I have a bit of an obsession with mythology. It started in childhood, escalated into me studying ancient history and archaeology through college and my undergraduate degree, and then peaked as I went on to do postgrad studies in mythology. While my Masters and PhD (which I still haven’t finished, sore point) focused on Celtic mythology, I’ve always been low-key obsessed with Greek mythology,
I’m also (if you hadn’t guessed it already) a huge fantasy fan. So, naturally, books retelling Greek mythology are way up there on my list of favourite genres to read.
AND, I’m also a writer. And recently started penning my own retelling of the myth of Athena, goddess of wisdom, crafts, and (in my version at least) a fierce defender and lover of women (yes, it’s a sapphic retelling).
The Best Greek Mythology Retelling Books
Penning my own got me thinking about all the awesome others I’ve read over the years, so I thought I’d do a round up of my favourites. If you’re looking for more in-depth reviews I’ll add them as and when I can, but for those who just love collecting these reimagined stories of the magic of ancient Greece, here are my picks for the best retellings from Greek myth…
Herc By Phoenicia Rogerson
The most recent addition to my collection, Herc seemed like a good place to start. A standalone novel recounting the life of Heracles/Hercules, Herc is told through the perspectives of his family, friends, and enemies. Covering his life from conception to apotheosis, the story includes his labours, monsters, battles, lovers, and tragedies. It’s as a feminist and queer retelling of the classic Hercules myth.
Lies We Sing To The Sea By Sarah Underwood
This sapphic, feminist reimagining of The Odyssey follows Leto, a failed oracle, and Melantho, an immortal, as they seek to kill the prince of Ithaca and break a curse by Poseidon that hangs twelve maidens annually. They meet on a hidden island, exploring themes of love, fate, grief, sacrifice, and power.
Jennifer Saint Reimagines Women Of Greek Myth
Ariadne
Jennifer Saint’s novel retells the ancient Greek myth of Ariadne and Phaedra, daughters of King Minos. Exploring themes of love, betrayal, sisterhood, and the impact of men’s egos on women’s lives, the story is set in an ancient world and written with modern sensibilities. It emphasises the punishment of women for men’s actions, giving a feminist edge to the tale of the Minotaur and Theseus’ desertion of Ariadne.
Elektra
Jennifer Saint’s Elektra is a reimagining of one of Greek mythology’s most infamous heroines. It presents the tale of the Trojan War through the experiences of three women, including Elektra herself, as they navigate ancient curses and revenge. Elektra, the daughter of Agamemnon, seeks vengeance against her mother and stepfather for the murder of her father, adding a deeply personal dimension to the epic backdrop of the Trojan War.
Atalanta
A retelling of the myth of the titular Atalanta, the book describes a fierce huntress raised by bears. Abandoned on a mountainside at birth, Atalanta is protected by the goddess Artemis and grows up to become a skilled warrior, the only woman among the Argonauts. The novel explores her life as she asserts her independence in a world dominated by male heroes.
Madeline Miller’s Greek Mythology Retellings
The Song Of Achilles
Madeline Miller’s novel is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, a young Greek prince and the lover of Achilles. The narrative follows their relationship from their first meeting through to the war at Troy, exploring their deep bond and the themes of fate and glory. It reimagines the ancient Greek Trojan war heroes’ lives with a focus on their romantic relationship, based partially on Homer’s Iliad.
Circe
Circe, the daughter of a nymph and a Titan, is scorned by her divine family and finds herself fascinated by mortals. After discovering her powers as a witch, she is exiled to an island where she hones her witchcraft. The story follows her life and encounters with various mythological figures, delving into her origin story and her relationships with Hermes, the Minotaur, Jason, Medea, Odysseus, and Telemachus.
Galatea
This novel revolves around the story of two shepherds in love with Galatea, who values her independence above all. It reimagines the mythological narrative of Galatea, the ivory statue crafted by the sculptor Pygmalion and brought to life by the goddess Aphrodite. This version explores this myth through the perspective of Galatea herself, providing a narrative of emancipation and identity.
Greek Myth Retelling Books By Claire Heywood
The Shadow Of Perseus
This novel by Claire Heywood offers a reinterpretation of the myth of Perseus, told from the perspectives of three women traditionally sidelined in the story: his mother Danae, Medusa, and his wife Andromeda. This retelling challenges the traditional narrative of Perseus as a hero, instead highlighting the experiences and voices of these women, portraying Perseus in a more complex and possibly darker light.
Daughters Of Sparta
This novel reimagines the lives of Helen and Klytemnestra, daughters of the Spartan royalty. The story follows the sisters from their childhood through the end of the Trojan War, detailing their marriages, motherhood, and experiences during the war years. It presents a new perspective on the women behind mythology’s most devastating war.
