I’ve found a few novels I want to read that are retellings of Greek myths, but I know virtually nothing about Greek mythology. Before I read a retelling I’d like to get an idea of who is who and what the basic (original) stories are. Can someone recommend an idiot’s guide of some sort? Availability as an audiobook is strongly preferred. The retellings are mostly stories from the perspectives of women, if that helps.
by RandomDragon314
2 Comments
Mythos by Stephen Fry, right up your alley
Edit: if you’re interested in more I’d suggest Metamorphoses by Ovid and Theogony by Hesiod
The Usborne Book of Greek Myths is a good start. It’s for an upper middle school audience, but it’s a good place to start.
The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology: An A-Z Guide to the Myths and Legends of the Ancient World would be good to keep around to reference if you come across a more obscure figure. I used this one a lot as a young person getting into myth.
The Illustrated Book of Myths by Neil Philip is one of my favorites. It has myths from a variety of cultures, but heavy on Greek and Roman stuff. I love the illustrations and background info he gives.
D’auleries’ Book of Greek Myths is good. They are told in a story format that is sort of chronological—starts with the Titans, moves to the Olympians.
Reading some of the classics is good too—The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Metamorphosis.