The Olympic Games were established around 776 BC in Ancient Greece to honor the Greek God Zeus. Held every four years, the games were an essential part of culture, uniting the city-states and celebrating athletic competition and peace.While the games have changed considerably over the years (luckily, clothing is now required) its origins are still honored in modern ceremonies. If you want to brush up on your Greek history like I do, I’ve put together a list of some of the best Greek mythology stories that are educational and wildly entertaining. Let the games begin! Add your favorites in the comments!I, Medusa by Ayana GrayGray’s captivating tale reimagines the origin story of Greek mythology’s most iconic monster. Medusa (Meddy) grows up in the shadows of her sisters, yearning for a larger life. She embarks on an adventure in Athens, flourishing under Athena's guidance. But when she meets Poseidon, everything changes. I, Medusa is a YA story full of heartbreak, rage, and love, as Medusa learns to embrace her new identity and takes her fate into her own hands. Circe by Madeline MillerMiller has been praised for her ability to revitalize Greek mythology through a feminist lens, reimagining timeless tales in a way that is emotional, relevant, and completely consuming. Circe explores a young goddess forced to live in exile after Zeus discovers that she possesses the power of witchcraft. Banished to a remote island away from other gods, Circe learns to hone her powers, carving her own path, and crossing paths with other key figures of Greek mythology (like Daedalus and Icarus) along the way. Ariadne by Jennifer SaintSaint’s captivating tale follows the princess of Crete who defies her father (and her country) by helping Theseus, the Prince of Athens, to kill her brother, the Minotaur. Sacrificing everything for love and the chance of a happier ending, Ariadne forges a new path, and navigates relationships that have been made more complex by her decisions. Pulling the forgotten women of Greek mythology back to the spotlight, Saint’s novels are a fantastic choice for diving in to the forgotten women of Greek mythology. The Lightning Thiefby Rick RiordanRiordan’s beloved YA tale is worth revisiting (or reading for the first time) if you’re looking for a fun Greek mythology refresher or a magical and epic adventure to get lost in. When twelve-year-old Percy gets chased by the Minotaur to a magical summer camp, he is met with an abundance of mythical creatures, and learns he is the prime suspect in the hunt for Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. With 10 days to return it and restore peace to Mount Olympus, he embarks on the road trip of a lifetime with a satyr and the demigod daughter of Athena, discovering his own powers along the way. A Thousand Ships by Natalie HaynesA Thousand Ships is another fan favorite covering the Trojan War through the mortal women and goddesses who’ve historically played the side characters. From Penelope awaiting the return of Odysseus to the three goddesses whose feud changed the tide of war, Haynes offers a refreshing perspective on a familiar narrative. The Silence of the Girls by Pat BarkerWe all know The Iliad—Homer’s epic poem detailing the final weeks of the Trojan War. And while Homer’s work was foundational to Western literature, it largely focuses on the male perspective. Barker’s masterful retelling is told through the eyes of Briseis—the Trojan queen and captive of Achilles—shedding light on the thousands of extraordinary women who played pivotal roles during the Trojan War, breathing new life into ancient history. The Odyssey by HomerIf you’re feeling inspired by the Olympic athletes and looking for a rigorous yet satisfying challenge, Homer is your guy. Inspiring countless generations of heroes to come, The Odyssey follows Odysseus’ fateful journey back to his wife after leaving for 20 years to fight in the Trojan War. Along his journey, he is plagued by misfortune as the gods intervene.The Metamorphoses by OvidAnother epic and influential poem full of Greek (and Roman) myths, The Metamorphoses is hailed as one of the most influential texts in Western literature. Chronicling world history from creation to the reign of Julius Caesar, this 11,995-line poem has inspired greats like Shakespeare and Chaucer. Mythos by Stephen FryIf you’re looking for a comedic retelling of the Greek myths, writer, actor, and comedian Stephen Fry infuses these ancient tale with wit, emotion, and innovation. Mythos reimagines the adventures of Zeus and the Olympians in a way that feels relatable, relevant, and humorous. The audiobook is especially captivating. Want to add some audiobooks or ebooks to your reading life? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to Everand, a digital subscription that gives you instant access to millions of bestselling ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more. Start reading on the web, iOS, Android, and even offline.
