handle with care; the greek mythology edition
The source material for Greek mythology is so messed up, honestly, with how violent and gory and misogynistic it can be. Which is why it has to be handled properly when adapted, in my opinion.*
*100% more diversity too, please and thank you.
- There are so many thoughts and ideas of the Hades/Persephone myth that involve Persephone taking ownership of her life and her choices – please read The Star Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi – but it is a slipper slope in getting things just right, and honestly, please read The Star Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi because it is a great example of things done right.
- Pretty much anything involving Zeus because he’s super gross, thanks. But also he’s the leader of the Greek Pantheon, and something not focused on his grossness, but maybe his beginnings reimagined would be fascinating.
- The legend of Medusa is also pretty fascinating, but if a retelling is not handled right, she can go from victim to villain really fast, so do my girl right.
- I once tried to write something to do with the tragedy of Cassandra and her visions, but it never went anywhere, and honestly, that’s the only reason it’s on this list, because I have a story in my head that I want to see played out, and I don’t know if anyone will write it the way I imagine. What can you do, right?
(I might go back to writing it someday.) - Anything involving Cupid or Aphrodite has the possibility of going terribly wrong, with choices and free will, etc. Or at least, some of the media I’ve consumed on this front has been a little problematic. But it can also be fascinating, or else why would all the soulmate AUs exist?
Again, I do not know Greek mythology intimately, but it has always fascinated me. Mythology in general fascinates me, but it can be rife with misogyny, and any retelling and adaption should either address that or steer away from that.
It is, again, a slipper slope, but hey, let’s try?
What are your thoughts on mythology and adaptions based on it? Any myths you definitely want to see adapted?
11 Comments
bookedunicorn
Well said, everything you listed is my problem with Greek mythology and if not handled right would turn out badly. I really hate Zeus, he couldn’t keep it in his pants and because of that a lot of women had to suffer Hera’s wrath. and also Hera too yeesh girlfriend should have checked out long time.
Two books i want to write on would be a story were Prometheus is done right, and Hera dumps Zeus.
A Non fiction book i recommend is stolen Legacy by George G.M James. Great post
Ara
THANK YOU! Greek Mythology is so messed up, but adaptations have a lot of room for things, and that’s what I would love to see. I’ll check the book out, thank you!
Jackie B @ Death by Tsundoku
I haven’t read many retellings of Greek or Roman mythology, but I can understand how it might be difficult to pull these off well. Thank you for the recommend of The Star-Touched Queen! Any other mythology retellings you’d recommend?
Ara
I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did! I’m not sure if Josephine Angelini’s Starcrossed series counts as a retelling, but it does have a lot of Greek mythology elements to it, and is pretty good. It’s very romance heavy, though, if that’s not a problem.
Jackie B @ Death by Tsundoku
Sometimes, you really need a good romance in your life. XD I’ve added it to my TBR. Thank you for the recommendation!
Kati ?? (@KatisBRR15)
Great post I absolutely love reading any mythology retelling as well because those books just intrigued and fascinates me so much. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Ara
Thank you! I’m glad you like the post!
Kristina
For some reason, mythology never really was my cup of tea- though I did stumbled upon Medusa’s « real story » where she was indeed a victim, and her friend just wanted her to be safe and defend herself (of course, i may have forgotten bunch of details) – and it can be an interesting retelling if done right indeed i think!
Ara
If I had to choose, I definitely lean more towards wanting Hindu mythology inspired things, but I love the scope of mythology in general. I think any retelling, if done well and done right, can be a great read, so I hope more authors get on that. Thanks for commenting!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I agree that retellings of mythology can be wonderful, especially if they “fix” some of the misogyny that’s so prevalent in those stories. I hope someday you pick your Cassandra story back up again. 🙂
Ara
Thank you! I hope to pick it back up someday too!