Harmony of the Gods

Harmony of the Gods is an adult animated musical fantasy series set in Ancient Greece, specifically in the majestic realm of Olympus. This unique series combines the timeless allure of classic Greek mythology with the infectious energy of a musical jukebox, featuring original songs spanning various genres and performed by a diverse array of artists.
==Plot==
The series follows the day-to-day lives, struggles, and adventures of the gods and goddesses residing on Mount Olympus. The major gods and many other iconic figures from Greek mythology find themselves entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and divine power. The narrative explores their complex relationships, rivalries, and the consequences of their actions on both the mortal and immortal realms.
=== Music ===
Each episode is punctuated by show-stopping musical numbers that seamlessly blend with the narrative. The original songs cover a spectrum of genres, from epic orchestral arrangements during intense battles to sultry jazz tunes in the halls of love. The series features collaborations with various artists, giving each deity a distinct musical style that reflects their personality and role in the pantheon.
== Cast ==
=== Main ===
* Persephone (voiced by Sara Bareilles) - The goddess of spring and the main character of the series. Unaware of her divine heritage, she discovers her true lineage as the illegitimate daughter of Zeus, a revelation that thrusts her into the intricate politics of Olympus. As the series progresses, Persephone undergoes significant character development, evolving from an innocent and carefree goddess into a powerful figure who must confront the consequences of her parentage.
* Artemis (voiced by Eva Noblezada) - The goddess of the hunt and the wilderness. Artemis serves as a guardian of the wilderness and the creatures that inhabit it. It was Artemis who defended Persephone from her mother Demeter, when she claimed that she wanted to move to Olympus. Artemis seems to care for Persephone a lot, and tries her best to look out for her. While she is the daughter of Zeus, their interactions may involve moments of disagreement, particularly regarding Zeus's actions and decisions that affect the divine family and the mortal world.
=== Supporting ===
* Zeus (voiced by Hugh Jackman) - The King of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus. Zeus was known for his numerous affairs, often resulting in the birth of various demigods and goddesses. His marriage to Hera, the Queen of the gods, was indeed fraught with challenges and marked by infidelity. Zeus's lack of involvement or acknowledgment of Persephone's existence could be attributed to the nature of his many relationships and responsibilities as the ruler of Mount Olympus.
* Hera (voiced by Audra McDonald) - The Queen of Mount Olympus and the goddess of marriage. She is defined by her strong disdain for Zeus, stemming from his constant infidelity and neglect of their marriage. Despite her disdain for her husband, Her shows a compassionate side as a mother with genuine love and care for her own divine children.
* Hades (voiced by Tom Hiddleston) - The god of the Underworld and Zeus' brother. After the overthow of their father Cronus, he drew lots with Zeus and Poseidon for shares of the world. While not inherently evil, Hades' association with the Underworld may cast him in an initially antagonistic light. Over the course of the series, Hades may undergo character development, revealing a more compassionate and multi-faceted side when it comes to his relationship with Persephone.
* Ares (voiced by Jeremy Jordan) - The god of war, as well as the legitimate son of Zeus and Hera. Ares's character could be marked by a struggle for acceptance among the other gods, who may despise him for his association with the destructive nature of war.
* Apollo (voiced by Darren Criss) - The god of music, poetry, and prophecy. Apollo often acts as a supportive and protective brother to Persephone, especially during challenging moments in her journey.
* Demeter (voiced by Idina Menzel) - A powerful goddess presiding over the harvest and the changing seasons. Her close connection to nature and the earth makes her a central figure in the divine pantheon. The series could depict her struggles, both as a mother and as a guardian of the natural world, as she copes with the abduction of Persephone and the impact it has on the cycles of nature.
* Aphrodite (voiced by Kristin Chenoweth) - The goddess of love and beauty, as well as the legitimate son of Zeus and Dione. She is highly sought after and admired, with her beauty influencing the dynamics among the gods. Aphrodite is extremely vain, witty, self-absorbed, cunning, jealous, self-centred but also very passionate and intelligent. 
