Mythology

By Elly Murray

© paracast

If you were a huge fan of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, and loved the mythology element of it especially, check out this list of books about mythology and folktales! This list spans several cultures, including African, German, Native American, Japanese, and Islamic, to name a few. The books on this list explore the fairytales and folklore that we used to explain our world, to terrify children, to develop morality, or as a source of entertainment. Over time, original fairy and folk tales have evolved into common threads that tie together many of our stories today. Several of the books on this list are re-tellings of beloved fairy tales. They share overarching themes with the original tale that allow readers a sense of familiarity, but with a modern twist that brings a new and interesting take.

1. The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley

Sabrina and Daphne Grimm have been through a lot of rather unpleasant foster homes since their parents disappeared. However, things start to get a bit strange when they’re finally taken to their long-lost grandmother in Ferryport Landing.

​​Between working as detectives to unravel the mysteries surrounding their parents’ disappearance, trying to keep an evil band of fairytale characters from spilling out into the normal world, and Puck being, well, Puck, these two sisters will have to stick together. They’re all they have left to rely on in this topsy-turvy world.

This 9-book series introduces thrilling variants of characters from the Grimm fairy tales you know and love, as well as characters from other stories, such as the Wizard of Oz, Arthurian folklore, and Russian folklore, to name a few.

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2. African Tales: A Barefoot Collection by Gcina Mhlophe

African Tales: A Barefoot Collection pulls together several tales from countries all over the African continent, including Malawi, Lesotho, and Senegal, among others.

This particular collection has three unique aspects that I love. First, the illustrations weave their way across pages, enhancing the flow of the story with their beauty. Second, each tale ends with “Cosi cosi iyaphela” which means “Here I rest my story.” It's just such a unique touch that I feel really brings the reader a sense of the power behind the words of these tales.  And finally, this book contains a tale about my favorite African god, Ananse the trickster, called Ananse and the Impossible Quest. Be sure to check it out!

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3. Merlin: The Lost Years by T.A. Barron

Everyone knows of Merlin, the great wizard who instructed King Arthur and was his ally through many victories. But what of his youth? How did he come to be such a powerful wizard? His story begins when he nearly drowns as a young boy and washes up on shore with no memory. When he discovers his magic through a tragic accident, he sets off to find his true home, and encounters many strange beings and allies along the way. 

This saga is a must for any Arthurian legends buffs and is just a really engaging series overall. The Merlin Saga spans a total of 12 books, but only the first five are about Merlin himself.

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4. Japanese Fairy Tales by Y.T. Ozaki

This collection explores many of the beautiful fairy tales of Japanese origin, including The Adventures of Kintaro, the Golden Boy, The Bamboo-Cutter and the Moon-Child, and The Mirror of Matsuyama.

Ozaki took the time to translate her native fairy tales because, as she says in the preface, “I have always found eager listeners to the beautiful legends and fairy tales of Japan, and in telling them I have also found that they were still unknown to the vast majority, and this has encouraged me to write them for the children of the West.”  

Highlighted by their original 1903 illustrations, these tales are a wonderful way to learn more about the tales that shaped Japanese storytelling.

5. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

Seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been noticing a lot of monsters lately. Specifically, ones disguised as humans. And when her dad’s new boss, Mr. Charles, takes an unusual interest in Nizhoni, her twin brother Mac, and their Navajo heritage, things get a bit more complicated. When Nizhoni’s dad disappears, she, Mac, and their friend Davery embark on a rescue mission with the help of a few Navajo gods.

This book is perfect for any Percy Jackson fan, as the story follows a young hero and their respective gods, and provides the opportunity to learn about a new culture and its mythologies. It is the newest book in Rick Riordan’s imprint, Rick Riordan Presents, which gives voice to writers from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds.

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6. Girls and Goddesses: Stories of Heroines from Around the World by Lari Don

Girls and Goddesses: Stories of Heroines from Around the World is a truly inspirational collection that pulls together so many amazing tales of heroic women from all over the world. There’s Chi and the Seven-Headed Dragon, based on a Chinese legend, The Giant’s Heart, a retelling of a Scottish folktale, Hervor and the Cursed Sword, a twist on an old Norse legend, and many others!
Lari Don explains her process for selecting these tales and retelling them for a modern audience in the back of the book. She says that “I’ve always been disappointed that so many traditional tales are about girls who need boys to save them...I’ve been searching for authentic traditional stories with strong girls. There are lots of them out there, if you look hard enough…”

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7. Latin American Folktales: Stories from Hispanic and Indian Traditions by John Bierhorst

This colorful anthology stitches together tales from Latin American storytelling traditions. It includes one hundred tales, collected from 20 countries into a velorio, or wake, a common occasion for a weaving of tales. The Coyote Teodora, Aunt Misery, Juan María and Juana María, and The Fox and the Monkey are just a few of the lively tales that comprise this book.

