One for the Books: Retelling Greek legends

Myths are among the world’s oldest stories, and the Greeks had some fantastic tales. These were usually based on the deeds of the gods, who were often mean and sometimes downright horrible. There are plenty of modern retellings of the stories, and I found these three particularly fun.

“I, Medusa” by Ayana Gray is based on one of the first tales of horror. There are several versions of the myth of this monster with snakes instead of hair who, with one look, could turn a person to stone. But here, instead of being a villain, she becomes more sympathetic as the victim of the heartless gods.

As the story begins, “Meddy” is 17, described as having “dark, sun-blazed skin” with curly locks of hair. She lives on a Mediterranean island with her two older sisters and her parents, who are minor sea gods. Her sisters are immortal, but for some reason she’s mortal. “Her father is a god, and if she knows anything about gods, it is that they care little for mortals and less for mortal plights.” All three girls, who are bored with the island and can’t wait to leave it, are now old enough for marriage, and their parents throw a big party to invite prospective suitors. Unfortunately, one of the major Olympian gods shows an unhealthy interest in Meddy, and she’s too naive to understand what he’s up to. 

The goddess Athena takes teenage Meddy under her wing as a priestess-in-training at her temple in Athens, where the girl finds friends in her fellow trainees, but where she also makes stupid decisions because of her innocence.

I really enjoyed this book, with its solid adventure and characters to love and hate. It was interesting to see how the author chose to explain Medusa’s snake “hair.” There’s also a short glossary of Greek names. Quote to remember: “That’s the curious thing about monsters. The worst ones don’t bother hiding in the dark.”

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“The Women of Artemis” by Hannah Lynn tells the legend of the rise of the Amazons — women warriors — and how one woman became their queen. A warning: There’s one really heroic male character, but most men do not come off well!

Otrera was given in marriage at only age 12 to a brute who beat and abused her. “As his wife, I was also his property,” she says, and every day she wonders “how close he would come to breaking my bones this time.” She’s 18 now, married six years and sort of used to his abuse. But one day he comes home and orders her to pack: He has gambled away all their money and belongings and their home, forcing a move to what’s basically a slum for people who have nothing. And get this: He blames her!

There’s nowhere for her husband to work in the new village, so he tells her she’s the one who must find money, if only by selling her body. “You are mine to do with as I choose. You serve no purpose as a wife. ... Perhaps you can be of use to me this way.” She is saved by the woman who owns the tannery, who employs only women. It seems all the village’s married women are bruised or limping from being beaten. “And these were not small wounds either,” we’re told. “The husbands here do nothing but drink away the money their wives earn. There is not a good soul among them.”

Otrera learns to use weapons to hunt for food and to defend herself, eventually teaching the other women, and the women make plans to eliminate the threat of their husbands. 

This is a wonderful read, with strong female characters. I think men will enjoy the adventure and see themselves in the one good guy, not in the bad husbands. Oh, and there’s a sweet subplot about taming wild horses. Warning: There’s violence. And the abuse of the women is hard to read, but keep going. They have their comeuppance!

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“Circe” by Madeline Miller has been around awhile, but it’s still a favorite with book clubs. I just got around to reading it myself. A good friend of mind found it dull, but I thought it was great, probably because of my longtime love of legends and folklore.

Circe is a goddess, the witch of Homer’s “The Odyssey.” She is the immortal daughter of the sun god, Helios. One day when she’s a child, he lets her ride the chariot with him, she says, “on his daily path over the earth. I leaned over the chariot’s jeweled side, watching in wonder at the earth passing beneath: the rich green of forests, the jagged mountains, and the wide out-flung blue of the ocean.”

When she gets older and dares to use her magic, she’s banished to a deserted island forever — which, for an immortal, is literally forever — and this story spans thousands of years in her life. On her island, she raises animals and practices her magic. For a long time, she’s alone, but eventually others arrive (including Odysseus), with mixed outcomes.

Circe herself is a well-rounded character, and Miller brings many of the others to life, as well. This is a good read for men and women both, with adventure, magic, power struggles, and so many intertwined myths. But let me suggest you have access to a search engine or a Kindle, where you can instantly find references to the Greek names. It can really make a difference.

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Happy reading!