Discover the best Greek mythology audiobooks, perfect for on-the-go listening. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing, these audiobooks bring ancient myths to life.
For those seeking one standout recommendation, our top choice, “Mythos” by Stephen Fry, is featured right at the beginning of the article, so there’s no need to scroll further.
Immerse yourself in captivating stories narrated by exceptional voices and embark on a journey through the legendary tales of Greek mythology with ease.
This article is one in a series on the best Greek mythology books.
mythos, Stephen Fry
“Mythos” stands out as our top choice in a list of enchanting audiobooks exploring Greek mythology. written and narrated by the renowned Stephen Fry, presents an enchanting journey through Greek mythology.
Fry’s storytelling prowess shines as he brings to life the tales of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures with his characteristic wit and eloquence. The audiobook covers a wide range of myths, from the well-known to the obscure, all told with Fry’s unique blend of humor and insight.
Stephen Fry’s deep understanding and love for Greek mythology are evident in his narration, making the ancient tales accessible and fascinating to modern listeners. This audiobook is an excellent choice for anyone new to Greek mythology. Fry’s rendition of these timeless stories highlights their enduring relevance and the universal themes they explore.
heroes, Stephen Fry
“Heroes,” another masterpiece by Stephen Fry, is a spectacular audiobook that dives deep into the lives and adventures of Greek heroes. Narrated by Fry himself, it’s a continuation of the journey that began with Mythos, exploring the thrilling and intricate world of Greek mythology.
Stephen Fry’s narration is a highlight, celebrated for its wit, charm, and engaging style. His ability to bring ancient myths to life with a contemporary twist is remarkable, making the stories relatable and enjoyable for modern audiences.
While Heroes follows different heroes and is less chronological than Mythos, it still captivates listeners with its depth and detail, making it recommended for anyone interested in Greek mythology.
Troy, Stephen Fry
“Troy,” the final installment in Stephen Fry’s acclaimed series, retells the legendary siege of Troy. Fry, both the author and narrator, has received widespread praise for his humorous and detailed narrative style.
Fry’s retelling is described as artfully humorous, rich in detail, and inimitably engaging, making the ancient tale relevant for contemporary listeners. Listeners appreciate Fry’s ability to weave together the complex storylines of characters like Paris, Achilles, and Helen while interspersing comments on these myths’ modern relevance.
While there were some critiques about the audiobook’s chapter division and the style of narration, Fry’s storytelling remains the standout feature, engaging and charismatic. His approach to the well-known story adds a fresh perspective, making Troy a highly recommended listen for fans of Greek mythology and Fry’s previous works, Mythos and Heroes.
The Iliad, Homer
“The Iliad” offers timeless insights into human nature and the complexities of life. It explores themes of heroism, honor, and the tragic consequences of pride and revenge. Through its epic narrative and rich characterizations, it delves into the human condition, offering perspectives on war, mortality, and the interplay between humans and gods.
Together with Audra McDonald’s narration, Emily Wilson’s translation breathes new life into this ancient epic. Their collaborative work makes The Iliad more accessible and relatable to modern audiences.
It’s a perfect blend of historical significance and contemporary relevance, making it an essential listen or read for anyone interested in literature, history, or human psychology. This version retains the epic’s profound impact while making its language and themes more approachable for today’s listeners and readers.
The Odyssey, Homer
“The Odyssey,” narrated by Ian McKellen and translated by Robert Fagles, offers a captivating experience of one of literature’s most enduring epics. Fagles’ translation is celebrated for its lively and accessible language, bringing Homer’s ancient tale to a modern audience. McKellen’s narration adds a layer of depth and emotion, enhancing the storytelling with his resonant voice.
Homer’s The Odyssey is a cornerstone of Western literature, exploring themes of perseverance, heroism, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story that resonates across centuries, offering insights into the human experience.
This audiobook version is a wonderful gateway to the epic’s rich narrative and timeless lessons, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to the story and those revisiting the classic tale.
Till We Have Faces, C.S. Lewis
“Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis, masterfully narrated by Wanda McCaddon, is a profound retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche. This novel, set in the pre-Christian world of Glome, on the outskirts of Greek civilization, delves into the tale of two princesses: Psyche, who the god of love loves, and Orual, Psyche’s unattractive and embittered older sister. Orual’s destructive possessiveness over Psyche sets her on a path of self-discovery.
Critics and listeners praise this work for its depth and insightful exploration of sacred and profane love. Listeners appreciate the story’s imaginative retelling, profound ending, and excellent narration by McCaddon. The book’s detailed observation of human behavior and its closeness to reality is highlighted as a key strength. This novel, distinct from Lewis’s other works, intriguingly explores religious themes, love, meaning, and calling without being a direct allegory.
For those interested in Greek mythology and contemporary fiction, Till We Have Faces is a must-listen.
Metamorphoses, Ovid
“Metamorphoses” by Ovid, translated by David Raeburn. Narrated by Martin Jarvis, John Sackville, Maya Saroya, and David Raeburn, this Penguin Classic spans 18 hours and 25 minutes, earning a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
This collection is celebrated for its sensuous and witty poetry, ingeniously linking an array of mythological tales through the theme of transformation, often resulting from love or lust. It includes well-known stories like Daedalus and Icarus, Pyramus and Thisbe, and the fall of Troy, making it a treasure trove for mythology enthusiasts.
Listeners have praised the book for its detailed study, subtleties, and playfulness. The performance by the narrators, particularly the male voices, has been appreciated for effectively capturing the drama and quieter moments of the narratives.
Metamorphoses is a must-listen, offering a rich, varied, and entertaining exploration of ancient tales that have shaped literature and art throughout the centuries.
Circe, Madeline Miller
“Circe” by Madeline Miller, brought to life by narrator Perdita Weeks, is an enthralling retelling of the classic Greek myth. The novel, spanning over 12 hours, captivates listeners with its deep exploration of themes like independence, transformation, and the intricate dynamics between mortals and gods.
Centering on Circe, the daughter of the sun god Helios, it tracks her evolution from a scorned deity to a powerful witch exiled on the island of Aiaia. This book masterfully intertwines various Greek myths and characters, making it resonate like a true mythological tale.
Circe is widely acclaimed for its nuanced storytelling. The novel’s unique focus on Circe, a character often sidelined in traditional myths, provides a fresh and compelling perspective.
The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller, narrated by Frazer Douglas, is an acclaimed novel that offers a mesmerizing retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Achilles.
Set in Greece during the age of heroes, the story is narrated from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who forms a deep bond with Achilles, leading to a tragic and compelling journey that culminates in the Trojan War.
Listeners have found the book captivating, praising its blend of original material with creative storytelling. The character development, particularly of Patroclus, is noted for adding depth and emotion to a familiar tale. The book’s enduring popularity across various social media platforms highlights its appeal to a wide audience.
The Silence of the Girls, Pat Barker
“The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker, narrated by Kristin Atherton and Michael Fox, is a reimagining of the legendary Trojan War, focusing on the often-overlooked female perspective.
Shortlisted for the Costa Best Novel Award 2018 and the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2019, it brings to the forefront the story of Briseis, a queen turned concubine of Achilles, showcasing the brutal realities and suffering of women during the war.
The narrative has been described as both brutally beautiful and eye-opening, providing an intense and disturbing portrayal of the consequences of war on women and children.
