They have existed for generations, passed down and tweaked by cultural shifts. To this day, Greek mythology stories fascinate the masses-are they fantasy stories, or something more complicated than that? In the past few years in particular, they’ve being treated to fresh, new voices with incredible retellings fit for a modern audience. With so many options, it can be hard to narrow down your choices, but we’re sure going to give it a shot. Here are 5 great Greek mythology retellings to kick off your obsession.
5. Circe by Madeline Miller
Of course it’s on the list, come on! This retelling is one of a kind. Fingers crossed that the rumours are true, and we’ll be treated to an HBO series based on the novel as well.
Told from the viewpoint of the often sidelined Circe, Madeline Miller shines a light on the character, who makes her way through the world with the odds stacked against her. Circe is born as a daughter of the Greek titan Helios, but is believed to be powerless and ugly. Shunned by her family, she is left to her own devices and forced to survive largely on her own. This soon leads her to Glaucos, a mortal fisherman.
The two quickly fall in love, but Circe is distraught at his mortality. This prompts her to find a way to make him into a god. By using herbs and flowers she is able to transform him into his ‘true self’. But Glaucos soon becomes full of himself with his new divinity, and quickly leaves Circe and runs off with a nymph.
What follows is a tale of revenge, but also self-discovery. Greek mythology retellings are the perfect medium for adventure, and Circe delivers it in spades.
4. Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
If there’s one thing that we love in the world of Greek mythology retellings, it’s a take on the story of Hades and Persephone. Now, there are options a plenty in this category, but we can’t proceed without mentioning arguably the most popular graphic novel iteration of the tale.
After gaining immense popularity as a webtoon, author Rachel Smythe was able to adapt her story into graphic novel form, thus increasing its reach and cementing it as one of the biggest Greek mythology retellings out there. The story uses a modern voice and beautiful artistry to bring their tale to life, and it’s an enjoyable experience from start to finish!
3. Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
As in a lot of mythology, those born without power will do whatever is necessary in order to achieve it. And who is most aware of this fact? Clytemnestra. Forced into a marriage she did not want, her husband turns out to be a tyrant, and her first born is sacrificed to appease the gods. War breaks out, and she decides bide her time-revenge will be hers soon enough. If you’re looking for mythology with a strong female voice, look no further.
2. Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes
Funny, sharp explications of what these sometimes not-very-nice women were up to, and how they sometimes made idiots of . . . but read on!
Margaret Atwood
This book is re-telling of the classic tale of Pandora, but without sidelining anyone. Mythology is often viewed through the male gaze-Pandora opens a box she shouldn’t have and ruins everything, blah blah blah. But life is more nuanced, and there’s more to this story that meets the eye.
1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller is swiftly becoming the queen of Greek mythology retellings.The Song of Achilles is the perfect answer to the question “can we get a little more romance in these epic adventures?”. A retelling of Homer’s The Iliad, the story follows warrior Patroclus and the development of his relationship with Achilles, their various exploits and the culmination of their feelings for one another. The novel provides a fresh perspective of the titular hero, and posits the question of not only how people fall in love, but how they stay in love.
There are so many incredible Greek mythology retellings available to those who seek them. Hopefully a modern sentiment will mean in the future, and more minor characters brought into the mainstream to analyze and enjoy.