Latin American Folktales: Stories from Hispanic and Indian Traditions is the best place to start if you want to learn more about traditional Latin American folktales. It encompasses such a vast array of cultures and stories, and through them you can really start to see the unique ideals of each country.

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8. An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales by Theresa Breslin

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales is a classic collection of stories about brownies, stoorworms, selkies, and all the mythical enchantments of Scottish fairy tales. This endearing anthology includes tales such as The Wee Bannock, The Water Kelpie, and Rashie Coat, among others. 
Breslin also includes lovely little blurbs at the beginning of each tale about where it originated, where she first heard it, what tales they are similar to, and other pleasant details. There is also a glossary at the back for those uniquely Scottish words. 
Although this is a children’s anthology, it’s so beautifully illustrated and presents such an opportunity to learn Scottish folktales, that adults will love it too.

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9. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

A modern twist on the old Grimm tales, the Lunar Chronicles follow the stories of futuristic versions of characters like Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and others.

​The first book centers on sixteen-year-old Cinder, a cyborg and gifted mechanic living in New Beijing. When her stepsister falls ill, Cinder’s step-mother blames her and volunteers her for plague research. The scientists discover something about her that she never knew, and that others would kill her for.
 
A complex world and a host of political agendas make this book a spectacular kick-off for the Lunar Chronicles. Reader beware: once you read one, you’ll want to read the next four!

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10. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

Charles “Fat Charlie” Nancy has always been thoroughly embarrassed by his father and his jovial antics. When his father dies in, of course, a most embarrassing fashion, Fat Charlie learns that not only was his father an incarnation of the West African trickster god Anansi, he also had another son, who is every bit the trickster that Fat Charlie never was. The two brothers attempt to cope with the idea of being family, while dealing with a power-hungry tycoon and a host of ticked off gods.
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We have a copy of Anansi Boys here in the store, complete with a retro 1960s comic-style cover by Robert E. McGinnis! You can also purchase a copy online, with the same amazing cover.

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11. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes covers such a vast array of mythology, from creation myths to heroic tales of demi-gods, to forbidden love stories. Odysseus’ journey is included, as well as the adventures of Perseus, the Greek hero who inspired the character Percy Jackson. 
This classic anthology explores the Ancient Greek, Roman, and Norse tales that the Percy Jackson books, and a few of the later series, are based around. Edith Hamilton, who compiled this anthology and a few others of a similar vein, was very passionate about mythology. In fact, she was made an honorary citizen of Athens in 1957, in gratitude to all her dedication.

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12. The Blue Fairy Book edited by Andrew Lang

The Blue Fairy Book is the first of twelve colored fairy books that Andrew Lang began arranging in 1889. Each book has its own unique collection of well-known fairy tales. The Blue Fairy Book includes such favorites as The Story of Pretty Goldilocks, Rumplestiltskin, Snow-white and Rose-red, and over 30 others. 
According to the preface, Lang had to get permission from several other fairy tale collectors, including the Grimm Brothers themselves, to publish this book. With its stunning original 1889 illustrations, this book is a must-have for any fairy tale lover!
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 The Blue Fairy Book is available for online purchase, and we also have a copy here in the store. And while you’re at it, check out the next book in the series, The Red Fairy Book.

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13. The Wise Fool: Fables from the Islamic World by Shahrukh Husain and Micha Archer

The Wise Fool: Fables from the Islamic World explores tales of a popular character in Islamic folklore; Mulla Nasruddin, the wise fool. He is traditionally depicted with a smart little jacket, a big turban, and a donkey, and he happily gives advice to peasants and emperors alike.

It is unknown whether this character was based on a real person, but nevertheless, the tales of Mulla Nasruddin’s eccentric antics and sage wisdom have spread throughout the Islamic world and even to neighboring regions. Accompanied by gracefully unique illustrations, this mirthful collection of stories is sure to make you chuckle.​

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14. Gris Grimly’s Tales from the Brothers Grimm

Everyone’s heard of Cinderella: plucky maid who overcomes adversity to win the heart of a prince. But did you know, in the original Grimm tale, the stepsisters cut off parts of their feet to try to make the slipper fit?

