Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinion and contains spoilers for Kaos Season 1. Reader discretion is advised.
Netflix’s Kaos is a series in which Greek mythology meets the modern world of tacky gold watches and bougie ensembles. Although the series is a loose adaptation of mythical gods, one might wonder why the show has been named ‘Kaos’ after the OG Greek god, ‘Khaos or Chaos.’
Are the series and the mythical god Khaos connected? On the surface, they appear unrelated. However, Kaos depicts the life of the gods living in the luxurious Mount Olympus: Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Dionysus, Aphrodite, Athena, and others thriving in harmony.
That is until the reign of chaos; a subtle reference to Prometheus’s ominous warning. While Khaos—the goddess of the chasm—was barely mentioned in the series, there are ways in which her story is intertwined with the series.
The show’s creator Charlie Covell did mention being a huge Greek mythology fanatic. Interestingly, Covell has a flair for connecting the dots and surprising viewers with unpredictable plot twists, just like they did in The End of the F**ing World*.
Who is Khaos in Greek mythology?
Khaos (or Chaos) was an antediluvian goddess: the very first Olympian or supreme creator of the Greek gods. Furthermore, she is also described as a “void-like being” when the universe was at the cusp of creation. Per multiple transcripts, Khaos’s identity was further simplified as the goddess of air and birds, and fate itself.
She was somewhat the prima donna of Greek mythology who became the deity that birthed several life-phenomena-controlling beings. She became the mother of Erebos, Aither, Nyx, Hemera, and Daimones. Here’s a list of each child’s responsibility:
- Erebos - The netherworld darkness
- Aither - heavenly mists
- Nyx - fate and the night
- Hemera - the day
- Daimones - the spirits governing emotions
Several Greek scholars claim the genealogy of ‘Khaos’ was an amalgam of a plethora of elements blended into one—mud, a possible reference to the Earth; a chaotic blend.
Although Khaos is seldom mentioned in Greek texts, the same follows suit in the series. But it doesn’t mean they aren’t connected.
How is Khaos connected to Netflix's Kaos?
Khaos hasn’t been introduced on the hit series yet and may appear later, but her name has surely been uttered several times on the show—from Zeus (Jeff Goldblum) fearing utter “chaos” to Prometheus’s warning about chaos.
Could it be that the chaos almost every primary character—including Zeus, Cassandra, Hera, and Prometheus—was talking about was their creator? Here’s why it’s highly plausible: At the beginning of season 1, Prometheus clearly stated that the gods were not born “gods,” they were created.
In Kaos, every creation has a creator, and the series subtly alludes to this creator: Khaos. Other translations mention that her name also translates to nothingness—a state Khaos would possibly fulfill with the gods should she return. Interestingly, this traces back to the prophecy Zeus obsessed over:
“A line appears, The order wanes, The family falls, and Kaos reigns.”
With Zeus’s pride and narcissistic behavior getting the better of him and the rest of his family behaving out of sorts, it’s no wonder Prometheus put up a façade for Zeus and desires their destruction.
You can’t really fault Prometheus for having a grudge against the king of the gods. Not after he held him prisoner on a cliff and an eagle feasted on his liver! Beyond that, Prometheus could have insights into Khaos's potential return.
The prophecy that Ari, Riddy, and Caneus are seemingly fulfilling might suggest the potential downfall of the gods—their possible undoing. Could Khaos be aligning with the rebellious humans?
There has been no official word about whether or not there is a season 2 or Khaos’s inclusion. However, all eight episodes of season 1 can be enjoyed on Netflix exclusively until the show hopefully returns again.
Until chaos reigns on Kaos, stay tuned to SoapCentral for more!