Greek Mythology Retellings By Natalie Haynes
Stone Blind
This book retells the myth of Medusa. After Poseidon violates Medusa in Athene’s temple, Athene curses Medusa, transforming her into a being with snakes for hair whose gaze turns people to stone. The book offers a nuanced portrayal of Medusa, presenting her as a victim blamed for an assault by a powerful man, exploring themes of injustice and empathy.
A Thousand Ships
A Thousand Ships (as the name suggests) retells the Trojan War from the perspective of the women involved, including the Trojan women, the Amazon princess, Penelope, and the three goddesses whose feud started the war. Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, narrates, framing the novel as a commentary on war’s disaster and destruction affecting everyone involved.
Pandora’s Jar
In Pandora’s Jar, Natalie Haynes retells Greek creation myths and four great mythic sagas: the Trojan War, the Royal House of Thebes, Jason and the Argonauts, and Heracles, from a female perspective that has often been neglected. Haynes places women at the forefront, exploring their stories and contributions to these legendary narratives with wit, humour, and insight.
The Children Of Jocasta
This book offers a retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories, focusing on Jocasta and the female characters often overlooked in these tales. Set against the backdrop of a plague-stricken Thebes, the narrative explores Jocasta’s life, from her arranged marriage to the King of Thebes to the unravelling of her family’s dark secrets.
Psyche And Eros By Luna McNamara
The story of Psyche and Eros centres on the themes of love and trust. Psyche, a mortal princess, must win back the love of Eros, the god of love, after she inadvertently betrays his trust. Despite being tasked by Aphrodite to make Psyche fall in love with a monster, Eros falls for her himself. Psyche endures several trials to prove her love and loyalty, ultimately becoming immortal and reuniting with Eros, with whom she has a daughter named Pleasure.
The Songs Of Penelope Series By Claire North
Ithica
Ithaca is the first book in The Songs Of Penelope series by Claire North. The story is set on the island of Ithaca, where Penelope, the queen of the western isles, awaits the return of her husband Odysseus from the Trojan War. The novel brings a new perspective to the events and characters that many other authors have described, focusing on Penelope’s experience and viewpoint.
House Of Odysseus
The second novel in the trilogy, House of Odysseus continues to reimagine the ancient myth, giving voice to Penelope of Ithaca, the famed wife of Odysseus. It is a story that brings to the forefront the women of Ithaca, who stand defiant in a world dominated by ruthless men. The narrative, praised for its wit, attention to detail, and exquisite characterization, offers a fresh perspective on the classic Greek myth, with the narrative voice of Aphrodite providing humour and tender insight
Phaedra By Laura Shepperson
A retelling of classic Greek myth focusing on the character of the titular Phaedra, who is often a minor figure in these stories. In this narrative, Phaedra is portrayed as Ariadne’s younger sister, who finds herself thrust into a new life in Athens after her marriage to Theseus. The novel delves into her struggles with isolation and the ignominy associated with her family’s reputation, as she is housed in a dirty room, away from her husband. The story unfolds to reveal a scandalous accusation that threatens to tear apart the royal family of Athens. This tale is not just about the individuals but also about the broader implications of truth and its manipulation within a patriarchal society, and how one woman’s courage can challenge and break through these societal constraints.
Why Books Retelling Greek Mythology Are So Timeless
Greek mythology, with its pantheon of gods, epic heroes, and timeless tales, has been a wellspring of inspiration for literature throughout the centuries. Books that retell these myths carry an enduring appeal, transcending the boundaries of time and culture for several core reasons.
At the heart of Greek mythology are universal themes that resonate deeply with the human condition. Love, betrayal, sacrifice, and the quest for identity are experiences that speak to every reader. The gods and heroes, despite their divine nature, grapple with flaws and emotions that are quintessentially human, making their stories relatable and their lessons valuable even in modern times.
Mythological characters are the original archetypes (I’ve actually written a whole book on this, alas, it’s non-fiction, but super helpful if you need to learn how to market a business!). The brave hero, the wise mentor, the vengeful deity—these are figures that form the foundation of storytelling across all genres. Retellings give these archetypes fresh life, allowing contemporary readers to explore these familiar roles in new and imaginative contexts.
Greek myths often explore profound moral and philosophical questions. They challenge readers to consider the nature of justice, the consequences of pride, and the complex interplay of fate and free will. Modern retellings can bring these contemplations to the forefront, engaging with today’s ethical and existential debates.
They’re are not just stories; they are the bedrock of Western literary tradition. By revisiting these tales, authors and readers alike partake in a rich cultural heritage. Each retelling is a link in a chain that connects the present to the past, offering a sense of continuity and shared history.
With each retelling, new layers of meaning are uncovered. Authors may apply a feminist lens, delve into psychological undercurrents, or transpose the ancient dramas into unexpected settings. This innovation keeps the myths alive, inviting a continuous conversation about their relevance and inviting readers to see these old tales through new eyes.
The timelessness of Greek mythology retellings stems from their ability to combine familiarity with innovation, presenting age-old narratives that continue to grow and adapt with each generation. They are a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its capacity to capture the complexities of human life.
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