Best Mythology Books to Add to Your Reading List This Year
Mythology has been a truly intriguing genre, owing to its similarities with the ancient stories about gods and goddesses. There’s hardly anyone who has never heard of Indian, Greek, Roman, and Norse gods and their escapades. The greatest thing about reading mythological stories is that every author presents a fresh spin on these long-known tales. Well, if you love reading about myths and legends from far-off lands, check out this list to find the most compelling, intriguing, and fascinating retellings from some of the best mythology books of all time. Here you can also check some of the best finance books & non-fiction books in India.
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Best Mythology Books for the Bookworm in You
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Right from the desk of the bestselling author Neil Gaiman, this book is an anthology of multiple Norse tales. One of the best mythology books for amateur readers, it chronicles everything right from the creation of god’s ancestors to the very end of the epoch. If you’re a contemporary Marvel fiction fan, you will be intrigued by the life of Asgardian Gods Odin, Loki, Thor, Heimdall, and others.
This impressive rendition of the old Norse tales is a retelling of some of the most popular tales, and almost opens up the portal to a new dimension for the readers.
Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi
The first part of a very famous trilogy, this book by Amish Tripathi is a unique blend of ancient tales and fiction. Set in the lands of Meluha, this book narrates the arrival of Shiva – chief of the Guna tribe. Meluha is under threat, as it occasionally faces attacks from the eastern lands. Shiva must do all that he can to save the land. Backed by his destiny, luck, and newfound love, will he be able to rise as the next Mahadev – The God of Gods?
One of the best mythology books for the Indian audience, it ends with a cliffhanger that compels you to swipe through the next parts. Also, have a look at some of the best Indian Novels.
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology is a compilation of popular myths from Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. It narrates the events of the Trojan War, Odysseus’s journey to Ithaca, Jason’s quest to find the golden fleece, Cupid and Psyche’s love story, and the legends of King Midas. If you’re looking to dive deep into the world of some classic tales and anecdotes, this book is the holy grail.
One of the best mythology books for Greek literature nerds, this book introduces you to numerous other intertexts that are as intriguing as the primary story.
The Daughter from a Wishing Tree by Sudha Murty
Looking for the best Indian mythology books for a little tour into the parallel universe? This book by Sudha Murty might be the one for you. It narrates enchanting stories about women in Indian mythology. From tales about Parvati to Mandodari it shows how women were the backbone of their families. These powerful women are fearless, adept in slaying demons, and protecting their devotees.
A very inspirational and motivating read, this book features a strong characterisation of women who will stop at nothing to protect and love what is dear to them.
365 Tales from Indian Mythology by Various Authors
Hoping to introduce your young ones to the magical world of Indian folktales and classical myths? One of the best books on mythology in India, this one is a compilation of famous stories like those of Krishna and Kaliya, Vikram and Betal, Matsya Avtar, and many more. A rich repository of the Indian literary tradition, it comes in a concise, episodic format that is simpler to follow.
Inundated with colourful illustrations that keep you hooked, it also enables the kids to connect to the story well.
Ram – Scion of Ikshvaku by Amish Tripathi
This book is the first book in the Ramchandra series by Amish Tripathi, which narrates the life history of Lord Ram with a new perspective. Ram is the prince of Ayodhya – a kingdom weakened by divisions. Often tormented by others of his age, he stays firm and true to his kingdom. Destined to fulfil the destiny of the next Vishnu, he along with his brothers and wife Sita stands against the darkness and chaos that plague his future.
An all-new story with the same old characters, each book in this series follows the point of view of the three main characters to give you an insight into each one’s thoughts and feelings.
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The Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi
This book by Ashwin Sanghi is a thrilling retelling of the last avatar of Lord Vishnu. Anil Varshney, a famous archaeologist who has cracked the Indus Valley seals code, is found dead. His childhood friend and historian Professor Ravi Mohan Saini has been accused of murdering him.
To clear the accusations, Professor Saini touches upon the untouched areas of the mythological realm. His findings leave him baffled as he uncovers the real culprit behind this killing – Taarak Vakil, who believes that he is Kalki, the one who leads Kaliyug to its end and the harbinger of the Satya Yuga. Saini must find all four pieces of the seal to solve the puzzle and prevent Vakil from murdering other historians involved in this search.
One of the best mythology books for thrill-seekers, it develops on the post-Mahabharata events that are uncovered by the protagonist, who happens to be a blood descendant of Lord Krishna.
