Mythica 🇬🇷🏛️

By Emily Hauser.

For anyone with an interest in ancient history, Greek mythology, or the women often sidelined in tales of epic warriors and gods, Mythica by Emily Hauser is an essential read.

In this fascinating work, the author shifts the focus from the familiar heroes of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to the remarkable and largely untold stories of the women who lived in their shadow.

Rather than retelling the myths themselves, Hauser delves into historical, archaeological, and scientific evidence, offering a rich exploration of figures such as Helen of Troy, Penelope, Circe, Athena, and more.

What makes Mythica stand out is its refreshing and honest approach to these women. Hauser does not try to position them as modern-day heroines but rather examines them within the context of their time, living in a patriarchal, often brutal society. This makes for a thought-provoking and grounded exploration of their lives, showing how they navigated the constraints of their worlds and their roles in the epic stories that have been passed down through the ages.

The chapters focusing on Aphrodite and Hera are particularly compelling, offering a refined view of their complex identities both within the mythological tradition and the historical record.

Equally absorbing are the sections on figures like Thetis, Briseis, and Circe, which reveal new insights into their stories and the broader cultural significance they held in their time.

What elevates Mythica even further is Hauser’s use of recent scientific discoveries, including DNA evidence, to bring the past to life in new and unexpected ways. These elements linger long after reading, adding a haunting, tangible quality to the narrative.

The book is beautifully written, blending scholarly analysis with engaging storytelling, and promises to be richly illustrated with maps and art when fully published, deepening the reader’s understanding of the ancient world.

For fans of Greek mythology, history, and archaeology, Mythica offers a fresh and compelling perspective. Hauser gives a voice to the forgotten women of the Trojan War and its surrounding epics, while also providing a new lens through which to view the male characters—Achilles, Hector, Odysseus, and Paris.

Whether you're a seasoned mythology enthusiast or new to the subject, Mythica is a must-read for its historical depth, intellectual rigour, and emotional resonance.

Thank you so much to Ollie and the team at Transworld for sending me a finished copy of the book! The book is out now and available to purchase.

Buy the book here.

Buy the Kindle book here.

Support a local and independent bookshop and buy the book here.