MYTH & LEGEND Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth by Natalie Haynes (Picador £20, 304 pp)

In Natalie Haynes’ book, “Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth,” she aims to challenge the negative portrayals of Greek goddesses. Haynes believes that these goddesses have been unfairly dismissed as power-hungry and irrational beings who simply wreak havoc on mortals’ lives. She particularly focuses on Hera, the wife of Zeus, who is often seen as a vicious and vindictive goddess. Haynes argues that there is more to Hera than her acts of revenge and presents her as a sympathetic figure trapped in a toxic marriage.

Throughout the book, Haynes uses modern cultural references to make the goddesses relatable and portrays them as real women with feelings and emotions. She suggests that Hera’s jealousy is justified due to her husband’s constant infidelity and compares Zeus to a controlling and manipulative husband. Haynes also explores the role of Hera in the Trojan War, where she used her sexuality to advance the cause of the Greeks.

Haynes does not shy away from criticizing male gods as well. In the chapter on Demeter, she portrays Hades as a deeply creepy and manipulative figure who kidnaps and assaults Persephone. She praises Demeter’s unwavering determination to find her daughter and emphasizes that she refuses to tolerate the abuse of a powerful man.

While Haynes’ writing can come across as feminist, her main goal is to challenge the traditional narratives surrounding these goddesses. She seeks to rehabilitate their reputations and shed light on their complexities as characters. Haynes also reintroduces forgotten goddesses, such as Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, who was overlooked due to her association with domestic chores.

In her final chapter on the Furies, Haynes offers a fresh perspective on these figures often depicted as raging and tormenting. She argues that the Furies served an important role in maintaining a civilized moral code before formalized legal proceedings existed. Haynes even suggests that a return of the Furies could be beneficial in dealing with current societal issues.

Overall, “Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth” challenges long-held beliefs about Greek goddesses and presents them in a more nuanced light. Haynes’ lively and relatable writing style helps readers engage with these mythological characters on a deeper level.

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