8 Incredible Fantasy Novels Based on Myth

by Terry Madden
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8 books
Most myths from all cultures involve magic on some level because humans have always questioned the way the universe works, even from our earliest days. Fantasy writing, at its best, recaptures the feeling of probing the nature of existence through allegory and fable. Several of the books I’ve chosen are retellings of ancient tales, and others use mythic elements to create entirely new stories that harken back to things we know deep inside.
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American Gods

Neil Gaiman, 2002
Gaiman doesn’t just incorporate one myth into his story, he goes for them all and brings all the gods to America. This novel defies categorizing. It is an entirely new introduction to some very old gods. Just plain entertaining.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J. Maas, 2015
This inventive novel is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but what I enjoy most about it is the portrayal of the “Fairy Folk” of myth. The Fae. Maas sticks with the dangerous and malevolent portrayal of these immortals, which is truer to legend, rather than the flower fairies we have turned them into these days.

The Mabinogion Tetralogy

The Prince of Annwn, The Children of Llyr, The Song of Rhiannon, The Island of the Mighty
Evangeline Walton, 2003
As a Celtic myth lover, I fell in love with Walton’s retelling of the ancient Welsh Mabinogion when I was a teen. Her narrative rendition of the epic poem is so magical and so richly drawn. Set in ancient Wales, it’s a must-read for anyone interested in Celtic myth, specifically. It will keep you spellbound.

Circe

Madeline Miller, 2022
Lush and so well-written. You won’t be able to put down this retelling of the life of Circe, daughter of the sun god and a sorceress. She was given a bad rap by history, but this lets you into her heart and mind and takes you away to ancient Greece.

The Mists of Avalon

A Novel
Marion Zimmer Bradley, 2001
One of the first retellings of the Arthurian myth from the female perspective. This book was one of the first to let us in to the women of ancient myth and legend. My fascination with Arthurian myth probably started with this book.

Last Call

Tim Powers, 2013
If you loved American Gods, you must read Last Call. Powers’ references to myth, and especially the random chance so loved by the gods, is a driving force behind this novel of redemption and crazy connections.

The Crystal Cave

Book One of the Arthurian Saga
Mary Stewart, 2003
This book will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my teen years when I spent many of my classes reading fantasy books instead of taking notes. This retelling of the life of Merlin is one of the best ever.

Three Wells of the Sea

Book One
Terry Madden, 2016
My last pick is the first book in my own fantasy series. This book grew out of my love for Celtic myth and the recurring theme of the Otherworld that lies just beside our own and waits for us after death. My book is based on the myth called The Sickness of Cuchulain. During his sickness, the hero finds himself in the land of the Sidhe, magical beings often called the Fae or the Shining Ones. Come and explore the land I call the Five Quarters and find out if our hero makes it back to our world.