Kaos: What is Meander in Netflix's Greek mythology comedy drama? 

Kaos
Jeff Goldblum as Zeus (Image Source: Netflix)

Until now, many might have noticed the difference between the world of gods and the world of mortals in Netflix's new and trending dark comedy Kaos. The series focuses on Jeff Goldblum's portrayal of Zeus, the chief Greek deity, a paranoid god constantly worrying about his end.

While the series' main character is Zeus, it also follows three humans linked together through an ancient prophecy as they gradually discover their fates. As seen in Kaos, the gods are undoubtedly immortal, ruling the lives of humans and other living beings.

However, have you wondered what made these gods immortal? There must be something these deities consume that grants them immortality, and in Kaos, it is the Meander.

Netflix's Kaos isn't just about the arrogant or mostly paranoid Zeus against humans and other gods but also features several elements inspired by Greek mythology to add authenticity and engagement, one of which is the Meander. Read on to find out what significance the Meander holds in the dark comedy and in real life.


How does Meander work in Kaos?

The Meander (Image Source: Netflix)
The Meander (Image Source: Netflix)

Now that you know the Meander is the water that makes Zeus and his fellow gods immortal, it's crucial to understand how it works in Kaos. In the dark comedy-drama, viewers can see the Meander as a divine structure in Zeus' giant and remarkable garden, always flowing to ensure the gods can easily consume it.

Interestingly, the Meander is created from human souls purified in the underworld, known as Nothing. The process begins when a human dies, and instead of being reincarnated, their souls are captured forever and sent to Nothing to be purified and become the source of immortality for the Greek gods.


Why is Meander important to Zeus in Kaos?

Zeus (Image Source: Netflix)
Zeus (Image Source: Netflix)

Since the Meander is more than just an average fountain in Zeus' garden, it holds immense significance in making him the most powerful.

As seen in the Netflix series, Zeus begins to fear that humans and other gods have planned his departure from the world of deities, and he needs to safeguard his immortality, especially after witnessing the wrinkle and recalling the prophecy.

So, Zeus cleverly uses the Meander against other gods and even his family members to control their immortality, given the uncertainty of his fate. He keeps the fountain closed and only allows limited consumption for the immortals, signifying that he remains the most formidable among them all.


What is Meander in Greek mythology?

A still from the dark comedy-drama (Image Source: Netflix)
A still from the dark comedy-drama (Image Source: Netflix)

The term Meander emerged from the name of a river god, Maeander, symbolizing the unbroken cycle of life. Meander is also linked to the river which can now be found in Turkey, and it reflects infinity and eternal life.

Meander explains the flow of human life, which never stops due to birth and reproduction. Similarly, in the show, the Meander is associated with the key to immortality, ensuring that the gods never meet their end, unlike humans.


How did Netflix's Kaos season 1 end?

The Fates (Image Source: Netflix)
The Fates (Image Source: Netflix)

Throughout the series, Zeus is seen being concerned about his fate and doubting everyone, including his family. The show perfectly balances comedy and drama between the two worlds.

He even tries to control the immortality of other gods by limiting their use of the Meander, which ultimately leads to more chaos and problems. Zeus often finds himself frustrated with how humans are taking him lightly, and later he also struggles with his family members after discovering that his son Dionysus was helping a mortal escape the dark underworld.

However, in the end, Zeus' powers and authority are challenged as Riddy and Caeneus are determined to confront the Greek god. And regarding the prophecy, the Fates tell Zeus that it will only come true if he believes in it, leaving the god even angrier.


Kaos is streaming on Netflix.

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Edited by Sezal Srivastava