The Best Greek Mythology Resources for Writers
The Best Greek Mythology Resources for Writers
Introduction:
One of the questions I get alot from my readers and fellow writers is where I source my information on the Greek Myths from. As you know if you’ve read my work, The Queens of Fantasy Saga is entrenched in multiple mythologies and religions, but this first saga focuses chiefly on the Greeks and Mount Olympus. I have always thought that before bastardising ancient myths for the good of your own art, you should know what you’re talking about, so i have studied these in great depth and am actually currently studying an online diploma on exactly this subject as well via The Centre of Excellence. I thought in the spirit of supporting all those who come after me and wish to learn of the Greek Myths for their own storytelling I would share my top resources!
Whether you’re looking for Poetry to give you a feel of the Gods’ and Goddesses’ personalities, a more historical view of the myths and their impact on both Greek and Modern Day society, or just the stories themselves, I’ve got you covered!
Mythos
By Stephen Fry
SYNOPSIS
Mythos is a modern collection of Greek myths, stylishly retold by legendary writer, actor, and comedian Stephen Fry. Fry transforms the adventures of Zeus and the Olympians into emotionally resonant and deeply funny stories, without losing any of their original wonder.
This stunning book features classical artwork inspired by the myths, as well as learned notes from the author.
• Each adventure is infused with Fry's distinctive wit, voice, and writing style
• Connoisseurs of the Greek myths will appreciate this fresh-yet-reverential interpretation, while newcomers will feel welcome
• Retellings brim with humor and emotion and offer rich cultural context
Celebrating the thrills, grandeur, and unabashed fun of the Greek myths, Mythos breathes life into ancient tales—from Pandora's box to Prometheus's fire.
This gorgeous volume invites you to explore a captivating world with the brilliant storyteller Stephen Fry as your guide.
• A collectible volume complete with a textured case, a foil-stamped jacket, and full-color art throughout
• The perfect gift for Greek mythology and history buffs, lovers of ancient Greece, art aficionados, and devoted fans of Stephen Fry
• Add it to the shelf with books like Circe by Madeline Miller, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, and Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton
The Greek and Roman Myths
by Philip Matyszak
SYNOPSIS
Full of intriguing facts and diverting stories―the ideal introduction to the myths and tales that lie at the heart of Western culture.
Who was Pandora and what was in her famous box? How did Achilles get his Achilles heel? What exactly is a Titan? And why is one computer virus known as a Trojan horse?
The myths of ancient Greece and Rome can seem bewilderingly complex, yet they are so much a part of modern life and discourse that most of us know fragments of them. This comprehensive companion takes these fragments and weaves them into an accessible and enjoyable narrative, guiding the reader through the basic stories of classical myth.
Philip Matyszak explains the sequences of events and introduces the major plots and characters, from the origins of the world and the labors of Hercules to the Trojan War and the voyages of Odysseus and Aeneas. He brings to life an exotic cast of heroes and monsters, wronged women and frighteningly arbitrary yet powerful gods. He also shows how the stories have survived and greatly influenced later art and culture, from Renaissance painting and sculpture to modern opera, literature, movies, and everyday products. 100 black-and-white illustrations
Great Goddesses
By Nikita Gill
Bestselling poet, writer, and Instagram sensation Nikita Gill returns with a collection of poetry and prose retelling the legends of the Goddesses, both great and small, in their own words.
With lyrical prose and striking verse, beloved poet Nikita Gill (Fierce Fairytales, Wild Embers) uses the history of Ancient Greece and beyond to explore and share the stories of the mothers, warriors, creators, survivors, and destroyers who shook the world. In pieces that burn with empathy and admiration for these women, Gill unearths the power and glory of the very foundations of mythology and culture that have been too-often ignored or pushed aside.
Complete with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations, Gill's poetry and stories weave old and forgotten tales of might and love into an empowering collection for the modern woman.
The Penguin History of The World
By J.M Roberts & Odd Arne Westad
SYNOPSIS
J.M. Roberts's renowned History of the World is widely considered the finest available one volume survey of the major events, developments, and personalities of the known past, offering generations of readers a tour of the vast landscape of human history.
In this new edition, Bancroft Prize winning historian Odd Arne Westad has completely revised this landmark work to bring the narrative up to the twenty first century, including the 9/11 attacks and the wars in the Middle East. Westad utilizes the remarkable gains in scholarship in recent decades to enhance the book's coverage of early human life and vastly improve the treatment of India and China, Central Eurasia, early Islam, and the late Byzantine Empire, as well as the history of science, technology, and economics. The result is a truly remarkable work of compression and synthesis, sweeping through thousands of years of history, weaving the stories of empires, art, religion, economics, and science into a lucid and engaging narrative. Ranging from the early hominids and the emergence of Mesopotamian civilizations and ancient Egypt, the book illuminates such topics as the Roman Empire, the explosive arrival of Islam, the rise and fall of samurai rule in Japan, the medieval kingdoms of sub Saharan Africa, the Mongol conquests, and the early modern expansion of Europe across the globe; also covered are the struggle for American independence, the French Revolution, the colonial empires, Japan's startling modernization, and the World Wars.
With over 90 informative maps, The History of the World remains the finest, most readable survey in print.
Greek Myths: Meet the heroes, gods, and monsters of ancient Greece
By Jean Menzies
SYNOPSIS
This collection contains more than 30 enthralling new retellings of favorite myths as well as some you might not have heard before!
Including Theseus and the Minotaur, The Twelve Labors of Heracles, and the escapades of Jason and the Argonauts, each myth is told in engaging modern language, which is easy for children to understand yet still retains the humor and intrigue of the original tales. Stunning illustrations by multi-award winning artist Katie Ponder breathe new life into each classic story.
Additional feature pages delve deeper into the mythical world, providing profiles of the gods. The reference section provides key background information, such as Ancient Greek storytelling and the incredible beasts of the myths, and a pronunciation guide.
Greek Myths is the perfect gift, featuring foil on the cover and beautiful illustrations throughout. Children will love exploring the tales by themselves or as bedtime stories. It will be treasured forever.
Heroes
By Stephen Fry
SYNOPSIS
There are Heroes - and then there are Greek Heroes.
Few mere mortals have ever embarked on such bold and heart-stirring adventures, overcome myriad monstrous perils, or outwitted scheming vengeful gods, quite as stylishly and triumphantly as Greek heroes.
In this companion to his bestselling Mythos, Stephen Fry brilliantly retells these dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales. Join Jason aboard the Argo as he quests for the Golden Fleece. See Atalanta - who was raised by bears - outrun any man before being tricked with golden apples. Witness wily Oedipus solve the riddle of the Sphinx and discover how Bellerophon captures the winged horse Pegasus to help him slay the monster Chimera.
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.
Conclusion:
To conclude, you can see that I had a hard time narrowing down this list. There are other podcasts, television series, movies, and audiobooks which are also awesome for learning about The Greek Myths, but the ones i’ve included are all books because these are my favourite for referencing purposes while i’m writing.
BONUS TIP: I also find using my Echo Dot and asking Alexa for quick facts or details i’ve forgotten mid flow is an excellent way of making sure i have things correct and just the way i want them while i’m actually typing.
I hope you find these as useful as I have, after all, The Greek Myths are some of the most captivating in our history, and it is both my honour and duty to do them as much justice as i can when including them into my fiction.
Happy writing,
Kristy Nicolle x
The Cover Reveal for my debut tarot-inspired poetry collection I AM ARCANA