Where do you get all these mythology stories? I recognize some and want to read more for myself! (really, I want a reading list, winter is coming)
-J.P.
I would be happy to give you a reading list. I have been using these books as my resources.
Mythology
Edith Hamilton
One of the best known mythology books written within the 20th century, Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" consists of wonderful mythology stories. I would highly recommend this book if you want a comprehensive, albeit sometimes cursory, overview of classical mythology. She devotes a small section at the end to "Norse Mythology."
The Greek Myths I and II
Robert Graves
If Edith Hamilton's book is a bachelor's degree text, these books are PhD level. Best known for having written "I, Claudius," Graves was the quintessential classical scholar. These two books are fruitcake-dense with detail and include extensive footnotes explaining the possible origins of the mythological tales.
Bulfinch's Mythology
Thomas Bulfinch
A 19th century compilation of three Bulfinch books, "The Age of Fable," "The Age of Chivalry," and "Legends of Charlemagne." This beautifully written text encompasses many mythological traditions apart from classical mythology.
Women of Classical Mythology
Robert E. Bell
A reference guide listing prominent and obscure female mythological characters in alphabetical order.
Who's Who Classical Mythology
Michael Grant and John Hazel
Another reference book which lists male, female and non gender specific characters.
These last two books are not intended to read cover to cover. Instead, it is handy to have them available to look up names mentioned in the other narrative texts.
Classical Mythology
Images and Insights
Stephen L. Harris and Gloria Platzner
A thoroughly researched textbook which includes primary sources such as excerpts from the Iliad, Agamemnon, the Bacchae and others. Exquisitely written and very dense. Includes an intriguing section about the way to interpret mythology. Some readers might consider this section a bit off putting because it presumes to think for us. However, a very enriching and engaging book, nonetheless.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Mythology
Kevin Osborn and Dana L. Burgess, PhD
Yes, I'm serious. A nicely written (and not condescending) book rich with detail. One aspect of this book I like is its glossary and index, which includes pronunciations, some of which can be a bit tricky. Includes sections about mythology in literature and popular culture. Unlike some of the "Complete Idiot" series -and the DA- it doesn't try too hard to be funny.
Also, you might like these primary sources:
Homer's Odyssey
I found the prose version to be more reader-friendly than the verse version, which is admittedly quite beautiful.
Homer's Illiad
Again: I found the prose version to be more reader-friendly than the verse version, which is admittedly quite beautiful
Not all translations are equal. However, Alexander Pope's verse translations of these epic poems are considered the "Platonic Ideal of Homeric Translations."
-Pseudo-Apollodorus
The Library of Greek Mythology
Edith Hamilton disparages Apollodorus as a "dull writer." I am reluctant to speak in a derogatory way of any writer, particularly one who was such a gifted compiler. I will admit that this work is not as engaging as some others. The "Pseudo" is reference to the mistaken belief that the Library of Greek Mythology, or "Billioteca" was the work of Apollodorus of Athens. The author remains unknown.
Sophocles
Theban Plays
Oedipus Rex
Oedipus at Colonus
Antigone
Ajax
Electra
Only seven of his plays are still extant. The Theban play cycle ("Oedipus Rex," "Oedipus at Colonus" and "Antigone") is his most famous, with good reason.
These are just a few of the resources available.
You will find that mythological tales are often convoluted and contradictory. Some of these authors are centuries apart and being prodigiously creative humans tended to embroider the tails with their own embellishments.