From the origins of the Labyrinth to the realities of the Trojan War and the role of women, these are some of the best nonfiction commentaries on Greek mythology. The Trojan War, fought nearly twelve hundred years before the birth of Christ, and recounted in Homer’s Iliad, continues to haunt us because of its origins: one woman’s beauty, a visiting prince’s passion, and a love that ended in tragedy. By reading this book, readers will understand why and how. In fact, many gods actually have planets named after them. Her last wish? Upon retiring, she began to write about the civilizations of the ancient world and soon gained world renown as a classicist. The stories are seperated, so this book can be read to children over many nights. Written in iambic pentameter verse and a vivid, contemporary idiom, Emily Wilson’s Odyssey sings with a voice that echoes Homer’s music; matching the number of lines in the Greek original, the poem sails along at Homer’s swift, smooth pace. Ancient Greek mythology is filled with references to strong men who conquered kingdoms, fought for their freedom and did not hesitate to kill. He’s willing to pay the full value of the cup, but Lia has another type of trade in mind. Wily Benjy moves from home to home, Prince becomes a poet, and Majnoun forges a relationship with a kind couple that stops even the Fates in their tracks. This book is special because it not only introduces kids to Greek mythology, but it lets them interact with it. The Trojans, it turns out, were not ethnic Greeks but an Anatolian people closely allied with the Hittite Empire to the east. Myths and legends from all across the world tell stories of incredible gods and goddesses who possessed remarkable abilities and divine weapons. One quick note before we jump into it: For an ancient culture that was queer AF and existing at a crossroads between multiple, diverse cultures, today’s conversations around Greek mythology are real white-washed. In Greek myth, Alcestis is known as the ideal wife; she loved her husband so much that she died and went to the underworld in his place. It’s always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power–the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. For years Raya has been forced to hide her feelings for her best friend and true love, Sarah. There’s also some great suggestions in this list of kid’s fairytale retellings.). Greek mythology is as interesting as it is historical. On the run from a punishment worse than death, an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend upends Zephyr’s world—and not only because her old friend has grown surprisingly, extremely hot. A hurricane is building over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening the coastal town of Bois Sauvage, Mississippi, and Esch’s father is growing concerned. Greek Mythology: A Captivating Introduction to Greek Mythos of Greek Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters is yet another Greek mythology book by Matt Clayton. The stories stand on their own, but are also subtly connected. C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—brilliantly reimagines the story of Cupid and Psyche. Five thousand years out of the labyrinth, the Minotaur finds himself in the American South, living in a trailer park and working as a line cook at a steakhouse. Students should be familiar with the major gods, goddesses and mythological place names of Ancient Greece (E.D. She knows he’s no guardian angel, and his dark world isn’t exactly heaven, yet she can’t stay away . He uses ancient literature to … Now it’s Kate Winters’s turn. The book has quick-witted humor, wild adventures, and gorgeous drawings. These stories helped Ancient Greeks cope with their lives, and build a better understanding of them. It has four sections: gods, nature myths, demigods, and fables. Ten seemingly endless years of brutal conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans are over, and the Greeks are victorious. One that finds them more tangled up in each other—and in fantasy—than either was prepared for. In a haunting voice reminiscent of Sylvia Plath, with the contemporary lyricism of David Levithan, Brynne Rebele-Henry weaves a powerful inversion of the Orpheus myth informed by the real-world truths of conversion therapy. Historians, archaeologists and scientists have been able to confirm the validity of … The cover and pictures will draw readers in, but the contents will make them stay. It seems that Zephyr might just be the Nyx, a dark goddess that is prophesied to shift the power balance: for hundreds of years the half-gods have lived in fear, and Zephyr is supposed to change that. It is full of beautiful pictures, humor, and storytelling. The ancient Greeks continue to captivate us, with clues that lead us into mysteries that have yet to be solved. Here’s some of my favorite translations and collections of Greek mythology. The cup, August tells her, is known as the Rose Kylix, and it’s no ordinary cup. This book tells these stories, and relates them back to the modern day. With breathtaking historical detail and luminous prose, Pat Barker brings the teeming world of the Greek camp to vivid life. As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. 