The Great God Pan

by Donna Jo Napoli

Pan, both goat and god, is a curious being who roams nature searching, wondering, and frolicking with maenads and satyrs. He plays melodies on his reed flute, wooing animals to listen. He is a creature of mystery and delight. One day in his travels, Pan meets Iphigenia, a human raised as the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. Pan is captivated by the young princess. Set against a landscape of myth and legend, Napoli’s latest tale is a love story wrought with sincere emotion and all that is great about the Gods.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fairy Tales

150 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 13, 2003

About the author

Donna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and YA fiction. She loves to garden and bake bread, and even dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist.

At various times her house and yard have been filled with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits. For thirteen years she had a cat named Taxi, and liked to go outside and call, "Taxi!" to make the neighbors wonder. But dear dear Taxi died in 2009.

She has five children, seven grandchildren, and currently lives outside Philadelphia. She received her BA in mathematics in 1970 and her Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures in 1973, both from Harvard University, then did a postdoctoral year in Linguistics at MIT. She has since taught linguistics at Smith College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and Swarthmore College. It was at UM that she earned tenure (in 1981) and became a full professor (in 1984). She has held visiting positions at the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Geneva (Switzerland), Capital Normal University of Beijing (China), the University of Newcastle (UK), the University of Venice at Ca' Foscari (Italy), and the Siena School for the Liberal Arts (Italy) as well as lectured at the University of Sydney (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and held a fellowship at Trinity College Dublin. In the area of linguistics she has authored, coauthored, edited, or coedited 17 books, ranging from theoretical linguistics to practical matters in language structure and use, including matters of interest to d/Deaf people. She has held grants and fellowships from numerous sources, including the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Mellon Foundation, the Sloan Foundation.

Reviews

[MightySSStrawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected this to be just another tale of the Greek pantheon and nothing that would leave any lasting impact on me. It turned out to be a beautiful tale of learning what love really is.

I very much enjoyed the lovely descriptions of nature and especially Pan's inner struggle about who he is to others and to himself. The story dove emotionally deep despite being only 146 pages long. Yes. Even amidst lascivious pantheons, a god or two is capable of true love.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little trip through Greek Mythology with furry little Pan as the hero of the story.
Simply brain candy and although I enjoyed this book, I would not recommend it for children ...
waaay too much ... ummmm ... romping with the maenads. ;)

[Ethan Spring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I've been looking for in a novel. I hold great affection toward The Chronicles Of Narnia, and after reading them many times I've been yearning for a book that could make me feel the way C.S. Lewis does. This book gave me all the joy Narnia did and more; with gorgeous imagery and delicious wording this Author created a masterpiece. To be honest, I didn't know much about Pan before reading the Percy Jackson series, but when I saw the name on a little green book in my school library I didn't hesitate to check it out. The author's word choice creates a delightful atmosphere that makes you want to live in the woods and play with the maenads (even more than before). Overall, the story is fantastic and very interesting if you're into greek mythology.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book because of my recent obsession with Donna Jo Napoli’s other works. I assumed this would be my absolute favorite because it’s her take on the Greek myths of Pan and Iphigenia. However, for the first time reading Napoli’s books, I felt the brevity of it to be detrimental to the overall narrative. There was never enough of anything. Every scene, every characterization, every nod to the mythical history—it just needed more! I easily could have read another 100 pages of this and think the story certainly could have used it. I still enjoy Napoli’s writing style though.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, short look at Greek myth and how Napoli chose to fill a couple of the gaps found in them. I liked that the gods tell each other stories and that Pan didn't know it all already, which was a good way to introduce the stories to the reader. It's a sweet and sad tale of the fates of Pan and Iphigenia and the start of the Trojan War, and at just the perfect length for an afternoon read.

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think greek myths work very well when written in first person. If the story was told in third person it would be much better. I don't really want to get inside the head of any greek characters. The story was short but longer than it needed to be. However, the character Pan was fun and the way the story was told was unique.

[Blonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rescued this book from our library for a dime. This book is for young adults, but I enjoyed it very much and read it in one sitting. My knowledge of mythology is lacking, and this book helped fill some gaps.

[Anne Kalgesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story heavily based in Greek Mythology, so I loved it immediately. The world is very fleshed out and Pan is a fallible and relatable character. I love how his narrative matures over the course of the book and how intense it is at points. The ending is bittersweet but well-earned.

[Madeliene Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second Napoli book I read way back in middle school, this one inspired me to learn more Greek mythology, and she explores more than the traditional set of gods we all typically imagine.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good and quick story.

