A Bookish Life In AK

King Arthur Legends, Norse Mythology, Greek Mythology and other fun stories that I’m using for the Literary Life 2024 Reading Challenge.

I really enjoy reading Myths, legends and stories from other cultures. When this year’s reading challenge came out, I was so inspired to step out of my comfort zone in a few sections. Here are a few of my selections that I am reading this year. There are affiliate links where I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase from them.

The first section of the Literary Life 2024 Reading Challenge is Mythology and I squealed a little bit. I really enjoy reading myths from all over the globe. When we homeschooled the kids, Homer’s “The Odyssey” was my son’s favorite book and CD set. My oldest daughter loved all the Greek mythologies. When I was in Junior High, one of my favorite projects in English class was when we studied Greek Myths and then we had to draw out a throne room with our depictions of at least 10 different gods and goddesses. I’m pretty sure that my drawing is still in my parent’s stuff even after all these years. Because of the incredible English teachers I’ve had all through my Junior and High School years, I have this love of all different types of myths and legends. 

I have chosen Neil Gaiman’s “Norse Mythology” and Stephen Fry’s “Mythos” for the Mythology section. The challenge only has you reading one mythology, but since I’ve read Gaiman’s book, well listened to it, I am going with “Mythos” for my actual read. By the way, I highly recommend “Norse Mythology” as an audiobook, Neil Gaiman reads it himself. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for anyone under 13 though, there is some rather racy stuff in it though. Loki does do some pretty mean tricks to get what he wants, but then again he is the Trickster, so what do we expect. As for “Mythos,” I’ve never read it, but it comes highly recommended so I’m giving it a run. I’m taking it as a good sign since the audiobook has a 12 week wait through my Library’s Libby app.:) 

Amazon Link for “Norse Mythology:https://amzn.to/3uaMqBX. 

Amazon Link for “Mythos”: https://amzn.to/3u3lEeY

When I travel, I like to visit local bookshops and try to find books about the local culture, especially by local authors. The first time I went to Hawaii I found “The Legends and Myths of Hawai’i” by His Hawaiian Majesty Kalakaua. it was first published in 1888. He wrote down the oral stories of the ancestors. It tells the story of Pele, Tina, Kaala and many other stories of legends of heroes and when the Europeans landed. It tells of wars and good times as well. It gives the legends of how the islands were formed. I would highly encourage anyone who travels to find books that tell the story of that places history. It can help give you an appreciation for that culture that you may never have gotten another way.

Amazon Link :https://amzn.to/3u3lEeY

There are 2 other sections that I am really excited about, The Early Middle Ages and the 14th Century. That means King Arthur legends and more stories like those. I picked “King Arthur and His Knights: Selected Tales by Sir Thomas Malory” edited by Vinaver for the Early Middle Ages. Ever since I was a teenager and got to live in England, thanks to the U.S. Air Force, I fell in love with all things British, especially their history and legends. King Arthur is one of the biggest English legends next to Robin Hood that I can think of. Who doesn’t love the idea of a just and fair ruler who brought peace to his land. There are Celtic stories that Would love to dive into eventually. For the 14th Century, I chose “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” translated by J. R.R. Tolkien and edited by Christopher Tolkien. I will admit that I have never read this story, but have only listened to an adaption on the podcast, “Myths and Legends” by Grim and Mild on Apple podcast. My kids have all read it though. The basic story is a knight of King Arthurs is out and is stranded at Christmas time and ends up as a visitor at a strange castle. He must perform certain tasks to be allowed to leave, I believe, not 100 % sure since it has been a while since I listened to it. I am looking forward to it.

Amazon Link for “King Arthur” :https://amzn.to/48MLuDa 

Amazon Link for “Sir Gawain”:https://amzn.to/4233tCJ

These have had me researching more legends and stories from all over the world. Egypt has some great myths, Ireland and Celtic legends are fascinating too. Chinese and Japanese legends are incredible and beautiful. I do believe that all these legends and myths have their place and should be read be everyone.

If you are really interested in some great podcasts that retell stories like these, I would really recommend looking up “Grim And Mild” on Apple or Spotify. There is also “Myths and Legends,” “Lore” and “Fictional,” all of which tell different stories and are so much fun to listen to. If you have any other suggestions for myths and legends that I should check out, drop a comment.

Link for “Myths and Legend”s: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myths-and-legends/id990897842

Link for Grim and Mild:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/grim-mild/id6442484461

Prayers and Blessings,, Becky

I have set the LORD always before me:
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth:
my flesh also shall rest in hope.