30. This is the perfect Greek mythology book for kids. This book is kid-friendly, and easy for people of all ages to read. Can she escape the grasp of the god of Winter’s minions? It’s the crowning achievement of ancient Egyptian … The book also has a map, and beautiful drawings. With a wealth of material that reproduces the Age of Bronze in all its glory, it brings to life a war that we have all learned about but never before experienced. So he dares her to try it for herself, and when Lia drinks from the Rose Kylix she is suddenly immersed in an erotic myth so vivid it seems real—as though she’s living out the most sensual fantasy with August by her side…. The great plays of Ancient Greece are among the most enduring and important legacies of the Western world. Older, wiser, and far more powerful than she, Hades isn’t interested in becoming her lover, at least not anytime soon. This list (last updated in April of 2019) was written with the intention of helping you make that decision. Zephyr was ready for a future pretending to be a normal human instead of a half-god assassin. Read the introductions to the books listed below in RESOURCES. These 20 books will help set those Greek mythology facts straight, and help acquaint new readers with the beautiful world of Ancient Greece. From gods and goddesses to heroes and monsters, there are too many worthy Greek characters to remember. However, the myths in the book were written by Lady Hestia Evans in 1825. Keep an eye on your inbox. There are many characters whose stories interweave, and myths that are often told in different ways. This classic book is one of the most popular and best-selling books for those who want to read about Greek mythology. And mesmerizing. It is full of fascinating history, and tells many stories from the perspectives of heros, heroines, and their families. Author Lafcadio Hearn was a scholar in Tokyo on the cusp of the 20th century, and was fascinated by the customs of the country where he spent his remaining years. These include Michael Ventris, the brilliant amateur who deciphered the script but met with a sudden, mysterious death that may have been a direct consequence of the deipherment; and Alice Kober, the unsung heroine of the story whose painstaking work allowed Ventris to crack the code. Nonfiction Commentary and Books about Greek Mythology. Her goddess mom whisks her off to the Underworld to hide until Spring. This book is great for kids of all ages, but it is most suitable for those that are aged 9-12. This book tells the tales of all the greatest Greek myths. Carved close to the original Greek, acclaimed classicist Caroline Alexander’s new translation is swift and lean, with the driving cadence of its source—a translation epic in scale and yet devastating in its precision and power. Olympians Boxed Set by George O’Connor includes six biographies on six Olympians: Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Aphrodite. Mythology by Edith Hamilton (1942) Myths of the Ancient Greeks by Richard P. Martin (2003) The Penguin Book of Classical Myths by Jenny March (2008) The Gods of the Greeks by Károly Kerényi (1951) The Heroes of the Greeks by Károly Kerényi (1959) A Handbook of Greek Mythology by H. J. Suddenly capable of more complex thought, the pack is torn between those who resist the new ways of thinking, preferring the old ‘dog’ ways, and those who embrace the change. Jen wrote: "The Fifty Shades of Grey, and the Dominated by the Billionaire books do not belong on this list. 9780316341516. At school she’s haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood… and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they’re destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. The Greek Myths by Robert Graves is one of the most interesting books on Greek mythology. Five Books deputy editor Cal Flyn selects five of the best books on abandoned places, including a cultural history of ruins, an account of natural recovery in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, plus two unsettling works of science fiction. Martin’s Metamorphoses will be the translation of choice for contemporary readers in English. Find suggestions in these posts: This post contains affiliate links. There’s a bewildering array of books out there on Greek mythology, especially at the beginner level. The book doesn’t read like a book at all; it reads like a comic book. The books above are just a start. These stories are easy to remember. Learn about the most important Greek myths in this book. However, as a mythology rooted in oral traditions with its always-shifting truth, this seems right. Esch and her three brothers are stocking food, but there isn’t much to save. Filled with white-knuckle chases and battles, impossible puzzles and riddles, acts of base cowardice and real bravery, not to mention murders and selfless sacrifices, Heroes is the story of what we mortals are truly capable of – at our worst and our very best. Judged, despised, cursed by gods she has long since lost faith in, Clytemnestra reveals the tragic saga that led to these bloody actions: how her husband deceived her eldest daughter Iphigeneia with a promise of marriage to Achilles, only to sacrifice her because that is what he was told would make the winds blow in his favor and take him to Troy; how she seduced and collaborated with the prisoner Aegisthus, who shared her bed in the dark and could kill; how Agamemnon came back with a lover himself; and how Clytemnestra finally achieved her vengeance for his stunning betrayal—his quest for victory, greater than his love for his child. 1998. This book has the same whimsical tone as Disney’s own movie about Greek mythology, Hercules. It’s simple, quick to read, and really funny. It details many myths from Greek history. The maids form a chanting and singing Chorus, which focuses on two questions that must pose themselves after any close reading of the Odyssey: What led to the hanging of the maids, and what was Penelope really up to? Homer’s poems-transmitted orally across the generations, shaped and reshaped in a living, self-renewing tradition-occupy, as Adam Nicolson writes “a third space” in the way we relate to the past: not as memory, which lasts no more than three generations, nor as the objective accounts of history, but as epic, invented after memory but before history, poetry which aims “to bind the wounds that time inflicts.”