This article contains discussions of rape and transphobia.
Spoilers for Netflix’s Kaos are ahead!
As a mythology geek since childhood, I couldnt agree more.
Custom Image by Dani Kessel Odom
Additionally,Covell fixed one of the most disturbing Greek myths Ive ever read: Caeneuss origin story.
In the myths, Caeneus was assigned female at birth and raised as a girl.
He was considered especially beautiful, gaining the attention of men but rebuffing their advances.
Kaos is a dark comedy series starring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus. Zeus is enjoying being the King of the Gods, until he starts to self-destruct after thinking a wrinkle on his forhead is a sign of an ancient prophecy. His situation becomes even worse when Prometheus develops a plan to take Zeus down once and for all.
When Poseidon saw Caeneus, he became enamored with the young persons appearance.
So, Poseidon raped him.
First off, a victim is not responsible for getting raped, no matter what they look like.
Secondly, in mythology, Poseidon was greedy, selfish, violent, and lustful.
Thirdly, the gods frequently abused their power through rape.
Combining these factors,I would argue that he saw Caeneus as an unattainable prize that he wanted.
Essentially, Caeneus became transgender due to rape and then was killed by his transphobic tormentors.
Poseidon granted the wish, changing his sex and giving him impenetrable skin as well.
They tried to kill him and failed because of his impenetrable skin.
As such, they buried him alive under the weight of many trees.
Essentially, Caeneus became transgender due to rape and then was killed by his transphobic tormentors.
As a trans person, I would have been distraught ifKaosfaithfully adapted this myth.
Even just reading the myths and retellings makes me upset.
Luckily,Kaosmodernized the myth of Caeneus, giving him a new origin story that reflects present ideals.
He stayed with the Amazons until he had no choice but to leave at 15.
Kaos is a dark comedy series starring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus. Zeus is enjoying being the King of the Gods, until he starts to self-destruct after thinking a wrinkle on his forhead is a sign of an ancient prophecy. His situation becomes even worse when Prometheus develops a plan to take Zeus down once and for all.
Covell wrote the conversation between Caeneus and his mom beautifully.
His mother knew he didnt identify as a girl from a young age and feared for his safety.
This is how he got to the Underworld, where he remains throughoutKaos.
Still, the modernization of Caeneus story inKaosis a huge step forward for transgender storytelling and representation onscreen.
When it comes to representation onscreen, transgender characters and openly transgender actors have been largely absent.
As such, the inclusion of Caeneus and actor Misia Butler is a huge deal.
Most transgender stories center on trauma, transphobia, and pain.
While this is a sadly real and important experience to acknowledge, the trans community knows our suffering.
Caeneus’s mother loves and supports him, even giving him his new name.
She celebrates him instead of mourning him.
As someone who has gone through top surgery, seeing Caeneus shirtless onscreen feels incredibly validating and emotional.
Now, Hollywood just needs to follow suit.
His situation becomes even worse when Prometheus develops a plan to take Zeus down once and for all.