* Hephaestus (voiced by Ramin Karimloo) - The master blacksmith and craftsman of the gods, as well the husband of Aphrodite. Aphrodite was compelled by Zeus to marry Hephaestus, the god of fire. However, they were an imperfect match, as Aphrodite consequently spent time cheating with Ares.
* Hermes (voiced by Anthony Ramos) - The messenger of the gods, who facilitates communication and conveying important information between the divine and mortal realms.
* Dionysus (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris) - The god of wine and festivities. Dionysus could serve as an antagonist, introducing conflicts related to excess, indulgence, as well the blurred lines between pleasure and chaos. His unpredictable nature might challenge the more structured and orderly gods on Mount Olympus.
* Minthe (voiced by Tatiana Maslany) - A nymph who was once Hades' lover but harbors resentment after their relationship ended. She perceives herself as overlooked and undervalued, leading to bitterness. Minthe's feelings intensify when Hades becomes enamored with Persephone, the new goddess in the Underworld. As an antagonist, Minthe's actions may stem from a desire for validation and revenge.
* Hecate (voiced by Anjelica Huston) - One of Hades' companion and goddess who is associated with magic.
=== Guests ===
* Poseidon (voiced by Brian Stokes Mitchell) - A major god who primary role revolves around his domain as the god of the sea. His relationship with his brother Zeus is strained by rivalry and occasional conflicts, reflecting the complex dynamics among the siblings for power and influence on Mount Olympus.
* Hestia (voiced by Amy Adams) - A gentle and nurturing goddess associated with the hearth. She is known for her kindness, as well as her devotion to maintaining the sacred flame in the gods' dwelling. In the series, she serves as a stabilizing force amidst the conflicts on Mount Olympus. Hestia could play the role of a mediator, attempting to resolve conflicts among the gods and maintain harmony in the divine realm.
* Orpheus (voiced by Eddie Redmayne) - A legendary musician and poet who possesses extraordinary musical abilities. In the series, Orpheus goes on a quest to retrieve his lost love from the Underworld.
* Calliope (voiced by Emma Watson) - One of the Muses, Calliope is the muse of epic poetry and eloquence.
* Perdix (voiced by Tom Holland) - A skilled inventor and craftsman, Perdix may be a mortal character who interacts with the gods and contributes to the series through his inventions and creativity.
* Icarus (voiced by Asa Butterfield) - The famous figure from the myth of Daedalus and Icarus, Icarus could be portrayed as a young and adventurous character with a tragic fate.
* Daphne (voiced by Lily James) - A nymph associated with plants and transformation, Daphne's story involves her transformation into a laurel tree to escape the pursuit of Apollo.
* Bellerophon (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) - A hero known for taming the winged horse Pegasus and defeating the Chimera, Bellerophon could be a guest character embarking on epic quests in the series.
* Tiresias (voiced by Jeremy Irons) - A blind prophet with the ability to see the future, Tiresias could be a recurring character providing insights and prophecies to both gods and mortals.
* Eurydice (voiced by Lea Salonga) - A mortal in the Underworld, with a sense of resilience and longing.
== Locations ==
* Mount Olympus: The highest mountain in Greece, believed to be the dwelling place of the Twelve Olympian gods and goddesses, including Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo, and others.
* Athens: The capital city of Attica and a prominent city-state in ancient Greece. Athens is closely associated with the goddess Athena, who was its patron deity.
* Thebes: A city-state in Boeotia, known for its connections with the legendary stories of Cadmus, Oedipus, and the Seven Against Thebes.
* Sparta: A powerful city-state known for its militaristic society and the legendary prowess of its warriors, the Spartans.
* Troy (Ilium): The city at the center of the Trojan War, as depicted in Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey.
* Crete: The largest Greek island and the birthplace of Zeus. It is also associated with the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, built by Daedalus.
* Delphi: Considered the center of the world in ancient Greek religion, Delphi was the site of the famous Oracle of Delphi, dedicated to Apollo.
* Argos: A city known for its connections to heroes like Perseus and the infamous monster-slayer, Heracles.
* Mycenae: An ancient city associated with the legendary King Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War.
