Trying to recapture the glory of Game of Thrones has been no easy task, but little did fans know its spiritual successor was an anime series on Netflix. Premiering in 2020, Blood of Zeus is a no-holds-barred epic, stemming from the stories of Greek mythology. Just as bloody and dramatic as George R.R. Martin’s stories, Blood of Zeus takes liberties with the myths that people knew to create a captivating series.
The series follows a young demigod named Heron (Derek Phillips), who was not a figure in Greek mythology, but in the show is the titular son of Zeus (Jason O’Mara). After a scourge of demons attacks his village, Heron learns he is not a bastard as he once thought, but someone destined for greatness. Blood of Zeus only lasted for three seasons, but the time was enough to tell a fully realized story. While overlooked, the series was critically acclaimed, and comparisons to Game of Thrones were not unfounded. The epic lore of the series is original as well as high-stakes. Though it is based on myths that everyone thinks they know, Blood of Zeus is inventive enough to make it interesting and just like one Game of Thrones legend, Heron was also fated to take up the sword.
Jon Snow and Heron Were Not So Different
The key to any great historical epic is a central hero ready to take up arms. In the case of fantastical shows, these heroes tend to be the underdogs, which makes their destined fate that much more impressive. Game of Thrones put Jon Snow (Kit Harington) through the crucible as he went from the status of a bastard to the Commander of the Night’s Watch. Even after his death, Jon was elevated further when it turned out that he was of noble stock.
Heron’s character progression mirrors Jon’s as he also believed he came from humble beginnings. Raised as a commoner in a village with his mother, he learns later that he is born for a higher purpose. Both were destined to save the world from unspeakable terrors, though it is safe to say that one series was more successful than the other. Unlike Game of Thrones, which remains one of the most divisive finales in history, Blood of Zeus delivers on the promises it made from the beginning. That and its impressive animation make the series worth watching. Fans can catch all three seasons airing on Netflix.
