Gods and Mortals: Ancient Greek Myths for Modern Readers

An entrancing new telling of ancient Greek myths

Gripping tales that abound with fantastic characters & astonishing twists & turns, Greek myths confront what it means to be mortal in a world of powerful forces beyond human control. Little wonder that they continue to fascinate readers thousands of years after they were first told. Gods & Mortals is a major new telling of ancient Greek myths by one of the world’s preeminent experts. In a fresh, vibrant, & compelling style that draws readers into the lives of the characters, Sarah Iles Johnston offers new narrations of all the best-known tales as well as others that are seldom told, taking readers on an enthralling journey from the origin of the cosmos to the aftermath of the Trojan War.

Some of the mortals in these stories are cursed by the gods, while luckier ones are blessed with resourcefulness & resilience. Gods transform themselves into animals, humans, & shimmering gold to visit the earth in disguise―where they sometimes transform offending mortals into new forms, too: a wolf, a spider, a craggy rock. Other mortals―both women and men―use their wits & strength to conquer the monsters created by the gods―gorgons, dragons, harpies, fire-breathing bulls.

Featuring captivating original illustrations by Tristan Johnston, Gods & Mortals highlights the rich connections between the different characters & stories, draws attention to the often-overlooked perspectives of female characters, & stays true both to the tales & to the world in which ancient people lived. The result is an engaging & entertaining new take on the Greek myths.

Sarah Iles Johnston is the College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Professor of Religion & Professor of Classics at The Ohio State University, where she teaches courses on Greek myths. Her many books include The Story of Myth, Ancient Greek Divination, & Restless Dead: Encounters between the Living...