The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

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With the release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in cinemas, interest in Greek mythology is on the rise. Epics, battles, the wrath of the gods, internal dilemmas — it’s all there. That’s what Greek mythology is all about. Here are a few books to read if you want to dive deeper into the world of Mount Olympus and Greek mythology.

The Odyssey by Homer (Emily Wilson’s Translation)

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It’s always good to go back to the source material after watching a good adaptation, and this is the translation Nolan adapted from. It’s the first translation of The Odyssey by a woman, and during the translation process, many inaccuracies were discovered in previous translations, making this version one of the most accurate and offering a better understanding of Homer’s work.

The Iliad by Homer

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In this epic, we get a glimpse of what led to the events of The Odyssey. It offers great insight into the reasons behind Odysseus’ journey. Also, it gives you a better understanding of the characters.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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This one is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus. It paints the war in a different light, focusing on the inner lives of the characters. The friendship between Achilles and Patroclus is especially highlighted; something to get curious about and discover for the deeper meanings of the story.

Circe by Madeline Miller

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Another great work by Miller. It blends multiple Greek myths with parts of The Odyssey, all from the point of view of the witch Circe. Circe is portrayed as a misunderstood figure in this retelling of the story. A new perspective worth checking out!

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

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Margaret Atwood tells the story of Penelope waiting for Odysseus’ return. She imagines the challenges and obstacles Penelope faced with the suitors and even with her own son during her husband’s absence. Instead of the beloved figure we take Penelope to be, her portrayal in this novel steers away from the usual.

Greek mythology has a lot to offer, especially when it’s mixed with modern interpretations and different perspectives. It has endless possibilities. You don’t have to say goodbye to the world of The Odyssey just yet. These books will surely take you on a whirlwind discovery of new Greek perspectives and adventures.