Ancient myths for teen

[WellyBellyBoo]

My DD is into the Greek Myths and Romans and had read lots of the YA versions. She's nearly 16 and would like to get her some adult ones for Christmas. Any recommendations?

My boys all loved ( and still do )
The Iliad and The Odyssey
by Homer

I’d say The Odyssey more so as the adventures are fascinating

( just looked and you can buy the two together )

'Mythology' by Edith Hamilton. Paperback version, as the hardback's a bit awkward to read. For an adult audience, but still easy to read.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. We actually have copies of the Iliad an the Odessey but thought they might be too heavy going so that's good to hear. I was wondering about fictional adaptations too, she loved Song of Achilles.

I assume she's been a Percy Jackson fan for years?

I going to recommend Song of Achilles, my DDs (16&17) have both enjoyed Madeline Miller's Greek Myths retellings but I see she's already read it. Natalie Hayes might be another option, or for probably the most literary version Pat Barker's trilogy. I'd avoid Stephen Fry, his retellings are more traditional but if you want to go down the traditional route Robert Graves can't be bettered.

Also, Mary Renault is wonderful.

Boys read it before the gcse years and then were taught it in school as part of Classics
and it is examined at GCSE stage
So not too tasking at all for a 16 yr old that likes reading

So it’s not just that my kids are amazing 🤣🤣 trust me

Has she read the Stephen Fry books? They were DS’s gateway to mythology.

Natalie Haynes
Madeleine Miller

Another massive vote for Natalie Haynes
Natalie Haynes Stands up for the Classics
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b077x8pc/episodes/player

She might also be interested in taking a look at Norse mythology. There are similarities in some aspects such as the Greek warrior hero and the Norse warriors. Many cultures have gods and goddesses.

Pat Barker. My DD loved her books and went onto study Classics at A Level and Archaeology at Uni. She had no idea you could study it at a level until we went to a 6th form open day, but it’s been her favourite subject ever. She was also partial to Percy Jackson (and anything else by Rick Riordan, but she’d outgrown those by 16.)

For something different- Storyland by Amy Jeffs, it’s British myths and legends. (There’s an adult and children’s version.)

Oh- Mary Renault is a fantastic writer about the classical world. Her trilogy about Alexander is amazing. There’s quite a lot of sex but nothing really explicit and fine for a 16 year old. My absolute favourite is The Mask of Apollo.

I agree. There are some great books here based on Greek and Roman myths but IME an interest in these often leads to wider interests in folklore and mythology.

Jaqueline Simpson has written some great books on English folklore (including regional) and also Norse folklore (one with Magnus Magnusson). She also wrote the Folklore of Discworld but that may not be quite what the OP is looking for 😀

English folklore is often overlooked but as with Scots, Irish and Welsh has the advantage of being written about places relatively easy to visit (if you are a UK based MNer)

You're all wonderful, thanks for all the ideas. I hadn't thought about Norse and British myths - great idea. She is keen to study Classical Civilization at A level (which I understand is much more academic and focussed on the texts than the GCSE)? Off to search the authors recommend.

As an aside if she takes this to degree level
She will benefit from having some Greek

This is excellent.

I've just started Natalie Haynes' book Stone Blind and I'm pleased to see her books recommended above.

Leon Garfield's The God Beneath The Sea is my all time favourite retelling. YY to Mary Renault too.