Top 10 Mythology Books

Last year I fell in love with mythology. And I decided to read every book I could about it — the original epic adventures, the modern retellings, as well as theory, criticism and history of the Greeks, their stories and their way of life. Modern retellings of the stories of women seem to be “trending” right now, I have read them all and there are reasons why they don’t make the list here. Mostly because after you have read Madeline Miller everyone else pales in comparison. But, also because, although they claim to be “feminist retellings”, I found the majority of them nauseating and a bore. 

Myth is extremely powerful when you start to look at the characters of these stories as archetypes in your own psyche. Joseph Campbell said that mythology was the "song of the universe, the music of the spheres.” The stories are a way to understand our inner lives, the characters and dynamics are playing out beneath the surface in our unconscious. I believe we all hold these archetypes within us, and throughout our lifetime we get to experience moments where one is awakened inside us. This is one of the biggest gifts myth gives us — a looking glass to examine the underworld of story we all hold inside of us. 

1. Bright Air Black, by David Vann

Beyond. This book changed everything for me as a woman, it was the right book at the right time in my life, in almost every way it mirrored what I was going through internally and externally. As I said above, it awakened the Medea inside of me and I am so so so grateful. I use the archetype of Medea almost daily in my life to help me meet challenges to ensure growth for my soul. “Atmospheric and spellbinding, Bright Air Black is an indispensable, fresh and provocative take on one of our earliest texts and the most intimate and corporal version of Medea’s story ever told.” Pretty much sums it up. Vann’s prose is also incredible. I will also note that this book is not for the faint of heart. It isn’t for everyone. 

2. Metamorphoses, by Ovid

I have read a few versions and the best by far is Mary M. Innes translation, published by Penguin Books. Metamorphoses is a poem in fifteen books. The poem starts from chaos as it changes into harmony, each story of transformation weaves into the next — men and women who become trees or stars, animals turned to stone — remind us that we are all in a constant state of transformation. This version is particularly beautiful. It is near the top because I think it is one of the loveliest compilation of stories if you are looking for breadth of the myths and speaks to the power of transformation in life and as humans.

3. Circe, by Madeline Miller

There is something about the time we are in where the archetype of Circe is emerging in the collective. I think it is such a powerful archetype for women right now. Miller is truly artful in her retelling of Circe’s story. It is such a beautiful and soulful book. I have recommended it to so many women in my life.

4. Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

It’s hard to choose one of these Miller books over the other. They are both incredible. This is probably the most moving and beautiful love story I have ever read. Epic. Powerful. Breathtaking. I burst into tears at the end. Miller, please gift us another. 

5. The Odyssey, by Homer

Emily Wilsons’s recent translation is extraordinary. What a huge undertaking to take on this infamous ancient text. She brings the poem to life as a fully realized adventure that captures the beauty and enchantment of the original text and infuses it with even more magic, yearning and humor. Odysseus is one complicated man. A story of tragedy, marriage, family, traveling, hospitality, and home. Something we can all relate to. Odysseus’s journey can also be read as one of the metaphorical journeys our inner masculine has to take, the initiations by the female as an alchemical process in the psyche of maturing the male energy in all of us.

6. The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell

What can I say - Campbell is a once in a lifetime man. Listen to the audio version of this as it is an interview with him and Bill Moyers about the importance and power of myth in our lives. Brilliant. It is a great place to begin to understand how to look at myth as a way to understand our unconscious and conscious lives.

7. Penelopiad, by Margret Atwood

Who could resist the Atwood’s compassionate retelling of the story of Penelope as she waits for Odysseus to return from the Trojan War? In the Odyssey not much is said about what Penelope is up to while her husband is trying to make his way home. She finally gets her due, and with Atwood at the helm it is full of insight, depth and wit.

8. Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined, by Stephen Fry / Heros: The Greek Myths Reimagined, by Stephen Fry

Both are compilations of the myths and how they relate to one another. Totally entertaining as Fry writes with wit and humor. You will giggle aloud. 

9. The Theater of War: What Ancient Greek Tragedies Can Teach Us Today, by Brian Doerries

Doerrie lead an innovative public health project called The Theater of War, working with returning soldiers, addicts, hurricane survivors and a wide range of at-risk people in our society. It is such an inspiring example of how myth can help us move through the trauma of today. 

10. Mythology, by Edith Hamilton

A classic. The bible for Classics and Mythology students. Hamilton’s book is a great overview of all the myths. A great book to have on hand as a reference, or read from cover to cover. Also helpful when looking at paintings from art history (I had to get this book in grad class for a survey Art History class, it really was helpful).

Bonus

The Celestial Hunter, by Roberto Calasso

I am currently reading this, so it’s not officially on the list. But so far it has been fascinating and given me a lot of food for thought. It is an exploration of mankind’s relationship with myth, the divine, and the idea of transformation as it relates to both our evolution into being hunters, as well as looking at hunting through a more metaphorical or mythological lens. The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony is next on my list, also by Calasso.