What do Iron Man and Odysseus have in common? This question lies at the heart of Professor Peter Meineck’s new book, Tony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel: Ancient Heroes in the Modern World. This exciting nonfiction work bridges the gap between modern superheroes and ancient legends, offering a fresh perspective on why these blockbuster stories resonate so deeply with contemporary audiences.

Meineck traces Marvel’s intricate narratives back to their earliest mythological roots. The book argues that the films and comics are more than just entertainment; they are modern myths that blend ancient archetypes with present-day themes. By exploring characters like Tony Stark, who mirrors Hephaestus, the Greek god of technology, and Captain America, who reflects the heroism of Achilles, Meineck demonstrates how these stories embody timeless struggles of sacrifice, redemption, and identity.

Readers will discover compelling parallels throughout the Marvel canon. Meineck investigates connections such as Black Panther to the legend of Hercules, Scarlet Witch to the sorceress Medea, and Thor to the Indo-European sky god Thunor. The book delves into how disabled heroes like Daredevil connect to ancient archetypes and how characters like Spider-Man reflect the classic reluctant hero. It suggests that these narratives have shifted over time to reflect society’s changing values while maintaining their foundational mythic structures.

As the Endowed Chair of Professor of Classics in the Modern World at New York University, Meineck brings unique authority to the subject. Known as a mythology advisor for big Hollywood movies and for his engaging Vanity Fair YouTube videos on ancient history in film, he combines scholarly expertise with lively storytelling. The book is positioned to appeal to Marvel’s massive fanbase as well as the growing audience for mythology popularized by authors like Madeline Miller.

Tony Stark, Odysseus, and the Myths Behind Marvel asks the ultimate question: what do our modern myths say about us? By weaving mythology into its narratives, the book shows how Marvel not only entertains but also educates, reminding readers of the enduring power of stories to shape our understanding of the world. It is a rollicking journey from the legends of old to the pop-culture phenomena of today, inviting readers to explore the hero within themselves.

Books will be available for sale and signing.

“By connecting our modern heroes to the archetypes of ancient myth, Peter Meineck’s marvelous book bestows thrilling contemporary resonance upon those bygone legends.”

 — Christopher Markus, Screenwriter of Avengers: Endgame and more

PETER MEINECK holds the endowed chair of Professor of Classics in the Modern World at New York University. Originally from South London, Meineck trained with the Royal Marines and later discovered the theater, working as a technician, designer, producer, and director, from rooms above pubs to the Royal National Theatre. He founded his own company, Aquila Theatre, to mount bold new stagings of the classics, including a public program that works with veterans and refugees through Greek drama. He holds a PhD in Classics, has published widely on ancient performance, and has been teaching mythology for nearly thirty years.