instant to-read; the greek mythology edition

I think that I’ve only read maybe two things that are explicitly inspired by Greek mythology. Maybe a few more that take things from the myths, but honestly these myths have become so wide-spread that possibly a lot of things have some inspiration from them?

Still, if we’re talking reimaginings and re-tellings, there are a few myths I would love to see more things of*.

But also, less movies retreading on these myths unless it’s 100% more diverse, thanks Hollywood.

*I don’t know so much about Greek mythology outside of a few things, but based on my loose understanding, these are what I would like more of.

• The Trojan War kind of fascinates me. Mostly the part where the Greeks tricked the Trojans. It’s sad and brutal, but then again most wars and most mythology is. Using this sort of story arc for a fantasy or science-fiction retelling would be interesting.
• The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is also tragic one, and probably been done a few times, even if I can’t remember it, but I would honestly love more takes on it? But, hey, give me a happy ending because I’m kind of tired of grim takes on life. Life is dark enough as it is.
• There are not enough of stories to do with the goddess Athena, and the world could use more. Again, I don’t know much about individual myths, but I’m sure there are some that could be used as a springboard for good stories.

• Artemis is also another favourite of mine if only because there seem to be so many possibilities of the hunter Goddess. Again, if I were to go with what I would love to read, I’d strip away much of the tragic endings – leave the angst for the middle of the story but give the characters some happy endings.
• I don’t know much about the Furies, or Erinyes, but there was a bit of them in Josephine Angelini’s Starcrossed series that fascinated me. The idea that there were deities of vengeance that would specifically target people that broke oaths, or harmed other people wrongfully, or family members who hurt other family members? Sign me the eff up, this would be fascinating in a modern day story, honestly, and I want ten immediately.

Look, I love the concept of Greek mythology inspired stories, but I am very much aware that I don’t know these myths well, so as long as the stories are well-written and diverse, I’m probably going to enjoy them.

And as long as the assault of women and women-on-women hatred is at a minimum. Because that is a huge thing in Greek mythology and it makes me uncomfortable.

I kind of want to write one of these stories now, my brain is a mess.

In the meantime, have you read any Greek mythology inspired stories? And if so, which one would you recommend?