Tony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel: Ancient Heroes in the Modern World

by Peter Meineck

A fun and entertaining foray into Ancient Greek mythology through the lens of some of Marvel’s most popular characters—including Iron Man, Black Widow, and Wolverine—and an investigation into why classical stories continue to resonate with modern audiences.

Since its inception, Marvel has created—in comics and on the silver screen—a vast, intricate universe brimming with superheroes and superhumans. Yet Marvel exists in a much larger mythological tradition, one that dates back to the Ancient Greeks and their tales of gods and heroes.

Professor of Classics Peter Meineck traces Marvel’s lineage back to its earliest roots at the dawn of human culture. Using Marvel’s most beloved heroes (and antiheroes), such as Spider-Man and Deadpool, Meineck demonstrates how ancient themes continue to appear in our stories today and reintroduces characters like Achilles and Odysseus from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. He shows the connection between Black Panther and the legend of Atlantis and reveals that disabled heroes like Daredevil have existed since the days of Hercules. What do Scarlet Witch and the sorceress Medea have in common? As grieving mothers outcast from society, quite a lot, actually.

Through it all, Meineck explores why these stories endure and remain so relevant today. He examines how the legends have shifted to reflect society’s changing values and warns of the perils of misinterpreting such stories. Most importantly, he asks the million-dollar What do our modern myths say about us?

Tony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel is a rollicking journey from legends of old to the pop-culture stories of today.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

256 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 17, 2026

About the author

Peter Meineck (b. 1967) is Professor of Classics in the Modern World at New York University. He is also the founder and humanities program director of Aquila Theatre and has held appointments at Princeton University and University of South Carolina.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

I absolutely love how this book compares each Marvel character to various Greek gods and heroes. I really think this would be the best way to teach mythology. Not necessarily to Marvel, but find some way to compare it to make those stories stick in the minds of children. The only reason I remember anything is because they were referenced in books, tv show, or movies.

Actually, I was thinking that this would actually make for a great college class. It would be extremely interesting and give parents and guardians another reason to complain about wasting their money.

Definitely would recommend this book.

[Michele Shreve · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I am someone who read A LOT of Greek retelling and a lot of books about Greek mythology and I was intrigued by the idea of comparing the marvel hero’s to those of the Greek time.

You can tell this author is passionate about Greek Mythology. I could sense the excitement in his writing as he compared Hephaestus to Iron Man. And he made a lot of good comparisons and did a good job of explaining different myths and their relevance

Where to me this faltered was it was kind of all over the place and the author sort of relied heavily that they reader had a basic knowledge of Greek and Egyptian mythology. But the way this book appears from the cover it would appeal more towards Marvel fans who might not have that knowledge. Also the author went on a lot of tangents that sort of distracted from the main point of each chapter.

So I did enjoy this book because it was a different take on talking about Greek mythology. I gave it a three because I’m not sure I would recommend it to someone unless I know they liked Greek Mythology or had a good understanding of that world first. This isn’t a book for everyone

This is a book I would love to listen to his series in person with visual aids but as a book this was a little hard to follow

Thank you net galley for an advance review of this book

[Jo Burl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow publishers and the author, Peter Meineck for the Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for a honest review. The following are my own thoughts.

I LOVE Greek mythology. When I was younger, I thought there was one official way a myth was told and any deviations from that was just unacceptable. So, Homer was acceptable, but the Aeneid was messing with what was right. I thought this about fairytales as well. As I aged, I saw how wrong I was. I can now read most versions of myths or fairytales, even modern retellings without gnashing my teeth at the "liberties taken". (Some modern retellings are still not great, but some are!)

Like many people, I enjoyed the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the early days, I just went along for the ride, not liking Tony Stark in the first Ironman movie - then coming to like him a great deal, loving Captain America and Thor, having fun with the Guardians of the Galaxy, loving Wanda, Natasha and Carol Danvers. And despite my love of Greek mythology, I never stopped to see the similarities or the places where the MCU owed to mythology. How is that even possible? I just went along for the ride, with even thinking about it. He goes into way more. Black Panther? Loved it. And what he said? Of COURSE. Again, why didn't I see it?

