Greek poets Homer and Hesiod wrote Greek mythology. Our modern authors use these myths as characters, plots, and themes that make storytelling stories. Greek mythology is everywhere at the moment. We seem to be going through some renaissance of mythology retellings from different places. But Greek has always been the big one in the Western European world.
Greek mythology, with its rich tapestry of battles, love, betrayal, and heroism, has captivated the imagination of readers for centuries. Today, contemporary authors breathe new life into these timeless tales, offering fresh perspectives and weaving intricate narratives that resonate with modern audiences. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Greek myths or a newcomer eager to explore this fascinating lore, the realm of Greek mythology retelling books holds an endless adventure for you. Join us as we go on a journey through the pages of history, reimagined and revitalized for today’s readers.
15 Greek Mythology Retelling Books (Modern Adaptations)
Greek mythology offers a treasure trove of timeless stories filled with gods, heroes, monsters, and epic quests. These myths have captivated human imagination for centuries and continue to do so in retellings. They are rich in themes that explore fundamental aspects of human nature, such as love, jealousy, ambition, and mortality. Retellings focus on these themes from fresh perspectives, offering readers new insights and perspectives.
So, we can learn more about Greek mythology by retellings. Here are 15 Greek mythology retellings that provide deeper insights into these iconic figures’ motivations and psyche. Moreover, they serve as a gateway for further exploration of the original myths and their cultural significance. Let’s go!
| Name | Key Focus | Tropes |
|---|---|---|
| The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | A deeply moving retelling of the Iliad, focusing on the intimate relationship and epic journey of Achilles and Patroclus, from their youth to the Trojan War, exploring themes of fate, glory, and the power of love. | Retelling of classical mythology, tragic heroes, forbidden love, the mentorship of Chiron, prophecy and fate, warrior and companion dynamic, exploration of identity and honor, the humanization of mythological figures, the consequences of pride and divine intervention, the brutality and brotherhood of war, and a poignant exploration of mortality and legacy through the lens of a deeply personal bond. |
| Circe by Madeline Miller | An evocative reimagining of the life of Circe, the sorceress from Homer’s Odyssey, as she transforms from an outcast into a powerful witch, navigating her existence among gods and mortals, and finding her place in a world that fears her strength. | Feminist retelling of myth, journey of self-discovery, the power of magic, exile as transformation, the complexity of divine and human relationships, the exploration of solitude and independence, confrontations with iconic mythological figures, the nature of immortality versus human experience, empowerment in the face of oppression, the maternal instinct and protection, and the search for identity in a patriarchal pantheon. |
| A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes | A compelling retelling of the Trojan War from the perspectives of the women involved, offering a nuanced exploration of their experiences, sufferings, and resilience in the face of historical events largely narrated by men. | Feminist retelling of classical mythology, multiple perspectives, the impact of war on women, the power of narrative and memory, the intersection of personal and epic stories, the exploration of loss and survival, the roles of women in myth and history, the consequences of divine whims on mortals, the resilience and agency of female characters in a patriarchal society, and the reclamation of voice by historically silenced figures. |
| Mythos by Stephen Fry | A modern retelling of ancient Greek myths, reimagined with Stephen Fry’s wit and erudition, bringing to life the gods, heroes, and monsters of classical mythology for contemporary audiences. | Reinterpretation of classical myths, anthropomorphic gods, timeless moral and ethical dilemmas, the folly and hubris of both gods and mortals, interconnected tales of creation, love, revenge, and transformation, the blending of humor and tragedy, the exploration of human nature through divine narratives, and the accessibility of ancient stories through modern storytelling techniques. |
| Heroes by Stephen Fry | An engaging and humorous retelling of the stories of ancient Greek heroes, Stephen Fry brings to life the legendary exploits and adventures of figures like Heracles, Theseus, and Odysseus, making these timeless tales accessible and entertaining for a modern audience. | Heroic quests and trials, the flaws and virtues of heroes, the intervention of gods in human affairs, the blend of myth and history, moral lessons from heroic journeys, the complexity of heroism and its impact on legacy, the exploration of strength and weakness, cunning and bravery, love and betrayal, the significance of fate and choice in the lives of heroes, and the enduring appeal of mythological narratives in understanding human nature and the world. |
