Ancient Greek
Myths
Inspired Retellings from a Simple Hellenist
A Reading from Homer, Alma-Tadema
My Methodology for the Retellings
I went back and forth for a really long time on how I wanted to build out this myth section. For a while I was sure I wanted to stay ruthlessly faithful to the original myths, and while I am still deeply drawn to the originals and can't help but to stick to them anyway in most cases, I realized that there was no compelling way to weave a story with absolutely no changes, and no joy to writing a story that I feel like I have no say in. I had to remind myself that there are no canon myths. They've been told and retold, altered and reshaped, everywhere they've gone which is why we have so many different versions and alternate origin stories in the mythos.
Thus, while I adore the original myths and have striven to remain as close to the source material as needed, I have made certain narrative decisions to embellish where our ancient sources are lacking. Myths are meant to be memorable so their lessons can sink in, be retold, and preserved in community memory. With this in mind, I have tried to blow off the dust from these ancient myths that I hold dear to my heart and breath new life into them so they are compelling and, hopefully, stick in the mind a little easier.
Sappho, Alexandre Isailoff
If you're not in line with my methodology, then stick to the primary sources, you can't go wrong with those and it just so happens I have some suggestions for your Reading List. But if you want myths that mostly stick to the source material with a little modern inspiration from our Muses mixed in, then you're in the right place.
It's my hope that my retellings at least give you an easy access point into the wonderful and tragic world of Greek Mythology. For myself this project serves as a space for sharing my own self-study and developing my creative writing (and love for it again), as I sing for the Muses.
- Kay Alexandria
The Tragic & Wonderful World of Greek Mythology
Sing, Muse, of Myrrha the princess of Cyprus, who they say made a grievous error in neglecting the worship of its most mighty goddess, Aphrodite. The goddess of Passion infected the pious princess with an incestuous lust for the King, her very own father, and thus their ruin was sown.