Stories Steeped in Mythology
1. The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
Angrboda is a witch in hiding. She survived being burned not once, not twice, but three times. Now she spends her time living in a cave at the edge of Jotunheim. Only a precious few know where she currently resides, another giantess who helps her market her potions for supplies and the giant who brought her lost heart back to her. Loki, the most mischievous god of them all, visits Angrboda now and again. Maybe, something happened for both of them the day he brought her back her heart.
Mythology Type: Norse
This book is great for anyone who is less familiar with all the Norse gods and goddesses. There are many references and characters that are a part of Norse myth but aren’t popular or well known. I actually learned a lot about Angrboda, Skadi, and the events that start Ragnarok. I even learned a lot I didn’t know about Loki. He might be a more popular god, but there seems to always be more to learn about him. This book isn’t a fast mover or full of adventure and action, but it is still a good choice if you like Norse myths.
See my book review, here, for more details.
2. Why Odin Drinks by Bjørn Larssen
Odin and his brothers Vili and Vé suddenly woke up at the beginning of the world. It’s hard making a world when the only three people in existence don’t know anything more than their own names. How does one make a world? Odin feels he is the least qualified of the three to know. It’s not his fault all the imagination genes went to his brothers. However, he does have a smart sense of how things should work. Really, that’s the only important skill needed for a God. In fact, he should be the All-Father that knows everything and creates everything. The only thing standing in his way… celery, definitely evil celery.
Mythology Type: Norse
If you like parodies and light hearted books, you might want to check this one out. This story is all about being a fun and comedic look at Norse mythology. There are a ton of fun modern references paired with some of the major events from the mythology. Odin is the main focus to the story, but we do get to see some other gods and goddesses too. I think anyone who enjoys Norse myths will enjoy this book not only for the myths that are included but also for the comedic and fun spin on the retelling.
See my book review, here, for more details.
3. Hall of Smoke by H.M. Long
Hessa’s world is crumbling around her. Her goddess has abandoned her and her people, the Eangen. She is the only survivor of her village. She might be the only Eangi left in the world at all. Hessa’s only hope is to continue on the last mission she was given from her goddess. Kill the man named Omaskat. However, that is easier said than done, and when she finally finds him, will she have the strength to carry out her orders?
Mythology Type: Created for Novel
This book is super interesting because of how the mythology works. This entire novel’s plot and the motivations of the characters are all wrapped around the gods and goddesses. They are very interactive with their followers and try to force their will upon the world they created. Some are even important characters in the book. I think anyone who really enjoys when a story includes interactions between human’s and their deities will really like this novel. The world and the characters are excellent, largely because of the interesting mythology.
See my book review, here, for more details.
4. Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
An evil is stirring in Krynn even if no one is sure why or what they should do about it. A group of friends arrive at Solace to meet at the Inn of the Last Home. However, their reunion isn’t as they expect when they are forced to flee from capture for possessing the blue crystal staff. Their journey begins but none of them truly understand where their path will take them.
Mythology Type: Dungeons and Dragons
This is a great trilogy for those who like mythology because the gods are heavily in the world of Krynn. Religion is a strong motivator for some of the plot and for some of the character’s goals and actions. It is a classic good against evil story with both good and evil gods and goddesses. This trilogy is strong for it’s incorporation of the mythology along with being a strong fantasy story as a whole. The characters are great. The writing is great. The books are great. I think this is a great pick if you’re looking for a story involving a lot of religion or mythology in it.
5. The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
Atticus O’Sullivan is one heck of a druid. He might be around twenty-one centuries old, but no one would know based on his looks. All he wants to do is live in peace and run his little shop. Unfortunately, trouble seems to find him even when he’s not looking for it. Guess he’ll have to grab his magical sword and talk to a few ancient gods about leaving him alone.
Mythology Type: Several mythologies
The nice thing about this series is how it uses multiple different mythologies. There are lots of gods and goddess in this series that interact with Atticus which allows the reader to learn about different culture’s myths. The characters are interesting, and the deities are important to the plot and events. If you are a reader who enjoys seeing how an author will change and adapt different myths or gods for a fantasy novel, this series might be a good choice to check out.
I’d love to hear what your favorite book or series is that has a lot of mythology worked into the plot. If you’ve read any of these, please share your thoughts with me as well!