| The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood | A feminist retelling of the Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective, Margaret Atwood’s “The Penelopiad” reexamines the myth through the eyes of Odysseus’ wife, exploring themes of fidelity, power, and the silencing of women’s voices in history and myth. | Feminist reinterpretation of classic myth, narrative from the afterlife, the chorus of maids as a commentary device, exploration of female agency, critique of patriarchal narratives, the complexity of marital fidelity, the power dynamics in relationships, the role of storytelling in shaping history and myth, the exploration of victimhood and complicity, and the interrogation of traditional heroism and its consequences on the lives of women. |
| The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker | A powerful retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Briseis, once a queen and now a captive of Achilles, offering a stark and moving exploration of the women’s voices and experiences traditionally silenced in epic tales of war and heroism. | Feminist retelling of classical mythology, the spoils of war, the plight of captive women, the human cost of war, perspective shift from heroes to the silenced, the complex relationship between captor and captive, the resilience and agency of women in patriarchal societies, the critique of glorified heroism, the exploration of identity and survival in the face of dehumanization, and the power of narrative to reclaim silenced voices. |
| Ariadne by Jennifer Saint | A vivid reimagining of Greek mythology, focusing on Ariadne’s journey from a princess of Crete to a deity in her own right, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the search for independence within the confines of destiny and divine machinations. | Feminist retelling of myth, the labyrinth and the Minotaur, betrayal and empowerment, gods and mortals, sisterhood and rivalry, love and abandonment, the journey from innocence to wisdom, the interplay between fate and free will, the critique of heroism and the glorification of male deeds in mythology, the exploration of female narratives overlooked by traditional myth, and the transformation from victim to agent of one’s own story. |
| Greek Myths by Charlotte Higgins | An insightful exploration of Greek myths, Charlotte Higgins delves into the stories of gods, heroes, and monsters, weaving together their narratives with cultural and historical context to illuminate their enduring relevance and complexity. | Timeless tales of creation and destruction, the capricious nature of gods, the hero’s journey, metamorphoses, the intersection of human and divine, the cyclical nature of myths, moral and ethical lessons, the power of fate and prophecy, the role of myths in explaining natural phenomena and human behavior, the blending of historical events with mythological storytelling, and the reflection of societal values and fears in mythic narratives. |
| The Greek Myths by Robin Waterfield | A comprehensive and easy story of Greek mythology, retelling the stories of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures with insight into their origins and significance in ancient Greek culture. | Mythological genealogies, divine intervention, heroic exploits and quests, moral and ethical parables, transformation and punishment by gods, love affairs between gods and mortals, the role of fate and destiny, the origins of natural and cultural phenomena through myths, the duality of gods’ benevolence and vengeance, the exploration of human virtues and vices through mythic allegories, and the portrayal of ancient Greek religion and cosmology. |
| The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper | Set in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, “The Wolf Den” follows the harrowing and resilient journey of Amara, an enslaved woman in a brothel, as she faces the complexities of freedom, friendship, and identity within the confines of her circumstances. | Historical fiction, survival against the odds, the struggle for freedom, the bonds of female friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, the exploration of social hierarchy and power dynamics, the harsh realities of life in ancient Rome, the search for identity and self-worth in oppressive conditions, the impact of societal norms on personal destiny, and the interplay of hope and despair in the pursuit of a better life. |
| Lore by Alexandra Bracken | Greek mythology with urban fantasy, following Melora “Lore” Perseous as she’s drawn back into a brutal hunt inspired by the ancient Agon, fighting alongside gods and against old enemies to avenge her family and save herself from a cursed fate. | Modern mythology, gods in the contemporary world, the hero’s journey, vengeance and redemption, survival games, ancient curses and prophecies, alliances and betrayals, the blending of myth and reality, the exploration of power and its abuses, familial legacy and honor, the quest for immortality, and the struggle between embracing destiny and forging one’s own path. |
| Galatea by Madeline Miller | A powerful short story that reimagines the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea, focusing on Galatea’s struggle for autonomy and identity against her creator’s control, highlighting themes of freedom, oppression, and the essence of humanity. | Feminist retelling of myth, the animation of art, the quest for autonomy, the critique of patriarchal ownership, the complexity of creator and creation dynamics, the exploration of self-awareness and liberation, the power of individuality against objectification, the transformation from object to subject, and the assertion of personal agency in defiance of external control. |
