✨Bookmarked✨ discussion

Do you love reading mythology books?
Share your best reads here and alternatively, people looking for mythology book recs can ask here!

I read The Vault of Shiva by Andy McDermott. Not exactly a mythological book but more of an action adventure book. I liked the adventure and mythological parts of the book but I hated the multiple lengthy action scenes often lasting 20 pages each. Also the hero of the book, a Westerner, escaped death from tricky situations 7-8 times which made it look unrealistic.

I wish to read mythological books especially Hindu mythological books. Do I have to read the Mahabharata and Ramayana first before I dive into Indian mythological books?

Austin wrote: "I wish to read mythological books especially Hindu mythological books. Do I have to read the Mahabharata and Ramayana first before I dive into Indian mythological books?"

I don't think it's necessary and being an Indian, you might have preliminary knowledge about the epics Ramayan and Mahabharat so you can dive in other mythology books without reading them but in case you don't, then these epics are must read! Although I have gained much better knowledge from the adaptations of these epics.

I have some vague knowledge about certain episodes in the epics. But I feel it's not enough. So as per your suggestion I should read the epics first. Do you (or anyone else) know a good English translation of the epics? Preferably an unabridged version but readable, understandable and enjoyable at the same time.

I love them!
I love collections, retellings, essays about it.

Among my favorite are this essay from an Italian researcher about Norse mythology I miti nordici. Storie, figure, simboli (sadly, they never translated it, but it's very accurate), The Power of Myth, this beautiful rendition of Greek myths for children Storie di bambini molto antichi. I also read pieces from the Iliad, the Odyssey, Gilgamesh, Aeneid and the Bhagavadgītā (but I'm not sure if it's considered mythology since it's also a religious text? I mean no offense).

And of course I'm a sucker for the Percy Jackson serie. It's brilliant that the author chose to modernize and fit them into something younger readers can enjoy and may sparkle interest for the original stories. That's a clever way to keep them alive.

I'm also interested in folklore from every part of the world, I read fairy tales and stories from as many cultures I could (Celtic, American Indigenous, Italian and from my small region Friuli, Eastern Europe, Maya, Tuareg...I'm fascinated by the fact humanity has always felt the need to tell stories, and what they have to tell us still)

I have the epic of Gilgamesh in my TBR.

I am obsessed with mythology and Greek is one of my faves. Which is good since Greek mythology is every where in Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy in general. Celtic is another favorite and Norse mythology.

I am really happy to see more Japanese and Korean inspired reads.

Indian and Hindu mythology is really starting to take off and I'm really excited!

I also am a fan of Hindu mythology! Heck, I was named after a Hindu goddess so of course I'm a fan.

But seriously, it is amazing. Hindu mythology has engaging stories and epics, along with important morals. :)