[Greed Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story holds a big place in my library and heart one day I hope I can read this to a child of my own and show them what love means

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, poetically written. Not recommended for the suggested age group 10+. I would say young adult to college level is more appropriate for this book.

[Be Storie · Rating 4 out of 5]

noooooo pan :(((

[Claire Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
It was slightly weird and not long enough for my taste

[Kailen J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in class. Safe to say it was really awkward to read aloud in class

[Ryon King · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great god pan is read more like a short story than a novel. It is very easy reading and i imagine would be a great way to wean kids onto classical Greek mythology and legend. The story follows Pan, son of Helios (god of the sun), and goat/god hybrid he lives out his days running through the forest of the Mediterranean playing with goats and other animals, shying away from humans, getting teased by sexy nymphs that want only to ridicule, and visiting assorted gods as he makes his way through the countryside. He has virtually no contact with humans because they are scared of him; however he is loved by all the gods. Deep down though he feels that he is different from the others. He can turn neither full god or full goat and as such after many mistreatments begins to feel that he belongs nowhere. That the gods that he had enjoyed the company of saw him only as a pet. So he goes into exile having only occasional meetings with Iphigenia the only human girl to ever receive him as an equal and gods that truly loved him. Until he accepts himself and thanks eternaly the human that saw throught his outer appearence and recognized the person he was. It is an inspiring little tale of self identification and love for anyone to enjoy on some level.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna Jo Napoli's The Great God Pan is the tale of young half Olympian god, half goat Pan. Pan is greatly adored by all creatures and gods of Olympus, but he is forever burdened by a curse put on him by the goddess of love, Aphrodite to be unloveable after his father Hermes forced her into bed with him. Pan is disturbed by this as well as his inability to be either completely god or completely goat throughout the book causing him to be caught in between two different worlds never knowing where he truly belong. Although not a work of literary genius, The Great God Pan is a good read for anyone looking for a short, yet entertaining book with a solid plot line, easy to understand language, interesting story, and strong emotion. The strong emotion is especially apparent when Pan falls in love with Iphigenia, daughter of King Agememmnon and Queen Clydemnystra. The cartoon-like picture on the cover of the book and first few pages led me to think it had the potential to be somewhat boring and uneventful, but after just a few more pages I realized that would not be the case. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recomment it to almost anyone.

[Angela Kidd Shinozaki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book would be fun--a lighthearted romp--for spring. The main problem is that it doesn't get going until chapter 10 The Prophecy on page 88, and it's only 150 pages. So I would suggest skimming the first sections. The only important part is the scene where he meets Iphigenia-- his love interest. I think what the author is trying to do is set up the character of Pan that we know and love. The one that likes to frolic with maidens in nature, which is fine, but it goes on for too many pages without a clear plot. The other issue is that there are a lot of digressions about the other gods and the myths and stories surrounding them, which don't really relate to the story. They're unnecessary and slow the reading down tremendously.
But what makes this read ultimately satisfying is the change we see take place in Pan. He becomes much more dynamic and relatable by the end of the book. I dare say we come to care for him--worrying about his fate--and even admire him. The ending will stay with you for a long time.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a tear-jerker, a bit of an Olympian love story, both of which should be obvious to anyone who already knows the related myths or the Greeks' penchant for classical tragedy. Napoli weaves a number of interrelated mythic stories into the tapestry, and in the process creates quite a plausible fill for two of the gaps in the ending of the central narrative of Pan and Iphigenia. It should serve as quite a good introduction to Greek mythology for school-age children who are just beginning to get a handle on this aspect of the roots of Western civilization and literature. The narrative form makes it much easier to digest than Edith Hamilton or Thomas Bulfinch, or any of the dry variety of what might be described as "mythological short stories" that so appeals to more adult academics.

[Althea Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can get very particular about my favorite gods, so if you're going to do one on Pan, Dionysus (or Loki), I'm gonna be exacting, sorry.

It's also an odd choice of title: in the afterword, Napoli explains that her choice of title is based on a line from Plutarch's 'Moralia,' but she cannot be unaware that there is already a very famous story by Arthur Machen with the same title.

Anyway, I've read several of Napoli's mythology and folklore-inspired books, and generally like them, but this is not the best I've read. It's not bad, but it doesn't really capture the wildness, ecstasy and divinity of Pan. Admittedly, the fact that the book is marketed at teen readers may put a bit of a crimp in things, but I felt that still, it could have been done better. It does a good job of working various aspects of the mythology into a story; but Napoli's Pan, as a character, is a little bit immature, pathetic and annoying.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Greek mythology and when I found out that one of my required authors for class had written one, AND it was young adult fiction, I just HAD to read it. I was pleasantly surprised with this one too. It gives the story of the gap in Pan's myth. He's the only god to have "died" and Napoli wanted to know why, so she wrote the story herself. It's very "Greek" in the sense that you have to understand it is written as a Greek myth and not as a normal novel. If you have read other Greek myths though, it will be easy for you to understand.