| The Women of Troy by Pat Barker | A stark and gripping sequel to “The Silence of the Girls,” “The Women of Troy” continues to explore the aftermath of the Trojan War from the perspectives of the captive Trojan women, focusing on themes of survival, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of those left in the shadows of history. | Post-war survival, the perspective of the vanquished, the resilience of women, the legacy of war, the power dynamics of captors and captives, the continuation of life amidst ruins, the critique of heroism and glory in war narratives, the exploration of grief and loss, the struggle for dignity in the face of dehumanization, the bonds formed through shared suffering, and the enduring human capacity for hope and resistance in the face of oppression. |
| Neon Gods by Katee Robert | A darkly erotic and modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, set in a contemporary, dystopian world where the Greek gods rule over society, exploring themes of power, desire, and breaking free from the confines of destiny. | Modern mythology retelling, dark romance, power dynamics, forbidden love, underworld as a metaphor for the criminal underworld, societal elite and rebellion, the clash between old traditions and new paths, the exploration of consent and autonomy, the transformation of myth into a contemporary setting, the manipulation of public perception, and the journey of self-discovery and empowerment against a backdrop of political intrigue and societal expectations. |
1. The Song of Achilles
This is the story of Achilles, the greatest warrior in Greek mythology, most famous for the Trojan War. This story is about his upbringing, childhood, and relationship with Patroclus, a massive point of contention throughout literature. I love their cousins, who were close male friends, who were lovers and friends back then. So, it was one of my favorites, and this Greek literature was incredible.
I read this book two years ago and fell in love with Madeline Miller’s writing style. There was more to Achilles and Patroclus than most retellings would have you believe. So you get to see Achilles as a young boy, where he trains, where he becomes who he is, and his story throughout the Trojan War.
Author: Madeline Miller
Publisher: Ecco
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Tropes: Sci-fi-fantasy, Romance
Number Of Pages: 416
Item Weight: 10.4 ounces
Dimensions: 0.96 x 5.38 x 7.82 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
2. Circe
Madeline Miller also wrote Circe, which focuses on Circe, who is essentially known as a witch. She’s most famous for her role in Odysseus’s story. Odysseus washes up on her island after his years of travel, after the Trojan War, and they establish a relationship there. So, in most mythological tales, it’s known as a witch. In general, as we love to do to females in mythological retellings and mythology, it isn’t a huge fan favorite.
Circe is evil, and she can change men into pigs. So, it’s interesting to have a take on her story. I’m a massive fan of the feminist retellings or the female perspective retellings because much of Greek mythology covers male figures. For example, Achilles, Paris, Hector, Prim, and Agamemnon are all from the male perspective. So it’s refreshing when you get to hear about the female perspective.
Many of these books are a heavily female perspective and female-orientated because they are the stories you don’t often hear. Also, they’re not super prominent in The Odyssey or The Iliad. Circe is an essential novel because it takes a minor God, a minor character in Greek mythology, which is exciting and deserves her own story. Madeline Miller takes the opportunity to tell her story in Greek myth so often.
Author: Madeline Miller
Publisher: Back Bay Books, Reprint edition
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: War Fiction, Military, Magic, Feminist-dystopian
Number Of Pages: 416
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
3. A Thousand Ships
This was a more female-based retelling of the Trojan War. You have a bunch of different women and the main cast. The tales and the way they linked together are incredible. For example, you get Penelope in the story of her parts, which are told in her letters to Odysseus. You have Helen, Cassandra, Hecuba, and all strong personalities. So that one was my favorite Greek myth retelling I’ve read for a long time.
It looks at the events of the Trojan War from the perspective of different women. There is no one protagonist in this book. The story focuses on other women, mortals, and some goddesses. Also, it’s written in some different styles that keep it interesting. For example, you get Penelope, who is writing letters to Odysseus while he’s out doing his Odyssey thing, and these are letterforms.
I love books that are made up of letters and journal entries. Penelope writes her letters, and you get these letters periodically through thousand ships. Gods, nymphs, and monsters are not mentioned. In addition, it is the best retelling of Greek mythology I have ever read.