. Realizing the true power of this ancient and dangerous relic, Lia is even more wary of giving it up, though August insists it is only safe with him. As he grows older, Geryon escapes his abusive brother and affectionate but ineffectual mother, finding solace behind the lens of his camera and in the arms of a young man named Herakles, a cavalier drifter who leaves him at the peak of infatuation. Desires and consequences lead the all-too-human characters through a piercing new interpretation of classic themes. But Ndali is from a wealthy family and struggles to imagine a future near a chicken coop. The award-winning poet reinvents a genre in a stunning work that is both a novel and a poem, both an unconventional re-creation of an ancient Greek myth and a wholly original coming-of-age story set in the present. Not a chance. The Olympians were made up of 12 gods and goddesses: Poseidon, Artemis, Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Demeter, Hephaestus, Hermes, Athena, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes and Dionysus. These characters are some of the most prominent in both Greek and Roman mythology. Whether on mythology in general or particular branches, what are the best books you have read on the subject? Yes, the twelve gods of Olympus are alive and well in the twenty-first century, but they are crammed together in a London townhouse-and none too happy about it. Edith Hamilton's mythology succeeds like no other book in bringing to life for the modern reader the Greek, Roman and Norse myths that are the keystone of Western culture-the stories of gods and heroes that have inspired human creativity from antiquity to the present. Ancient History Encyclopedia receives a small commission for each book sold through our affiliate partners. These are names that are often referred to. Back Bay Books. The book is full of amazing stories and beautiful pictures. . p. 100. These are the stories of the women embroiled in that legendary war and its terrible aftermath, as well as the feud and the fatal decisions that started it all. We follow the drama of the Trojan War and the wanderings of Odysseus. It is the perfect bedtime book. This book strays from the ordinary by including commentary from the author. In Women & Power, she traces the origins of this misogyny to its ancient roots, examining the pitfalls of gender and the ways that history has mistreated strong women since time immemorial. It’s a story as old as time. This book is full of beautiful images from Greek mythology that need colored. Greek Mythology Explained by Marious Christou and David Ramenah takes a “deeper look at classical greek lore and myth.”. And they’ve had to get day jobs: Artemis as a dog-walker, Apollo as a TV psychic, Aphrodite as a phone sex operator, Dionysus as a DJ. Books are broken down by category: translations of the classics, fictional retellings, nonfiction commentary, as well as books for teens, middle graders, and kids. While many Greek myths are not kid-friendly, there are some that definitely are. The added twist about this book is that Rick Riordan’s popular, fictional character, Percy Jackson, is the narrator. That doesn’t mean readers shouldn’t take the time to learn about it. By purchasing books through this website, you support our non-profit organization. At long last, Mary Beard addresses in one brave book the misogynists and trolls who mercilessly attack and demean women the world over, including, very often, Mary herself. But if she doesn’t…. Ideal for the first time reader, it can be read as a single page-turning narrative, while full commentaries as well as a comprehensive index of names make it equally valuable for anyone seeking an authoritative and detailed account of the spectacular stories that make up the bedrock of Western literature. Only she can’t. Edith Hamilton’s mythology succeeds like no other book in bringing to life for the modern reader the Greek, Roman and Norse myths that are the keystone of Western culture-the stories of gods and heroes that have inspired human creativity from antiquity to the present. Some of the most well-known characters in this book are: Zeus, Hera, Athena, Pandora, and Theseus. Clytemnestra rules Mycenae now, along with her new lover Aegisthus, and together they plot the bloody murder of Agamemnon on the day of his return after nine years at war. The Greek Myths by Robert Graves is one of the most interesting books on Greek mythology. This book is not great for all ages, but it is certainly informative. Will Hades ever admit his feelings for her? When she’s whisked away to Mount Olympus Academy, she worries about fitting in and dealing with her dad (Zeus). The poems, which ask the eternal questions about the individual and the community, honor and service, love and war, tell us how we became who we are. The Ancient Greeks believed that everything in life was controlled by a god or goddess – so, if the crops didn’t grow very well one year, they thought it was because the goddess of the harvest (Demeter) wasn’t happy. Who knew that having relatives could be so complicated, even for a god? From acclaimed illustrator and author G. Brian Karas comes a witty tale about navigating family and finding one’s voice-based on Greek mythology! Bulfinch’s Mythology – The Age of Fable, or Stories of Gods and Heroes. Her celebrated and bestselling books include Mythology, The Greek Way, The Roman Way, and The Echo of Greece. Briseis becomes Achilles’s concubine, a prize of battle, and must adjust quickly in order to survive a radically different life, as one of the many conquered women who serve the Greek army. There are also brief tales from Norse myths regarding deities such as Thor, Odin, and Loki. