From amplifying the female perspective of mythological figures to rewriting the narrative to include diverse characters, mythological retellings allow writers to take creative liberties with ancient Western material and make it accessible to the general public.

Even as the legacy of classics grows more contentious, mythological retellings provide a platform for creators to shift the direction of the discipline for the better.

Zeus may be the powerful king of the heavens, but his adulterous tendencies make it difficult for us to sympathize with his actions. Athena may be the protector of Athens, but her rage also created the monster Medusa. However, what makes the gods all the more interesting is that they play the dual role of hero and villain, depending on the myth. Much like our modern superheroes, the gods have a fallible nature that only adds to their appeal.

We can appreciate their wild antics without feeling too close to their ancient legacy. The fact that the Greco-Roman gods are flawed beings allows us to simultaneously relate to them while still leaving a measure of distance. Classical mythology, however, possesses a kind of universality that speaks to every person. Some believe that as classics becomes a more contested discipline, the literary world will lose interest in these stories. Childhood fans of Percy Jackson and the Olympians patiently bided their time until it was socially acceptable to return to the world of mythology.Īs mythological books grow in acclaim, one has to wonder where this resurgence in popularity comes from. The Song of Achilles is hardly the first adaptation of Greco-Roman myth to gain cult status. With its gorgeous prose, passionate depiction of love, and familiar storyline, it is no wonder that the timeless tale of Achilles and Patroclus has grown so popular. Perhaps the most notable is Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles, which has taken the literary world by storm, despite being released over a decade ago. Since the advent of Booktok a few years ago, mythology-inspired novels have increased in popularity. Photo: Circe and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller A Guide to Mythological Retellings

Mythos the greek myths retold