Author: Natalie Haynes
Publisher: HarperAudio
Narrator: Natalie Haynes
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Ancient History, Classic Literature, Fantasy
Number Of Pages: 368
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
4. Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold
This book focuses on the creation and the gods. We have Greek heroes and Troy, which focuses on the Trojan War. We’ve got the Titans, the gods, Olympus, and the higher mythological figures than mortals. So, for anyone who’s a god, a demigod, any creature or hybrid, it’s very much a step-by-step guide of who is who and what is what story.
As Stephen Fry does with a twist of modernism, it doesn’t read like many Greek mythology textbooks I’ve read where it’s fundamental. Some humor and personality are injected into it, which is intriguing, especially through the audiobook. Listen to all of these on audiobook because Stephen Fry is a brilliant narrator.
Author: Stephen Fry
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Tropes: Short Stories, Religion, Humour, Myths-legends, War, Love, Folklore & Mythology Studies (Best Seller)
Number Of Pages: 416
Available: Audiobook | Hardcover | Kindle
5. Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures
In this book, we have Jason, Odysseus, Hercules, Oedipus, Orpheus, and Perseus, all of those stories you encounter in Greek mythology. We see in Greek mythology that there are many names, places, and things going on, so it was digestible is the best way to put it.
Mythos and Heroes are compendiums of Greek myths, and the stories of Greek heroes are told from a more familiar perspective. The stories are truer than how they have been said for the last hundred years. If you want to read classic humorous Greek mythology retellings, try it.
Author: Stephen Fry
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Tropes: Classics, Arc, Funny, History
Number Of Pages: 415
Available: Audiobook | Hardcover | Kindle
6. The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus (The Myths)
This is essentially the story of Odysseus’s wife. Odysseus left to fight the Trojan War, and took ten years to get home. So this is the story of his wife and how she waited for him. A lot of Penelope’s history, throughout Greek mythology, is very much about her being this patient, loving wife who waits for her husband to return.
Penelope doesn’t marry again, even though many suitors approach her. Also, she raises her son, and how Penelope essentially waits for Odysseus. Margaret Atwood has written about it and has made it enjoyable. You get the story of Penelope herself and Odysseus together and what Penelope does in those years without Odysseus. So it’s recounting her life and all the things she did.
Author: Margaret Atwood
Publisher: Canongate Canons, Main – New cover edition
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Tropes: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Contemporary Literary Fiction
Number Of Pages: 228
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
7. The Silence of the Girls
This tells the story of ordinary women who are not even mentioned in most war stories in Greek mythology. The story focuses on Briseis, who was captured during the Trojan War and made the prize of Achilles. So, the story describes her relationship with Achilles and Patroclus. Her involvement in the Trojan War largely caused Achilles to pull out of the Trojan War for an X amount of time and then return.
So, in this one, we also see a few more women affected in the series. It’s slower than the others, especially considering it’s a war story. But I still found it engaging to get this fresh new perspective that not many people are familiar with. Briseis isn’t a character that you think of as Helen.
We always talk about particular people, leaders, great warriors, and fighters in war. But we don’t talk about Briseis. That’s what Pat Baker has done with it. She has taken Briseis and a group of women and focused on their stories. So, the story is a war-political Greek myth retelling, and you must try it.
Author: Pat Barker
Publisher: Random House Audio
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: War & Military Fiction, Royals-and-political-intrigues
Number Of Pages: 325
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Library Binding | Kindle
8. Ariadne
Jennifer Saint has done a great job of recontextualizing and refocusing our attention on Ariadne and painting the heroes who are always men of Greek mythology in a unique light. At least at the beginning of Theseus and the Minotaur, this is the story. Ariadne is the daughter of King Minos, sister of the Minotaur, and it begins with the Minotaur being locked away in the labyrinth, which Daedalus builds. Then Theseus comes along, jumping into the labyrinth and killing the Minotaur.
That’s the first few dozen pages of this book, but it opens up into something entirely different that I didn’t expect. It is the story of Ariadne, not Theseus in the Minotaur. In this book, Theseus is an excellent example of inflated egos and toxic masculinity. Many men are, and Ariadne herself is a naive child who has to do a lot of growing. Also, Ariadne has to become powerful on her terms. So, I wasn’t sure what happened to her often and her involvement with Dionysus. It is the most fun of these novel retellings of Greek mythology.