* Underworld (Hades): Though not a specific location on Earth, the Underworld is a crucial realm in Greek mythology ruled by Hades. It includes the domains of the dead, such as the River Styx and the Fields of Asphodel.
* Ogygia: The mythical island where the nymph Calypso lived and detained Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey.
* Naxos: An island associated with the myth of Theseus and Ariadne, where Theseus abandoned Ariadne after defeating the Minotaur.
== Episodes ==
=== Season 1 ===
No.	Title 	Description 	Original release date
1 	"Spring's Awakening" 	As the day unfolds, Persephone hosts a grand celebration on Mount Olympus, inviting all the gods and goddesses to revel in the arrival of spring. The festivities include a magical display of colors, enchanting music, and a lively dance. Zeus, observing from his throne, takes a particular interest in Persephone, setting the stage for future complications.Musical numbers: "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles 	March 1, 2020
2 	"The Encounter" 	Persephone continues her duties on Earth, spreading the wonders of spring. Unbeknownst to her, Zeus notices her every move with an intrigued gaze. Sensing an opportunity for divine drama, he decides to intervene in the affairs of the gods. Meanwhile, in the shadowy realm of the Underworld, Hades, the god of the dead, observes the mortal world through his dark domain. In a twist of fate orchestrated by the divine, Persephone finds herself drawn to the entrance of the Underworld during one of her earthly excursions. As Persephone unknowingly crosses into the realm of Hades, the atmosphere shifts. From his vantage point on Olympus, Zeus witnesses this union and foresees the unfolding drama that may disrupt the delicate balance of the divine order.Musical numbers: "Something" by The Beatles 	March 8, 2020
3 	"Echoes of Pain" 	As Persephone continues to navigate her duties, she becomes haunted memories from her past begin to resurface. The episode takes a dark turn as we delve into Persephone's traumatic experiences in a series of powerful flashbacks, revealing a once-idyllic existence shattered by an abusive relationship with an unnamed deity Struggling to cope with the echoes of pain, Persephone decides to confide in her mother, Demeter.Musical numbers: "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri 	March 15, 2020
4 	"Winter's Embrace" 	In an attempt to shield Persephone from further pain, Demeter unwittingly makes a fateful decision. Consumed by grief and a desire to protect her daughter, she withdraws her divine influence over the mortal world, allowing winter to descend prematurely. The sudden chill blankets the earth, as the mortal realm plunges into a cold and desolate season. Unfortunately, the consequences of Demeter's actions ripple through both the divine and mortal realms. As Persephone tries to mend the strained bonds with her mother, she must also confront the unintended impact of Demeter's grief on the mortal world.Musical numbers: "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel 	March 22, 2020
5 	"Journey to the Underworld"	Haunted by the shadows of her past and driven by a desire for understanding, Persephone makes a bold decision to confront Hades and unveil the secrets hidden within the depths of the Underworld. Upon reaching the entrance to the Underworld, Persephone encounters Cerberus, the three-headed guardian of the underworld. This encounter tests her courage and determination, but with an unexpected display of compassion, Cerberus allows her passage. As Persephone ventures deeper into the Underworld, she begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding Hades and the truths that have remained hidden. Meanwhile, Zeus watches from Mount Olympus, recognizing the potential for both upheaval and revelation.Musical numbers: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears 	March 29, 2020
6 	"The Bargain" 	As they engage in a heated exchange, Persephone demands answers about her past and the nature of their connection. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Persephone proposes a complicated bargain. In exchange for her continued visits to the Underworld, she requests that Hades allows certain souls to temporarily return to the mortal realm, granting them a brief reprieve from the afterlife. The proposition adds layers of complexity to their relationship, creating a delicate balance between duty and desire. Meanwhile, on Mount Olympus, Hera begins to suspect Zeus's growing interest in Persephone. Observing the unfolding drama, she decides to investigate which sets the stage for divine revelations and potential conflicts among the gods.Musical numbers: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler 	April 5, 2020
7 	"Veil of Deceit" 	The divine realm is fraught with tension as Hera uncovers Zeus's increasing interest in Persephone. Fueled by anger and a sense of betrayal, Hera decides to take matters into her own hands. She sets in motion a plan to expose Zeus's involvement with Persephone, intending to bring the truth to light and confront her philandering husband. Simultaneously, Persephone grapples with the consequences of her complicated bargain with Hades. The mortal realm experiences disruptions as the delicate balance of life and death is tested. Persephone faces scrutiny from other gods and goddesses who question the implications of her actions. As Hera's plan unfolds, it sends shockwaves through Mount Olympus. The gods are forced to confront the growing discord among them, as the revelation threatens to disrupt the harmonious order of the divine realm.Musical numbers: "Hurt" by Johnny Cash 	April 12, 2020
8 	"Eternal Reckoning" 	Mount Olympus is thrown into chaos as the truth about Zeus's actions comes to light. Hera's revelation sends shockwaves through the divine realm, prompting a reckoning among the gods and Zeus faces the consequences of his actions. As the gods grapple with the turmoil, Persephone, Hades, and Demeter are drawn into the center of the storm. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and a half-sibling to Persephone, also becomes entangled in the unfolding events. United by a common goal to address the issues of abuse and deception, this eclectic group of deities must confront the darker aspects of divine power.
