Books about mythologies make for a great read which is why there are a lot of them. Authors retell mythologies or create their own with a lot of detail that you can’t help but admire. We decided to list the ten best mythology books of all time to see which are the best of the best.
Whenever you try to make a list of the best novels of all time, you will end up leaving some books off. Not everyone has the same taste while other books don’t age well. With so many mythology books to choose from, the ones we would recommend to readers is a shorter list than many would expect.
There are some obvious standouts that everyone will agree with. And then it comes down to what you like. We included some of the best and most popular works. While we know that isn’t always the best way, it is one that leans on the majority. You can see the full list below!
The Greatest Mythology Novels of All Time
- Odyssey by Homer
- Iliad by Homer
- Circe by Madeline Miller
- The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
- Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
- Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
- A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
- Lore by Alexandra Bracken
The Odyssey and Iliad by Homer
The Odyssey and the Iliad are two of the oldest works of literature that are still widely read around the world. Both of them are ancient Greek epic poems that are divided into 24 books each. The story follows Odysseus, a Greek hero and king of Ithaca and his journey after the Trojan War. These classic poems are considered one of the most important works of the Western world.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
The most popular mythology novels outside of The Odyssey is easily the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. The premise of the novels is what would happen if the Greek Gods existed in the 21st century.
Percy Jackson is a young demigod who discovers that he has the blood of a god running in his body and has to save the world from the Titans as he discovers what it truly means to be a demigod. This is a fantastic series and one that people of all ages will enjoy.
It is also a great way to learn about Greek mythology. Riordan is a big Greek mythology fan and you can tell as he incorporates many stories in his novels. And even if you aren’t a big fan of Greek mythology, then you can just enjoy this amazing series.
Circe
One of my favorite mythology novels has to be Circe by Madeline Miller. Circe is unlike her powerful father Zeus nor attractive like her mother. That leads her to turning to mortals for companionship and she soon discovers that she can do witchcraft and turn enemies into monsters that can challenge the gods.
Zeus fears her powers and decides to ban her to a deserted island. But little did he know the Circe would master her craft and meet with some of the most figures in mythology including Odysseus. I loved this take on Circe by Miller and giving an overlooked god the story she deserves.
The Penelopiad
And can we just talk about Atwood and how she has books in many best books of all time list. Not only does she have one of the best works of fiction in The Handmaid’s Tale, but she is also an amazing writer that tries new genres and makes it look effortless. Some authors are gifted and above them is Margaret Atwood.
The novel is a retelling and tells the story of Penelope, wife of Odysseus. She famously delayed over a hundred suitors for two decades using different tactics to delay her husband’s return. She uses her intelligence and creates a test that deters her suitors one by one.
The Song of Achilles
Anytime an author has multiple books on a list, that should tell you how talented they are. In The Song of Achilles, Miller tells the story of Achilles, “the best of all the Greeks”, through the point of view of Patroclus, a banished prince. They fall in love and try to outrun fate that tells the death of Achilles in the Trojan War.
Even if you don’t know much Greek mythology, you will enjoy this fantastic novel. Miller does an amazing job of fleshing out characters like Patroclus and Achilles. From the first page, you will be hooked in this novel. And for some, the ending will not be a surprise but you will enjoy the journey and how the novel gets there.
Conclusion
What did you think of ten best mythology books of all time list? Are there any books that should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, happy reading!
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The list is ridicolous… no more comments…
Whatever ever happened to Mahabharat and Ramayan? Racistsss
I’m surprised Darwins Origin of The Species wasn’t listed, or Marx Communist Manafesto.
Wow. Look at all of this cultural appropriation and abuse of another culture’s religion.
This list is based on fiction, which of course mythology is fiction. However if you want a good understanding of mythology, one must read Joseph Campbell.
I agree “. The Hero with a thousand faces “.
Sure, by all means list Ms. Miller twice and omit one of Western literatures most influential works: Ovid’s Metamorphoses
I’m surprised Edith Hamilton didn’t make the cut
How come the Bible is not listed?
Circe is an amazing book. I love the evolution of the main character.
The “Mists of Avalon” is brilliant!