Author: Jennifer Saint
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: Women’s Fiction, Fairy Tales, Romance, Arc
Number Of Pages: 320
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
9. Greek Myths: A New Retelling
This is a retelling of Greek mythology with a slightly feminine twist. The story focuses more on the female gods and female mortals of Greek mythology, and they are the narrator. So I was flicking through it, and I wanted to get this. Greek Myths is a compendium of Greek myths, so it’s an excellent place to start.
If you know nothing about Greek mythology, you’re getting origin stories, the stories of heroes, the stories of wars, gods-goddesses, and their relationships, and the things they do to the poor mortals on Earth. This is everything you need to know about Greek mythology, but women are telling it. So, this book is a great place to start.
Author: Charlotte Higgins
Publisher: Random House Audio
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tropes: Ancient, Classical & Medieval Collections
Number Of Pages: 336
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
10. The Greek Myths: Stories of the Greek Gods and Heroes Vividly Retold
This book was written before this renaissance of feminist and queer retellings of Greek mythology. As far as I remember, it’s a little drier, but I was still enthralled by it nonetheless. So it is a detailed compendium of Greek mythology being told chronologically from the origin, myths, and titans onwards into the gods of Olympus and all of their stuff.
You can see all the characters here. It’s a book on Greek mythology that I enjoyed at the time. You don’t have to read this one. But I will recommend it because I fondly remember reading it and picking it up ten years ago.
Author: Robin Waterfield
Publisher: Quercus
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: Folk Tales, Religion Reference, Classics
Number Of Pages: 381
Available: Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
11. The Wolf Den (Wolf Den Trilogy)
This book follows the story of what life would be like for a slave woman living in Pompeii. So, the main character is a Greek woman called Amara. That is her prostitute name because she has been taken forcibly and is forced to live as a slave working in a brothel known as a Wolf Den in Pompeii. So, the term Wolf Lupa in the Bible is an alternative word for prostitute.
When we think about that story, we think about a wolf finding these boys exposed by a river. But it could also mean that a prostitute raised them. Amara is a strong character who deals with many women who come into the brothel and live with her. How Lady Harper wrote this is great because she worked hard to build a full world around Amara. So whether you visit Pompeii or not, you’ll get a real sense of what the city would have been like as a living city.
Each chapter is prefaced with a Roman epigram on life in Pompeii and life in the Roman city. If you are teaching cities in the Roman world, read this for yourself, but do not recommend it to a GCSE student. There are bits in it that aren’t entirely appropriate. It’s different from many other books I’ve mentioned because they focus on Gods and heroes, whereas this is more historical fiction. But it’s about a woman’s fight for survival. I love historical fiction and Greek mythology retellings, and this combines all of that into one thick book.
Author: Elodie Harper
Publisher: Union Square & Co.
Average Rating: 4.1/5
Tropes: Feminism, Fantasy, Arc
Number Of Pages: 488
Item Weight: 1.2 pounds
Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.7 x 8 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
12. Lore
Our main character is Lore Perseus, who has a family’s sadistic murder story that turns her back on the hunt’s promises of eternal glory. So, her only mission was for humanity to stop the rise of new gods with power and bring humanity to its knees. The writing style of this book is cinematic. The book only covers seven days with a few different flashbacks to years ago.
However, Alexandra Bracken did an excellent job balancing fast-paced action, dialogue, and character development. So, it can be very easy when you’re writing a book based on conflict and violence and hand-to-hand combat. My favorite thing about it was the extensive engagement with Greek mythology and the different plot twists. The ending is a bit rushed, but it’s often the way in young adult novels to rush the ending to hold the audience’s attention span.
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Tropes: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Suspense, Angst
Number Of Pages: 480
Item Weight: 1.72 pounds
Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.7 x 9.35 inches
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
13. Galatea
Galatea is a short story based on a woman created as a statue and turned into a real woman in the womb of the gods. So this is a short story that follows Galatea, who’s a Greek mythological character. Also, it’s not her becoming a human, but she’s been alive for many years. She’s given birth to a child. Moreover, it’s about her relationship with her husband and captors and her life.
