In my preceding blog, I told you about the kind of books that got me interested in the mythology.
As is evident, the different aspects of mythology actually teach us valuable lessons and sometimes these lessons overlap in between myths of different places.
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A famous example would be the well known story of 'Noah's Ark', in Hindu mythology the god Vishnu appears in the dream of Manu, a fisherman. In the dream he advised Manu to build a boat. Manu did as he was told, not soon after that there was a huge storm which caused a flood of great destruction. Lord Vishnu appeared as a giant fish called 'Matsya' and instructed Manu to tie a rope so that he could escort Manu to safety. One end was tied to a horn on the fish's head and the other to the ship's bow. Another version of this story was also found engraved on one of the Mesopotamian clay tablets. This just proves that mythologies from all around the world are trying to make is learn from the mistakes of people from the past.
There are many types of myths from different parts of the world. Some of the most well known mythical stories are from the Greek and Roman, Norse, Egyptian, Norse, Hindu / Indian, Aztec and Mayan myths. Of course, there are many other places with their collection of myths, too.
I would like to share with you the books I read, that completely immersed me in the world of mythology. I have listed them according to the country / culture that mythological universe is based on.
GREEK AND ROMAN
Percy Jackson and the Olympians - by Rick Riordan
This series is about a boy who realises that all the Greek myths and legends he has heard of are real. What shocks him the most is that his father is the sea god Poseidon, which means he is part god - a demigod. He must save his other demigod friends from all the dangers that lie ahead.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters.
Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse.
Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth.
Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian.
Heroes of Olympus series - by Rick Riordan
A continuation of the Percy Jackson series and incorporates elements from both Greek and Roman myths. It takes us through the adventures and dangers Percy and his 6 friends face.
The Lost Hero.
The Son of Neptune.
The Mark of Athena.
The House of Hades.
The Blood of Olympus.
Trials of Apollo series -by Rick Riordan
The series captures the multitude of situations Apollo (The Sun God) faces as he is turned into a human after he is blamed for the events that occurred in the Heroes of Olympus series. He meets a 13yr old demigod, Meg McCaffery who is his master since she was the first demigod to find him.
The Hidden Oracle.
The Dark Prophecy.
The Burning Maze.
The Tyrant's Tomb.
Olympus: An Indian retelling of Greek Myths - by Devdutt Pattanaik
This book, as the name suggests, a retelling of Greek myths in the Indian context, from the point of view of the author.
NORSE MYTHOLOGY
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series - by Rick Riordan
This follows the story of Magnus Chase after he finds out that he is a Norse demigod and has been chosen for Valhalla to be a part of Odin's army for Ragnarok.
The Sword of Summer.
The Hammer of Thor.
The Ship of the Dead.
Hotel Valhalla: Guide to the Norse Worlds - by Rick Riordan
It is, as the name suggests, a guide to the different Norse worlds.
EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY
The Kane Chronicles - by Rick Riordan
This series follows the story of the Kane siblings who find out they are Egyptian magicians.
The Red Pyramid.
The Throne of Fire.
The Serpent's Shadow.
INDIAN / HINDU MYTHOLOGY
Devdutt Pattanaik is the foremost Indian mythologists who challenges "the misinterpretations of ancient Indian scriptures, stories, symbols and rituals by Western and Westernised scholars" (according to his Wikipedia page). His interpretations take you to the core of Hindu / Indian cultural history in an easy to understand manner. Some of the books I have read are listed below: -
Jaya: Retelling of Mahabharata - by Devdutt Pattanaik.
Sita: Retelling of Ramayana - by Devdutt Pattanaik.
7 Secrets of Shiva - by Devdutt Pattanaik.
7 Secrets of Vishnu -by Devdutt Pattanaik.
Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik is the author's way of introducing the reader to the Indian / Hindu pantheon.
In its own way, a study of a culture's myths introduces you to that culture and civilisation. These wondrous series have helped me by introducing me to myriad cultures. My latest acquisition, Amazing Secrets of Hinduism : Hindu Culture & Incredible India by Ed Vishwanathan connects the dots and takes us through the voyage from myth to cultural history. I am eager to finish reading it.
I hope these recommendations kindle the spark in you that they did in me and help you to enjoy the exploration of civilisation and history.
This is becoming a collectible blog, Naomi :)