I think this book is a great way to get young adults interested in Greek mythology. It's a quick read, and its not too wordy, or full of too much history, which oftentimes bores young adults if they attempt to read something along the lines of Homer's Odyssey.

Drugs: None
Sex: maybe there is, but its very well hidden if there is.
Alcohol: some wine, I mean his uncle is the GOD of wine...
Language: None
Violence: some death

[Tori]

2004- I've read some of the author's other retellings and was a bit disappointed with this one. We meet Pan, the half goat/half god who basically flits around the woods with other mythical creatures all day. It isn't until he meets Iphigenia and falls in love with her that his life really seems to have a purpose. People with any background in Greek mythology know that Pan had a curse placed on him upon birth that he will never be loved in return. His quest to find Iphigenia again then seems a bit fruitless to the reader, but what we don't realize is that he may be able to save her from her father's mission to sacrifice her. This book needed more detail. I felt it was lacking in some other areas as well, as the plot meandered quite a bit. I did like how the author included a family tree at the beginning so we understood how everyone was related however.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is listed as a JFic. I thought personally, that based on the context it should be a YA.

The story concerns Pan, the half goat, half God son of Hermes who falls for a young Greek Princess.
Pan realizes as the story unfolds that lust doesn't equal love, that even his favorite Gods and prophets don't always tell the truth or even know the meaning of love, and ultimately, that love is the greatest sacrifice.

The book is a relatively quick read. This might be one for those readers who wish to read more FICTION about Greek/Roman mythology.
Warning: Napoli doesn't shy away from the facts/lustful habits of the Gods in this book. This is partially why this book would be better suited for middle school grades: conversations and situations involving sex, sensuality, flirting, drinking and debauchery ABOUND, but with a Demi-God like Pan, you can't be too surprised.

[S. Policar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book while looking for some new pictures to post of my beloved satyr god. It wasn't a purchase I regret.

The story is absolutely beautiful even if there are minor contradictions to the actual mythology. It tells the story of Pan's love for Iphigenia.

Told through Pan's eyes, the reader is shown how many of the most notable events in the Great God's life came to happen, which will give lovers and followers of our carefree god, a new look at him and a much deeper understanding about who he is.

The story nearly broke my heart, but it is a story I will read over and over again.

I would recommend this book to any lover of Mythology, any follower of Pan, and any lover of true love.

I give this book 5 of 5 pentacles

[Athena Macmillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the library completely by accident and without too much thought popped it in my bag not expecting very much from an author I had never even heard about before.

I was very pleasantly surprised by a quirky and lyrical representation of one of my favorite 'gods' of the Greek Pantheon. All at once touching and whimsical, this book takes us into the mind of character who is often portrayed as an irrepressible party animal to show how love changed the trickster into someone who would give up everything for another's happiness.

From youthful fun and ignorance through to melancholy and steadfastness, we see the transformation of a character in very few pages as the magical story unfolds.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hotter than the Song of Solomon! Wow, the gods sure did get around. This is a beautiful book from cover to ending -- very romantic, and if you're not careful you might just learn something. This is slated as Y/A lit. Not sure my 10-year-old is ready for it, nor would he be interested in a romance between Pan and Iphegenia. It's more of a chick book (in a good way), and for a bit older -- I'd guess jr. high or older, depending on the person. Great summer read for me, though!

[Melana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Great God Pan is a tame greek myth -- though seemingly a contradiction of terms -- written for the tween set. still, i enjoyed the quick read, as i had never much known of pan before opening the book, neither had i ever read a greek myth written in the first person. much fun.

[Kai C · Rating 5 out of 5]

when i read this story I never knew too much of the god Pan. I only knew of his job and nothing else. This book was a heartbreaking story of a god who is not man nor beast. It was moving and had a wonderful vibe when reading it. It was a very short read but still enjoyable. It was had all the parts that would make a short story great and hoping it were longer. Good book a surpise only if you do not know the story of Pan.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a good Napoli retelling of a classic story. This is no different if occasionally a bit quick: Napoli attempts to explain the myth of Pan but glosses over some of the more interesting relationships between the gods. However, Pan comes across lively and charming and his awkward positioning between worlds and realms and categories is fun to relate to.

[Sarah]

A retelling of the Greek myths about Pan, both goat and god, whose reed flute frolicking leads him to a meeting with Iphigenia, a human raised as the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra.