Greek mythology has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, our imagination with its fantastical stories of gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters. From the mighty Zeus to the cunning Odysseus, the world of Greek mythology is full of characters and epic stories that continue to inspire and entertain us today.
If you are interested in learning more about this world, you are in the right place! In this article, we will explore some of the best Greek mythology books that will transport you to ancient Greece and introduce you to the fascinating world of myths and legends.
Must-read Greek mythology books
Here we have given some must-read Greek mythology books:
Circe
Written by Madeline Miller, Circe retells the story of the sorceress Circe from the perspective of the titular character. Circe, the daughter of the sun god Helios and an ocean nymph, is mocked and scorned by her divine family.
She discovers her magical abilities and becomes entangled with mortals, including the hero Odysseus. The novel explores themes of transformation, identity, and the power of choice.
The Penelopiad
Margaret Atwood’s novel focuses on Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, and her experiences during the Trojan War. It reimagines the events of the Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective. She reflects on her life, the challenges she faced, and the role of women in ancient Greece.
The novel provides a fresh take on familiar myths and highlights the resilience of women in a male-dominated world.
Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold
Stephen Fry’s Mythos is a modern collection of Greek myths. Stylishly retold, it features adventures of gods like Zeus and the Olympians.
Fry infuses the stories with wit, humour, and cultural context. From Athena’s birth to Eros and Psyche’s love affair, the book captures the wonder and complexity of ancient Greek mythology books.
The Silence of the Girls
Pat Barker’s novel presents the events of the Iliad through the eyes of Briseis, a Trojan queen captured by Achilles during the sack of Lyrnessus. Briseis becomes Achilles’ concubine and witnesses the brutality of war. The book portrays women’s experiences during the conflict, devoid of glamorization, and offers a raw perspective on the Trojan War.
The Women of Troy
Written by Euripides, The Women of Troy is a tragic play set after the fall of Troy. It focuses on the suffering of the Trojan women, mainly Hecuba, Andromache, and Cassandra, who are now enslaved by the Greeks.
The gods Athena and Poseidon discuss ways to punish the Greeks, and the play explores themes of war, loss, and the fate of women caught in the aftermath of conflict.
Fifteen Dogs
Andre Alexis’s novel Fifteen Dogs is an allegorical tale where Greek gods Apollo and Hermes grant human intelligence to 15 dogs. The dogs’ reactions to their newfound abilities vary.
Some struggle with self-consciousness, while others embrace their skills. The story delves into themes of identity, fate, and the human condition.
An Orchestra of Minorities
Chigozie Obioma’s novel follows Nigerian poultry farmer Chinonso Olisa, who seeks to improve his circumstances by studying in Europe. However, he faces exploitation and discrimination.
The book explores love, faith, and power, narrated by Chinonso’s guardian spirit. It is a modern twist on the Odyssey and Igbo cosmology.
A Thousand Ships
Natalie Haynes’s novel retells the Trojan War from the perspectives of 25 mortal and immortal women. Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, frames the narrative as she educates an old male bard on the true impact of war.
The book weaves together vignettes from ancient sources, portraying the women affected by the war’s devastation.
The Darkest Minds
Alexandra Bracken’s dystopian novel introduces Ruby, a teenager with special abilities who escapes a government camp. She joins a group of other young people on the run, led by Liam.
The series continues with Never Fade, In the Afterlight, and Through the Dark. Themes include generational conflict and memory power.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken (2021)
Lore is a stand-alone urban fantasy novel set in modern-day New York City during the Agon hunt a dangerous event that occurs every seven years. Descendants of Greek heroes try to kill the gods and ascend as immortals.
Lore, the last of the Perseide bloodline, gets entangled in this deadly game. With themes of survival, revenge, and ancient gods, the novel weaves a thrilling tale.
Girl Meets Boy: The Myth of Iphis by Ali Smith
A reimagining of the myth of Iphis from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, this novel explores identity, love, and transformation. Iphis, raised as a boy by her father, falls in love with Ianthe.
Through wit and humour, Smith subverts traditional narratives about race and gender, positioning Oreo as a “thriving hybrid” in a playful and subversive way.
House of Names by Colm Toibin
Toibin’s novel retells the ancient Greek play cycle, the Oresteia. It follows the cursed family of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae.
Clytemnestra seeks revenge after Agamemnon sacrifices their daughter, Iphigenia. Orestes, their son, later avenges his father’s death. The novel delves into themes of grief, isolation, and family dysfunction.
For the Most Beautiful: A Novel of the Women of Troy by Emily Hauser
Set during the Trojan War, this novel reveals the untold stories of Krisayis (daughter of the Trojans’ High Priest) and Briseis (princess of Pedasus).
They fight to determine the fate of Troy amidst mischievous gods and mythic heroes. Hauser breathes new life into this ancient legend, exploring passion, revenge, and sacrifice.
Oreo by Fran Ross
A satirical novel, Oreo follows the humorous picaresque quest of its eponymous character, Oreo. Born into a mixed-heritage relationship, Oreo embarks on a quest to find her long-absent father in New York.
Ross creatively challenges notions of race, ethnicity, and culture, drawing inspiration from the Greek tale of Theseus.
Alcestis by Euripides
A classic Greek tragedy, Alcestis tells the story of Alcestis, who sacrifices herself to save her husband, King Admetus. Her willingness to die for him leads to a confrontation with death itself. The play explores themes of love, sacrifice, and mortality.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Miller’s novel reimagines the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus during the Trojan War. Through Patroclus’s perspective, it delves into love, friendship, and destiny.
The book beautifully captures the epic events and emotions of ancient Greece.
Some Questions
What is Greek mythology?
Greek mythology books consist of ancient stories and legends about gods, goddesses, heroes, and magical creatures. These tales explain natural phenomena, human behaviour, and the origins of the world.
Why are there so many versions of Greek myths?
Greek myths were passed down orally for generations. Each storyteller added their own twists and interpretations, leading to multiple versions. So, there is no one “correct” version just different perspectives.
