The Great God Pan

I watched a video of a roundtable about fairy tales hosted by the well-known fairy tale scholar Jack Zipes that included Donna Jo Napoli and found her quirky and likable so went looking for some of her books. I was hesitant to read this book because there are so many retold myths/fairy tales that fail miserably at *adding* to the original with anything worthwhile, but with my desire to read something of Donna Jo's and my attraction to Pan as a mythological figure, I decided I'd give this book a shot. I am *so* glad I did. This tale of Pan is perfect in my opinion. I think Napoli's character Pan so accurately captures what it is that makes Pan intriguing.. that slightly innocent arrogance that inspired Barrie's eponymous character is show more alive and well in this Pan and it makes him just as endearing. It helps if you have some familiarity with Greek mythology, but the story is well told and important relationships are defined succinctly and thoroughly enough that even someone with no experience with Greek myths will easily understand the characters' position in relation to Pan.

This would be a beautiful love story even without the allusions to Greek gods and nymphs and dryads and all. The writing is just flowery enough to help you see falling dandelion seeds in the air without turning into a work of prose. It's a great romance, an astounding adaptation, and an unexpected rumpus. It embodies the simple wildness of youth, nature, and first loves. Extremely compelling and touching. show less

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 show more 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. show less

This book tries to fill in a gap found in the greek myths regarding Pan and Iphignia. The characters are interesting and well developed. It was a quick read that the Percy Jackson crowd might appreciate, part adventure story part doomed love tale.

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

This book tries to fill in a gap found in the greek myths regarding Pan and Iphignia. The characters are interesting and well developed. It was a quick read that the Percy Jackson crowd might appreciate, part adventure story part doomed love tale.

This book tries to fill in a gap found in the greek myths regarding Pan and Iphignia. The characters are interesting and well developed. It was a quick read that the Percy Jackson crowd might appreciate, part adventure story part doomed love tale.

This book tries to fill in a gap found in the greek myths regarding Pan and Iphignia. The characters are interesting and well developed. It was a quick read that the Percy Jackson crowd might appreciate, part adventure story part doomed love tale.