By Emma Coleman, Film & TV Subeditor
As a lover of literature and someone that possesses the (some would say useless) ability to recall all the Greek gods and a lot of the myths, I am here to provide you with a list of my favourite mythical reads. I’ve got some beginner friendly books, some forgotten gems and the classics. So after you leave today, I hope you enter into the vast and magical world of Greek mythology with your next read (and I promise you will never leave).
- Mythos by Stephen Fry (2017)
I think if you’ve never read a mythological text or simply want a refresher of the tales the best place to start is Mythos. Fry retells many of the great myths in such a captivating but simplistic way. It really starts at the beginning (as in the creation of the universe beginning), to Kronos (Cronus) and the titans, to the birth of the Olympians. It avoids the ‘dull, get me out of here’ feeling that can creep in when you’re trying to learn something new, his tone is humorous and it feels entirely modern and new. If you liked this, then don’t fear this is a four book series! Heroes (2018) moves onto the demigods like Heracles, Troy (2020) unsurprisingly looks at the Trojan War and finally Odyssey (2024) retells the journey of Odysseus (I haven’t actually read this last one yet but I’m sure it’s great!). I recommend reading this in chronological order – unlike me who accidently brought Heroes on holiday instead of Mythos!
- A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes (2019)
Moving onto a modern retelling of the Trojan War, Haynes provides a feminist tale from the perspective of women and goddesses who were affected by the war. Penelope is also a key character in this tale, with the narration beginning with Calliope (one of nine Muses) but moving onto other central female characters. Haynes was inspired to write this after watching a documentary about the Rwandan genocide, to explore the impact on women who have suffered during war time, resulting in a far deeper message within the mythical tale.
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians (2005-2009) by Rick Riordan (and generally any of his work!
Whilst Percy Jackson is not as renowned as some of these other texts (mainly due to the fact it’s aimed at children), Riordan’s stories of Camp Half-Blood will never get old. This series has led to two films and a new show, so he is clearly doing something right. Focusing on the characters Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, two demigod children and a satyr, they go on endless quests, face hardships, fall in love, face their godly parents and more. There is no shortage of Riordan’s tales with four spin-off-series, so you truly will get lost in his mythical world.
- Circe by Madeline Miller (2018)
This book retells the tragic myth of the goddess Circe who, for reasons I won’t mention (no spoilers here), was banished from Olympus to her famous island. The feminist lens through which Miller retells this story sets it apart from much other Greek mythology literature, placing the forgotten goddess at the centre of her own story. She encounters figures like Scylla, Hermes, the Minotaur, Medea, Athena and so many more! There is romance, adventure, punishment, loss – it truly is a whirlwind of emotions where you end up feeling pretty sorry for Circe, who has often been presented as a villain in traditional myths. Compared to her presentation in Homer’s Odyssey it is an extremely refreshing retelling.
- Ithaca by Claire North (2022)
This is one of my favourites and retells Homer’s The Odyssey with a focus on Penelope’s rule over Ithaca whilst Odysseus was at war. North chose to have the goddess Hera narrate Penelope’s story, who begins cold and objective then starts to truly care for Penelope and want to help her. She faces endless struggles such as suitors pursuing her and the presumed loss of her husband. Again, if you like this one don’t worry there are two more books in the series!
Emma Coleman
Honourable mentions: Homer’s The Odyssey (right where it all started), The Women of Artemis and Daughter of Olympus by Hannah Lynn, Bad Girls of Ancient Greece by Lizzy Tiffin.
Feature Image: Epigram/ Erin Disney
What is your favourite Greek mythology book?