Peter Meineck's book as made me think I need to go back through the movies and start all over again watching with new eyes. Do I see Medea in Wanda? Is Tony Stark Hephaestus? Of course he is, why didn't I see it? Is Natasha and Amazon? I don't want to spoil this book for anyone, because much of the pleasure is watching the author make an observation and then support it. And it is very fun to read that.
So Heracles? (I just can't say Hercules...) Is he... I can't even type it. And the author didn't go there much, but I had to.

One of the places that I think Mr. Meineck misses the boat is with his understanding of Christianity. Especially his statement that it owes a lot to the Eleusinian mysteries. I know he's got a degree in this and I don't, but I've been a Christian for over 30 years, so have put a lot of time in reading the Bible, theology and listening to experts. He's just wrong on this account. Christianity owes to Judaism. It's very different. Plus, if the Eleusinian mysteries where mysteries, despite the little we know of them, we don't really know enough for him make the statement he does. I think here the difference is greater than apples and oranges.

All in all, this is a very enjoyable read. I wish it was longer. Any one who loves Greek myths and the MCU MUST read this book. And boy do I wish I could take his classes.

I wish he'd now write a book on the DC universe. I grew up on DC and not Marvel, so I'd grab that one pretty fast.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a scholar of the Classics crafts an entertaining look at how mythology, history and psychology can be viewed through lens of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the author deserves a round of applause.

Similar to when an movie audience waits till the very last credits to roll, the reader will want to dive into this book till the very last chapter. First, there's the history that the author shares not just from Ancient Roman Greco times but from cultures beyond Western European eyes. Too often, contributions by Eastern, Asian and African cultures are dismissed and disregarded. Not so in this book, the author painstakingly (in a good way!) introduces the reader to how these cultures influence beloved MCU characters. Secondly, the author pays tribute to the MCU creators who were innovators of their time creating characters with physical disabilities and human frailties. Finally, this book will perhaps prod the fervent MCU to perhaps expand their reading and delve into the Classics (a genre that is often ignored beyond required reading for school).

This ARC was provided by the publisher, William Morrow, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TonyStarkOdysseusandtheMythsBehindMarvel #NetGalley

[Rally · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (great - would recommend to others)

This book of overviewing myths and how they relate to our stories and modern movies today. It also does a great job of breaking down parts of the marvel universe and the use of those greek myths in them keeping it alive today.
The subjects in this book remind me of the powerful author and educator of myth through time, mr. Joseph Campbell. That author also explains how ancient myths are used in modern day film and stories and even religions.

I found the book interesting but there were tiny bits talked about i did not neccesarily agree to be true at times and that is okay.
I have seen the myths show in the marvel movies as well as throughout the arts and other movies. This was an interesting overview and i think those who enjoy marvel as well as those into myths orgins etc....will love this.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was not a great Marvel fan, but he knew his myths. Watching Avengers with his daughters, he realized how these ancient stories have imbued the newer ones and, in this book, he shares all that knowledge. This is so much fun, so informative and entertaining that his classes must be a blast. The writing is vivid and, by translating ancient ideas into modern pop culture, you learn without even realizing it. The author’s enthusiasm is palpable throughout the chapters and shows how much our current culture is influenced by the Greeks and the Romans. He also explores Nordic, Chinese and Hindu myths, as well as other ancient lore, and the Monotheist religions. A fun way to learn history and philosophy.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/William Morrow.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

The idea of comparing Marvel superheroes with ancient myths is a fascinating idea for a book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

As a kid I would spend weeks in the library reading everything I could find on different culture’s mythologies so I feel like this book was made for me (especially with the Marvel tie-in) and I definitely plan on buying a physical copy as a book trophy!