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Kaos has sparked major discussions around gender identity since its release on Netflix. Created by Charlie Covell, the dark and eccentric retelling of Greek mythology combines contemporary ideas with age-old tales.
Released on August 29, 2024, it chronicles three people who come upon their link to a prophecy concerning the gods of Olympus. The show is not just a simple retelling; it's a mix of chaotic drama and unique storytelling that keeps viewers intrigued.
One of the standout elements of the show is its representation of gender fluidity and diverse identities. From the start, fans on platforms like Reddit began speculating about the series’ portrayal of gods and mortals, particularly around gender.
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With characters like Caeneus and the Fates, Kaos opens up new conversations about identity that reflect modern-day discussions. A fan commented on Reddit:
“I don’t think birthing gods matters”
The gender debate reached a fever pitch when fans started dissecting the show's portrayal of Chaos, the primordial entity in Greek mythology.
Chaos has been depicted as male, female and gender-neutral in various mythological texts. The show leaves the entity’s gender ambiguous, fueling endless fan theories.
Another fan commented on Reddit:
"Sooo what I’m getting from the comments is we don’t know lol. We need a season 2"
The show doesn’t shy away from gender fluidity. It reimagines many lesser-known characters from Greek mythology, giving them new life and a modern identity. For example, Caeneus, played by Misia Butler, is one of the first transgender figures in Greek mythology.
"That’s actually really cool"
Kaos uses this character to explore the emotional journey of transformation and rejection. Butler’s portrayal adds authenticity and depth to this ancient narrative, making it relevant for today's audience.
"I imagine she was just hanging out minding her own business until Zeus overbalanced the natural order by consuming too many souls and she, representing the connection between heaven and earth," one fan wrote.
Fans on Reddit noticed how the show handles gender, with one commenting:
“I thought it was Caeneus because he brought his mom back & Hades said ‘Kaos’ right at the end while looking at him like he just realized.”
The character’s complex journey mirrors real-life struggles faced by many transgender individuals, making it a powerful narrative choice.
"I predict the entity known as Chaos has partially manifested in Caenus and the other soulless people so that the soulless people will leave Chaos."
One of the most hotly debated topics among Reddit fans is the portrayal of Chaos. In Greek mythology, Chaos is the first entity to exist and has been described in different ways, sometimes as male, female or neither.
"In Greek mythology, Chaos was the first entity to exist, and has been called both male and female, and neither, depending on the source," another user wrote.
In Kaos, the show’s creators keep Chaos’ gender ambiguous, leading fans to speculate wildly. A Reddit user captured this uncertainty perfectly:
“Sooo what I’m getting from the comments is we don’t know lol. We need a season 2.”
This speculation has only heightened interest in the series. Some fans predict that Chaos might have manifested through Caeneus or other soulless characters. Another Reddit user noted:
"I'm obsessed with the idea that KAOS is also a kinda acronym".
Kaos: Gender fluidity shown throughout
Examining their gender fluidity, the show also presents the Fates with a modern spin. Lachesis (Lachy) is portrayed brilliantly by Suzy Eddie Izzard, capturing this flux. Often appearing in many forms to fit their roles, the Fates in Greek mythology were not bound by any one gender.
Though from a modern perspective, Lachy's gender fluidity is a direct homage to these old representations. Genderfluid Izzard gives the part authenticity and captures the very uncertainty Kaos celebrates.
Another Fate whose character in Kaos questions conventional gender roles is Atropos, performed by Sam Buttery. Atropos is usually depicted in the original myths as a sober female figure, but Kaos reinterprets her with a nonbinary identity. This decision gives the character fresh modern relevance and depth.
The actor behind Caeneus
One of the most famous transgender characters in Greek mythology, Caeneus is performed by Misia Butler. Caeneus was a woman in the original stories, who, following trauma, yearned to be a man. Kaos builds on this story, highlighting Caeneus's battles with rejection and identity.
Transmasculine actor Butler gives the part realness. His performance of Caeneus is a moving and relevant story, as it captures the difficulties many transgender people go through in daily life.
Suzy Eddie Izzard and Gender Fluid Representation
Suzy Eddie Izzard’s role as Lachesis offers a groundbreaking portrayal of gender fluidity in television. Lachy, one of the Fates, is depicted in a way that reflects both ancient and modern understandings of fluid identity.
Izzard, a longtime advocate for gender diversity, brings a unique authenticity to the role. Kaos ensures that Lachy’s character is not confined to rigid gender roles, making it a significant portrayal of fluid identity in mythological retellings.
Kaos is currently streaming on Netflix.