Explore the grisly origins of some of your favorite tales, including Rapunzel, Little Red-Cap, Hansel and Gretel, and many others. This collection of Brothers Grimm tales, complete with ghastly illustrations from Gris Grimly, is a must for any fairy tale buff!

You can find a copy of Gris Grimly’s Tales from the Brothers Grimm on our website or in our store. I’ve already got two books of Grimm tales, but I’m seriously considering buying a copy of this one as well!

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15. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Norse Mythology is a re-telling of the classic Norse myths, with all the favorite characters such as Thor the mighty but not very wise, Odin the All-Father, and, of course, the cunning trickster, Loki. This collection of wonderous stories includes tales such as The Apples of Immortality, The Mead of Poets, The Last Days of Loki, and Ragnarok, the Final Destiny of the Gods.

Neil Gaiman often draws on the realms of mythology for his fictional stories, and in this book he revisits and remakes the Norse myths that so often inspired him. He begins with the formation of the legendary nine worlds and then dives into tales of mighty dwarves, terrible giants, and fiercely competitive gods.

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16. Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Okay, so Aru may have fibbed. Just a little. But it was only to impress her classmates at her private middle school, who are all embarking on exotic vacations while she’s stuck at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture for her autumn break.

She doesn’t count on three of her schoolmates showing up and daring her to prove her claim that the museum’s Lamp of Bharata is cursed. She hesitantly lights it and unleashes an ancient demon that can only be defeated by finding the reincarnations of the legendary Pandava brothers and journeying through the Kingdom of Death. Apparently, her autumn break will be just as exciting as she pretended it was.

Aru Shah and the End of Time was the first book in Rick Riordan’s imprint, Rick Riordan Presents, which gives voice to writers from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds.

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17. Tales from Old Ireland by Malachy Doyle, Niamh Sharkey, and Maura O’Connell

Tales from Old Ireland includes such stories as The Children of Lir, Lusmore and the Fairies, and The Twelve Wild Geese, to name just a few. The author explains in the introduction that these tales were originally told orally, and that they sound best that way, if you’d like to read them out loud to yourself. This collection also includes a helpful list of pronunciations of Irish words in the beginning.
Endearing illustrations and an entrancing storytelling feel make this book a great opportunity to learn more about Irish folklore. I actually got extremely distracted by the book while writing this little blurb. I kept going back to read more and more of it, as well as to admire the artwork. So, I can definitely tell you that it is an engaging read that won’t let you go!

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18. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

This thought-provoking book is based on the 1998 PBS special Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth, which explored the nuances of myth in six one-hour long discussions between Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers. In this book, Moyers provides detailed conversations that the two had about several aspects of our modern mythology including married life, sacrifice, religious ideals, and more.  
This book is perfect for anyone who wishes to delve a little deeper and explore the impact that mythology has on our understanding of the world. As Campbell said, “Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life.”

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19. An Illustrated Treasury of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales

Along with the Grimm Brothers, Hans Christian Andersen’s collection of tales are widely regarded as classic fairy tales. An Illustrated Treasury of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales includes favorites such as The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Princess and the Pea, and The Snow Queen.
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This collection also includes a section at the end about Hans Christian Andersen’s life. It describes how he came up from humble beginnings and how he even includes little details about his childhood in some of his tales. Featuring beautiful artwork by accomplished illustrator Anastasiya Archipova, this magnificent book of fairy tales would be perfect for your shelves!

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20. The Mabinogion

The Mabinogion is the name given to eleven medieval Welsh tales found in two manuscripts: The White Book of Rhydderch and The Red Book of Hergest. The authors of these manuscripts are unknown, but the 12th and 13th century tales within the Mabinogion are spell-binding stories of Aurthurian quests, Celtic myths, wizards and dragons, kings and heroes, and all the wonderful things that make up a good story.
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In addition to the riveting tales, this copy also includes a guide to pronunciation, a bibliography, an index, explanatory notes, and a map—just in case you get lost in the world of the Mabinogion.

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Twenty books ought to be enough mythology and folklore to get you started, but if you run out, please call or email the store and talk to us! Mary, Katharine, and myself have an extreme love for these sorts of tales, and we can give you more recommendations than you’ll know what to do with. And once again: read on!