Recently, more and more foreign authors have been turning to ancient Greece to get inspiration for their novels. Contemporary writers, mainly British and American, draw on Greek mythology to add depth to their stories.
And who can blame them? With its beautiful ancient setting and rich mythological and religious themes, ancient Greece makes for an ideal backdrop to a novel.
The appeal of ancient Greece as a setting for novels
The trend of setting novels in ancient Greece began in the middle of the 20th century in the 1960s. Ancient Greece has remained a popular choice for authors. Apart from the breathtaking scenery it offers, full of gorges and temples, ancient Greece’s rich history and mythology add thrilling elements to any story, transporting the reader in what, for some, is the greatest epoch of all time.
By writing novels set in ancient Greece, authors can pick and choose out of a rich pool of myths and legends, such as vengeful or benevolent gods, epic heroes, and mythical beasts. These make for a nice respite from dramatic events like the Trojan War or fights between formidable city-states such as Athens and Sparta.
In recent years, authors have also begun exploring lesser-known myths and figures, including those of Theseus, Penelope (Odysseus’ faithful wife), and the sorceress Circe.
Grecian Delight supports Greece
The authors of the following five novels set in ancient Greece bring the period to life through their words, and one can expect to be swept away into a world of gods, monsters, and unforgettable heroes and heroines.
Five breathtaking novels set in ancient Greece
1. The King Must Die, by Mary Renault
The King Must Die is one of the two novels in the Theseus series by British author Mary Renault, published in 1958. It is a vivid reimagining of the myth of Theseus that traces his story from a noble youth to a legendary hero through his epic battles with the Minotaur and his struggles to defend his throne, which is threatened by usurpers.
The novel is set on Minoan Crete, with its splendid palaces and rich, vibrant culture. Whether you’re a Greek history connoisseur or not, the story will draw you into a world of ceremony, the intricacies of ancient Greek politics, and the labyrinth where Theseus battles one of Greek mythology’s most famous monsters.
2. The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles is Madeline Miller‘s debut novel and winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012. As per its title, it is about one of the most popular heroes in ancient Greek myth, Achilles, and is narrated by his cousin Patroclus.
Miller’s novel has been praised for its beautiful prose that explores the deep bond between Achilles and Patroclus amid the chaos of the Trojan War. It transports readers into the heart of the Greek-Trojan battlefield but also offers them repose in the serene landscapes of ancient Greece, its grand mountains, and sparkling coasts. Pick it up this summer if you want a dose of ancient Greek beauty, heroic feats, and romance, all bound together by Miller’s captivating prose.
3. The Penelopiad, by Margaret Atwood
The Penelopiad is one of those novels that explores lesser-known and underrepresented figures in ancient Greek mythology, in this case Odysseus’ patient wife, Penelope. Published in 2005, it is a retelling of the myth of Odysseus from Penelope’s point of view as she navigates life in court during her husband’s absence.
With The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood gives Penelope a voice, whereas in The Odyssey she has none. In this way, the reader gets to know her character and wit in the schemes against her suitors. Set in the idyllic landscape of Ithaca, it is the perfect novel if you want to be transported to the oasis of a Greek island but also delve into the myth of Odysseus with a more critical stance.
4. A Thousand Ships, by Natalie Haynes
Continuing the trend of using ancient Greece as a background to exploring women’s stories, A Thousand Ships is a retelling of the Trojan War through a female lens. Haynes brings a range of female figures from ancient Greek myth to life, including well-known characters such as Cassandra, Andromache, and the goddesses Eris and Athena. She also shines a light on lesser-known figures such as Creusa of Troy, daughter of King Priam, and Penthesilea, the Amazonian queen.
A Thousand Ships takes its readers on a journey through the lustrous city of Troy and the rugged landscapes of the ancient Greek world. It tells the individual stories of these female characters, depicting how the Trojan War affects them both from within besieged Troy and from afar.
5. Circe, by Madeline Miller
Most people remember Circe as the enchantress who kept Odysseus stranded on her island for a year on his way home to Ithaca. In her novel, Miller reimagines Circe as a powerful figure and traces the goddess’ journey from a sheltered life in her father Helios’ glittering palace to her exile on the remote, wild island of Aeaea.
During her exile, Circe encounters important Greek gods and heroes, some of whom help her and others who oppose her. She comes across gods like Hermes, the hunter Apollo, and Athena, as well as notable figures such as Daedalus, Jason, and Medea. Of course, she also even happens upon Odysseus.
By blending the grandeur of myth with human emotion, all set against the rich green and golden landscapes of ancient Greek islands and the mainland, Miller provides readers with a truly unforgettable experience.
Dimitra Gkatzelaki – Greek Reporter
Εστάλη στην ΟΔΥΣΣΕΙΑ, 28/8/2024 #ODUSSEIA #ODYSSEIA, Κώστας Βαγγελάτος