Pygmalion carves a beautiful woman statue, Galatea. Then he cries because she’s a statue and he can’t love her. It’s very strange and problematic. So, the Roman goddess Venus turns Galatea into a real woman. So they live happily ever after, and they theoretically fall in love. At the end of the story, Galatea does that to free herself of oppression and suppression.
Galatea is a character that plays a role in the myth of Pygmalion. It’s very commonly played in modern movies and theater. A lot of these stories stem from Pygmalion and the Play called Pygmalion. Also, it has the same sentiments as the myth.
Author: Madeline Miller
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Tropes: Short Stories, Tragic-heartbreaking
Number Of Pages: 20
Available: Hardcover | Kindle
14. The Women of Troy (Women of Troy)
This book follows up on picking up where the other left off, rather than looking at Achilles and how difficult it was to live with Achilles. The story mainly focuses on Achilles’s son, Neoptolemus, a new warrior. In classical myth, he’s considered a worse incarnation of his father. He doesn’t have the same heroic values as his father and is quite a complicated figure. So you’re looking at how Neoptolemus tries to live up to the dead Achilles.
This book also focuses on Briseis, similar to The Silence Of The Girls. If you’re familiar with the Play, many are here. We have Hecuba, Andromache, and Cassandra. A few new characters are added to the story, which rounds it up. The story was a little slower-paced, so I didn’t enjoy it as much. It seemed not a lot happened, and where the endpoint was interesting.
Author: Pat Barker
Publisher: Random House Audio
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Tropes: War & Military Fiction, Historical Fantasy
Number Of Pages: 304
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
15. Neon Gods (Dark Olympus)
This is a romance book about Hades and Persephone. I love books that are retellings of Hades and Persephone’s modern retelling stories. The story set Olympus as the United States! The fact that Hades and Persephone didn’t know about the underworld. Also, they didn’t know what was on the other side of the river Styx. So it was bizarre to me.
In this modern Olympus world, Persephone is the socialite daughter of Demeter, and Zeus wants to marry her. So, the book’s opening is getting engaged to Persephone, and she is not happy about this. Persephone then ends up finding Hades. They devise a plan to make Zeus not want to marry her by hooking up publicly to show that Zeus tarnishes her.
There is nothing in this book that you can learn from, but It’s only learning about the ancient world. Also, there is a wrong reference in this; it is my opinion as a historian. Try this one if you want to read Greek mythology retelling with romance.
Author: Katee Robert
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Tropes: Erotic Romance, Bad-boy, Fake-dating, Myth
Number Of Pages: 380
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
5 Greek Mythology Books For Adults
Here are five highly recommended Greek mythology books for adults, each offering a unique take on the timeless tales:
“Circe” by Madeline Miller – In this captivating novel, Madeline Miller gives voice to Circe, a minor goddess and witch from the Odyssey, reimagining her story with depth and nuance. This tale of power, transformation, and resilience brings a new perspective to the figure of Circe, exploring her journey from an outcast to one of the most powerful sorceresses in mythology.
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller – Another masterpiece by Miller, this novel retells the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. With its lyrical prose and emotional depth, “The Song of Achilles” is a tender and heartbreaking love story set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, offering a fresh perspective on heroism, honor, and fate.
“Mythos” by Stephen Fry – Stephen Fry brings his signature wit to the classic tales of Greek mythology, retelling the stories of gods, monsters, and heroes with humor and clarity. “Mythos” is perfect for readers looking for an accessible and entertaining introduction to the myths and those who want to see them in a new light.
“The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker – This powerful novel tells the story of the Trojan War from the perspective of Briseis, a queen turned war prize of Achilles. Pat Barker’s narrative brings to the forefront the voices of women who have traditionally been silenced in mythological retellings, offering a poignant look at the cost of war and the strength of the human spirit.
“A Thousand Ships” by Natalie Haynes – Natalie Haynes focuses on the women of the Trojan War, from goddesses to mortal queens to captive women. Through multiple viewpoints, “A Thousand Ships” weaves together these women’s lives, highlighting their roles and experiences in a conflict that has historically been told through the eyes of men.