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. Whether you wish to explore the world that gave rise to ancient mythology or research a specific piece of the whole, this handbook is the best introduction available to an extraordinary cast of characters (gods, nymphs, satyrs, monsters, heroes) and the natural and supernatural stages upon … This book, like many others, tells the stories of Greek gods and goddesses from Greek myths. ISBN. This book set includes more in-depth details from the stories of the Olympians. This book helps readers get back to the basics and learn about the earliest Greek myths. Her goddess powers are developing some serious, kick-butt potential. Orpheus Girl is a mythic story of dysfunctional families, trauma, first love, heartbreak, and ultimately, the fierce adolescent resilience that has the power to triumph over darkness and ignorance. When you buy through these links, Book Riot may earn a commission. Ancient Greek religion encompasses the collection of beliefs, rituals, and mythology originating in ancient Greece in the form of both popular public religion and cult practices.These groups varied enough for it to be possible to speak of Greek religions or "cults" … Three thousand years ago a war took place where legends were born: Achilles, the greatest of the Greeks, and Hector, prince of Troy. This book is great for kids who both have and haven’t read the Percy Jackson series. No longer a devourer of human flesh, the Minotaur is a socially inept, lonely creature with very human needs. From the origins of the Labyrinth to the realities of the Trojan War and the role of women, these are some of the best nonfiction commentaries on Greek mythology. Every girl who has taken the test has died. Greek mythology is one of those class units that no one forgets. Being a Greek god is not all it once was. Here are the immortals of Olympus—the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece—as freshly described as if they were alive today. It started when I was a kid; I fell in love with Greek Mythology even without Percy Jackson books! Midas wants everything to be his favorite color—yellow! 30. This book has everything there is to know about Greek mythology. This genre includes books … What is Greek mythology? But when he arrives he discovers there is no place at the school for him, and that he has been utterly duped by the young Nigerian who has made the arrangements.. Penniless, homeless, and furious at a world which continues to relegate him to the sidelines, Chinonso gets further away from his dream, from Ndali and the farm he called home. This set comes with fun artwork, interesting stories, and a free poster of the Olympian family tree. Spanning continents, traversing the earth and cosmic spaces, and told by a narrator who has lived for hundreds of years, the novel is a contemporary twist of Homer’s Odyssey. The woman, Ndali, is stopped her in her tracks. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together – and trying to tear them apart. Featuring talkative goats, a cat lady, a bird woman, a beer-drinking ogre, a squid who falls in love with the sun, and a girl who gives birth to cubs, here are extravagantly imagined, bracingly contemporary stories, heralding a new beginning for one of the world’s oldest literary traditions. When her family objects to the union because he is uneducated, Chinonso sells most of his possessions to attend a college in Cyprus. Treasury of Greek Mythology by Donna Jo Napoli and Christina Balit is National Geographic’s own book on Greek mythology. The myths from Ancient Greece are often drawn on as inspiration. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. By turns whimsical and haunting, erudite and accessible, richly layered and deceptively simple, Autobiography of Red is a profoundly moving portrait of an artist coming to terms with the fantastic accident of who he is. But Lia is skeptical of August’s claims of the cup’s mythology and magic—after all, he’s a collector himself, and she suspects he just wants to get his hands on this impressive piece of art. Greek Mythology: An Adult Coloring Book by Jade summer is a great start for those hoping to get into the adult coloring book game. For Her Dark Skin is a tightly crafted exploration of the story of Jason and Medea weaving both traditional and contemporary fictional and thematic elements into a sharply ironic tale of revenge, ambition, passion and pride. On the day of Lia’s university graduation party, her parents—wealthy art collectors with friends in high places—gift her a beautiful wine cup, a rare artifact decorated with roses. With personal reflections on her own online experiences with sexism, Beard asks: If women aren’t perceived to be within the structure of power, isn’t it power itself we need to redefine? The famous Egyptian Book of the Dead, also known as the Book of Going Forth by Day, is one of the most important primary sources for the study of ancient Egyptian mythology and religion, and by far the one of greatest interest to the lay reader. Hamilton, Edith. My fascination with the soap opera–worthy cast of goddesses and gods, heart-breaking tragedies, and fantastical shifts from human to beast and back again has only grown stronger over the years. A landmark anthology of the masterpieces of Greek drama, featuring all-new, highly accessible translations of some of the world’s most beloved plays, including Agamemnon, Prometheus Bound, Bacchae, Electra, Medea, Antigone, and Oedipus the King, featuring translations by Emily Wilson, Frank Nisetich, Sarah Ruden, Rachel Kitzinger, Mary Lefkowitz, and James Romm. The only work of its kind to survive from classical antiquity, the Library of Apollodorus is a unique guide to Greek mythology, from the origins of the universe to the Trojan War. Imogen and Anthea, sisters that are opposites, work together at Pure, a creative agency attempting to “bottle imagination, politics, and nature” in the form of a new Scottish bottled-water business with global aspirations. 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