Understanding ancient mythology is essential to truly comprehending all forms of classical art.
Whether it be painting, sculpture, literature or drama; all analytical, intellectual and emotional roads of appreciation lead back to the magical and horrifying stories which governed the lives of our long-gone ancestors.
We can almost guarantee that avid historians and humanities students will be nodding in resolute agreement, for there’s ne’er been an academic essay that hasn’t been graded highly for drawing parallels between whatever the required reading for the course may be, and the wars, romances, transformations and tragedies of ancient Greece, Rome or Scandinavia.
It’s strange to think that so many of us mythological obsessives first got the itch to learn more about the fascinating tales of ‘ole when we were children, given that the vast majority of the stories contain rather gory and horrific details. Like Aesop’s fables, however, it’s the moral lessons at the heart of each and every narrative that makes them so timeless.
From Icarus flying too close to the sun and Narcissus falling in love with his reflection, to the opening of Pandora’s box and the treacherous journey home from Troy taken by Odysseus, icons of Greek mythology have become ingrained in our understanding of the psychology of the human condition. Icarus teaches us the dangers of hubris, Narcissus of vanity, Pandora of unchecked curiosity, and all of the above are touched upon throughout Odysseus’ 10-year journey.
We’ve curated a selection of the best books about Greek mythology to help you better understand the classic tales of ancient history below.
The Iliad by Homer
Known as the first and greatest literary achievement of the Ancient Greeks, The Iliad is the foremost epic poem whose cultural influence knows no bounds. A story that needs no introduction, Homer’s panoramic piece begins in the last year of the Trojan War.
Buy now £15.29, Amazon
The Odyssey by Homer
The second of the ancient Greek poet’s epic tales and widely considered to be slightly more accessible, The Odyssey is the chronological sequel to The Iliad. It follows Odysseus’ 10-year journey home from Troy to Ithaca, following the events of The Trojan War. It’s filled to the brim with fantastical and terrifying mythological obstacles and, given that Odysseus’ journey home is by sea, he is perennially at the mercy of the sea-God Poseidon.
Buy now £13.59, Amazon
Metamorphoses by Ovid
Written in approximately 8AD, Ovid’s ingenious Metamorphoses remains one of the most important books on Greek mythology to ever exist. Written in hexameter verse, it is a collection of the most legendary stories from Greek mythological tradition which have been interwoven by the overarching theme of transformation.
Buy now £19.63, Amazon
Mythos by Stephen Fry
Imbued with Fry’s signature wit and highly accessible intellect, Mythos distils the overwhelmingly expansive world of Greek mythology into an enthralling yarn. He offers an encapsulating retelling of legendary myths with his own fascinating, contemporary insight – from the birth of Athena to the descent of Persephone into the underworld. Follow this one up with Heroes (2018), Troy (2020) and Odyssey (2024), or better yet, buy the boxset.
Buy now £6.00, Amazon
Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths by Natalie Haynes
“Of all creatures that can feel and think, we women are the worst treated things alive,” says Medea in the ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides. In Haynes’ beloved feminist treatment of classic Greek myth, she gives a new voice to the bustling array of female characters described in the ancient stories. From Pandora to Medea and Phaedra, Haynes exposes the true nuance of the legendary figures – contrary to the retellings of male historians.
Buy now £9.78, Amazon
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, 75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition
To this day, since its original publication in 1942, many schoolchildren across the globe credit Edith Hamilton’s Mythology with being the text that ignited a deep love for ancient Greek legend. It’s a perennial bestseller and has been for over seven decades thanks to its ability to showcase the true immortality of brilliant storytelling – through telling and re-telling again. It includes stories of love and adventure, the great families of ancient mythology, lesser-known myths and even some Norse mythology.
Buy now £18.79, Amazon
The Penguin Book of Classical Myths by Jennifer March
Every question you’ve ever had about the idiosyncrasies of Greek mythology has been answered in this compendium by Jennifer March – from the clash of the Titans to the fall of Troy and everything in between. March even includes a series of maps both astrological and geographical alongside her captivating narrative.
Buy now £13.59, Amazon
The Greek Myths: The Complete and Definitive Edition by Robert Graves
Comprehensive, insightful and beautifully written – you simply can’t go wrong with Robert Graves’ beloved book. First published in 1955, the definitive two-volume classic remains an essential read for students and classical enthusiasts alike.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
The Song of Achilles by Madeiline Miller
A retelling of The Trojan War from the perspective of the exiled prince Patroclus, Miller’s formidable piece of fantastical, historical fiction focuses on Patroclus’ intimate relationship and ultimately unbreakable bond with Achilles. Taking place within the Age of Heroes, Miller’s suspenseful, gut-wrenching romance features bone-chilling characterisations which will delight Classics enthusiasts.
Buy now £9.39, Amazon