The episode explores the complexities of familial relationships, alliances, and the moral responsibility of the gods. As the divine pantheon stands on the brink of transformation, each character must reckon with their own role in the unfolding drama.Musical numbers: "Fix You" by Coldplay 	April 19, 2020
9 	"Thunderstruck Resonance" 	Hera's anger reaches its zenith, compelling the gods to confront the consequences of their actions. The divine realm resonates with tension as the pantheon grapples with their responsibilities and the fractures within their relationships. The repercussions of Zeus's actions continue to reverberate, and the gods find themselves at a critical juncture. The episode unfolds with a powerful confrontation between Persephone and the deity who once caused her immense suffering. This pivotal moment challenges not only Persephone's resilience but also the gods' collective commitment to justice and accountability. Amidst the divine turmoil, Persephone encounters her half-siblings, including Artemis, Apollo, Ares and more. Their interactions unveil the complexities of family dynamics, exploring the bonds that tie them together and the conflicts that have arisen due to their divine lineage. Artemis, who was once a companion of Persephone before her abduction to the underworld by Hades, grapples with the changed dynamics between them.Musical numbers: "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele	April 26, 2020
10 	"Harmony Restored" 	As the tumultuous events of the previous episodes reach their climax, the gods are faced with the daunting task of reconciliation. The divine realm, once torn apart by secrets, betrayals, and abuse, now stands on the precipice of transformation. In a gathering on Mount Olympus, the gods confront their own faults and acknowledge the consequences of their actions. Hera's anger begins to subside as the pantheon collectively grapples with the need for change. The healing process is set in motion, with a sense of accountability permeates the air. The episode concludes with a ceremonial moment where the gods, led by Zeus and Hera, declare their commitment to harmony and balance. Persephone's role as the goddess of spring takes on added significance as she becomes a beacon of hope and renewal for the divine realm.Musical numbers: "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor 	May 3, 2020
== Reception ==
"Harmony of the Gods" garnered critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling, captivating musical numbers, and visually stunning animation. Critics praised the series for successfully blending classic Greek mythology with a modern musical twist, creating a fresh and engaging narrative. The exploration of complex characters and the seamless integration of various music genres added depth to the storytelling, making it appealing to a wide audience.
=== Controversy ===
However, "Harmony of the Gods" did not come without controversy. The series delved into dark subject matters inherent in Greek mythology, such as betrayal, violence, and the often morally ambiguous actions of the gods. Some viewers found the mature themes and depictions challenging, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of such content in an animated series.
Controversy also surrounded the portrayal of certain mythological events, as the show took creative liberties to provide a nuanced perspective on characters traditionally considered either purely heroic or villainous. The reimagining of these stories sparked debates among both mythology enthusiasts and more conservative audiences, questioning the boundaries of artistic interpretation and the fidelity to the source material.
Despite the controversies, many argued that "Harmony of the Gods" sparked important conversations about the interpretation of mythology, the fluidity of morality in storytelling, and the artistic freedom to reinterpret classic tales for a contemporary audience.