MYTHOLOGICAL FAVORITES

Today, we are going to take a pause in our storytelling journey to talk about some of my mythological favorites. I want this series to encourage people to learn more about mythology and not just from someone who got most of her knowledge from podcasts. So I have compiled a little list for everyone, lovers of lore and those just getting started alike. Whether you are looking for reimaginings, hopefully, there is something for everyone.

Also, I fully acknowledge that this list has a bias toward Western cultures, especially Greco-Roman mythology. I would love to do another one of these posts in the future with a better diversity of storytelling traditions represented. So if you have any ideas of things I should be recommending, please either comment here or send me a message using my contact form.

1. The Child Ballads by Anaïs Mitchell and Jefferson Hamer

If you read my second "Tam Lin" post, this pick should be no surprise. Anaïs and Jefferson use their beautiful voices to retell six of the Child Ballads: Scottish and English stories of love, tragedy, and the supernatural. I mean, it's Anaïs Mitchell. I don't feel I need to sell this any more than I have. Just go listen to it.

2. Everything Under by Daisy Johnson

There is no shortage of incredible novels inspired by mythology, but Everything Under is by far the most harrowing I have read. Johnson has you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning as you and the protagonist, Gretel, explore her family's past and her childhood on the canals of the Oxford with her mother and a runaway boy, Marcus. I don't want to say too much about this book, because I feel it is best experienced going in blind (hint, hint). All I will say is that this book is inspired by a famous myth that I am sure you are all familiar with.

3. Myths and Legends Podcast

I love reading, but it just feels right to listen to these stories that have been passed down orally for centuries. Jason Weiser's podcast, Myths and Legends, is storytime for kids and adults alike. Every week, he brings you a new or familiar story from mythology or folklore told to you in his engaging, contemporary style. It's also a great way to dip your toe into traditions that don't just border the Adriatic sea.

4. Mythos by Stephen Fry

Before you can have Mythos Mondays, you have to have Mythos. This choice is especially for those who are less familiar with the basic stories and timeline of Greek mythology. Stephen Fry's writing, while being full of new insights on the Greek stories, is also hilarious, epic, and even a little saucy at times. Basically, Fry is your slightly provocative uncle telling you his favorite stories with the occasional exhaustive lesson Greek etymology.

5. Mythology by Edith Hamilton

As I much as I love Stephen Fry, Edith Hamilton's Mythology will always be the instigator in my love for Greek mythology. If Fry is your uncle, Hamilton is that cool, young professor who explains stories in a way that just makes sense. She also goes beyond the Greeks to talk about the Roman crossover and even a gentle dose of Norse for good measure. My only grievance is that I almost fell asleep during the Trojan War section. But then again, it's the Trojan War, so it's not really her fault.

6. Crash Course Mythology

Not everyone has time for a 400-page book on mythology, but everyone has time for a 10-minute YouTube video. Crash Course Mythology is the perfect introduction to the archetypes, commonalities, and differences between stories across the world. What is a trickster god? Why are powerful women always depicted as ugly? Crash Course has the answers.

7. Spirits Podcast

Want a more adult and casual look at mythology? Julia and Amanda have you covered. Spirits is an exploration of all things mythology and covers a wonderful diversity of traditions and topics, all while the hosts are gently intoxicated. Don't forget to check out their urban legend episodes where they discuss listener-submitted stories from their own home towns.

8. Circe by Madeline Miller

Whether it be classic novels or myths, I love a retelling that highlights an originally voiceless character. Madeline Miller is an expert in creating engaging and heart-wrenching stories narrated by Greek side characters and villains. Circe in particular tells the story of the witch that in Homer's Odyssey, turns all of Odysseus men into pigs. Circe's story is tragic, romantic, and even ascends to a level heroism Odysseus wishes he could achieve. Her other novel, Song of Achilles, is another great retelling and a perfect pick for Pride month.

9. Tyler Feder's Goddess Series

If you have made it this far through the list, my guess is you are already a mythology aficionado. And what better to show off your new interest with some beautiful art? I have long been obsessed with Tyler Feder's beautiful and inspirational renderings of diverse bodies, and her goddess series is no exception. Check out her Etsy shop for digital downloads, original drawings, and even coloring pages of artwork that helps you see the divine in yourself. You should also follow her Instagram where she posts her art as it explores feminism, body image, grief, and pop culture.

10. The Encyclopedia of Early Earth

Some stories don't draw from just one story, but many. The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is simultaneously without a tradition and part of every tradition on earth. The world of Greenberg's novels is full of cultures that show similarities with our own without perfect parallels. This is the world of a young storyteller from the North Pole who finds himself unable to touch the love of his life due to some unseen force. This graphic novel tells his story from the beginning along with a host of side stories that draw on everything from Homer to Inuit lore to the Bible. You will fall in love with the beautifully rough illustrations, the quick-witted characters, and of course, the epic story of one man on a journey to literally find himself. While you're at it, you should also read her other graphic novel from the same universe, A Hundred Nights of Hero.

All book images are from Amazon.