10 episodes provide faithful re-telling of mostly Greek myths. There are unambiguous references to violence (including cannibalism) and sexual misconduct (including rape and incest), particularly by the gods. Yet there is expert scholarly commentary that explores the cultural context without excusing or justifying the capricious and often wanton behaviour of the gods. Positive character traits of heroes (such as Perseus' devotion to his mother and Odysseus' desire to return home to his wife Penelope) are highlighted while acknowledging the character flaws of both gods and men.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Plague
Plague Adult
December 3, 2009
age 10+

Clash of the Gods

I am a huge fan of this show, as I have a major interest in greek and norse Gods/Religion. I watch this show with my son all time, who also has a great interest as well. My favorite episode so far is the one on Hades.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Employing visually arresting imagery and computer animation, CLASH OF THE GODS explores the roots of Greek mythology, devoting each episode to a different god, goddess, or demi-god. The series rounds up both familiar and unfamiliar tales featuring well-known names from the ancient world -- including Zeus, Hades, and Hercules -- and leans heavily on facts and opinions from academic experts.

Is It Any Good?

For those who know little or nothing about the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece, this series is a great place to start. Thanks to complex characters and weighty themes -- including love, revenge, and murder -- the action clips along at a steady pace and has the feel of a thinking person's soap opera. The producers also take care to make the production look as interesting as the information it presents, and their work pays off with a highly watchable program.

All of that said, the sex references and violence can get a little bit edgy for tweens -- who are often fascinated by stories of the mythical Greek and Roman gods. If you have a tween myth enthusiast in your house, you might want to preview an episode before giving the all clear.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: August 3, 2009
  • Network: History
  • Genre: Educational
  • TV rating: TV-PG
  • Last updated: October 13, 2022

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