5 Greek Mythology Retellings Romance Books
Here are five Greek mythology retellings that focus on romance, each weaving the ancient tales with love stories that captivate and enthrall:
“Lore Olympus” by Rachel Smythe – Though originally a webcomic, “Lore Olympus” has been adapted into a graphic novel series that brings to life the love story between Hades and Persephone. Set in a world that beautifully blends modern sensibilities with ancient myth, Smythe explores themes of love, consent, and personal growth with a mix of drama, humor, and romance.
“The Love Story of Persephone & Hades” by Molly Zenk – This novel reimagines the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, focusing on their complex relationship from its contentious beginnings to a love that defies the expectations of gods and mortals alike. Zenk delves deep into character development, presenting a consensual and nuanced relationship that evolves.
“For the Love of Hades” by Sasha Summers – Part of the “Loves of Olympus” series, this book offers a romantic and heartfelt take on the story of Hades and Persephone. Summers portrays Hades not as a villain but as a complex deity with depth and kindness, crafting a tale of love that overcomes the prejudices and schemes of the Olympian gods.
“A Touch of Darkness” by Scarlett St. Clair – This novel is a modern retelling of the Persephone and Hades myth, set in a world where gods walk among mortals. St. Clair’s Persephone is a young woman discovering her power and independence, while Hades is depicted as a misunderstood god with a dark reputation. Their romance unfolds with passion and challenges as they face divine and mortal expectations.
“Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold” by C.S. Lewis – Though not a traditional romance in the sense of focusing solely on a romantic relationship, this retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche, through the eyes of Psyche’s sister, Orual, explores themes of love, beauty, and jealousy. Lewis’s novel is a profound meditation on divine and human love, offering a deep and thoughtful look at the nature of affection and how it can transform us.
5 Modern Retelling of Greek Mythology Books
Modern retellings of Greek mythology transport timeless tales into contemporary settings or viewpoints, offering readers a chance to explore ancient narratives through a lens that mirrors the complexities and challenges of today’s world. These retellings infuse classic stories with new life, making them more relatable and engaging for a modern audience. Here are five books that masterfully retell Greek myths for today’s readers:
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller – Though not set in a contemporary world, Madeline Miller’s novel is a modern retelling of exploring the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. Told from Patroclus’ perspective, this story brings a fresh, emotional depth to the Trojan War, highlighting themes of love, fate, and honor in a narrative that resonates with modern sensibilities about identity and affection.
“Circe” by Madeline Miller – Similarly, Miller’s “Circe” offers a modern feminist take on the story of the witch-goddess from Homer’s “Odyssey.” This novel focuses on Circe’s journey from an outcast to a powerful sorceress, exploring themes of independence, strength, and transformation. It’s a celebration of finding one’s voice in a world that seeks to silence it.
“Mythos” by Stephen Fry – Stephen Fry retells the Greek myths with wit, humor, and a contemporary flair that makes them accessible and engaging for today’s readers. From the creation of the universe to the exploits of gods and heroes, Fry’s storytelling brings a new dimension to these ancient tales, highlighting their timeless relevance and the human truths they contain.
“Ariadne” by Jennifer Saint – This novel offers a fresh perspective on the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur by focusing on the story of Ariadne, the princess of Crete who betrays her family to help Theseus. Saint’s retelling is a feminist narrative that explores the lives and struggles of women often sidelined in traditional mythological stories, compellingly exploring love, betrayal, and sisterhood.
“Lore Olympus” by Rachel Smythe – As a webcomic turned graphic novel, “Lore Olympus” is a visually stunning and narratively rich modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth. Set in a world that combines ancient and modern elements, Smythe’s story deals with themes of consent, trauma, and healing, presenting the gods with a depth of character and emotional complexity that speaks to contemporary issues.
Through the creative visions of talented authors, the gods, heroes, and creatures of old come alive, offering entertainment and reflection on the human condition. Whether through the eyes of a well-known deity or from the perspective of a lesser-known character, each retelling adds depth and new understanding to the mythological canon.
We encourage you to delve into these captivating narratives, where you’ll discover the magic of myth and the enduring spirit of adventure and curiosity that connects us across time. Happy reading, and may your journey through the myths of Greece be as enlightening as it is thrilling.
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