Ancient Myths & Legends Without Men

Delve into ancient mythology through the voices of women in this beautifully illustrated and boldly feminist retelling. Perfect for admirers of Mythos, Circe, Pandora, and Clytemnestra, this collection is authored by expert classicist Mara Gold.

Homemaker. Virgin. Warrior. Witch. Madwoman. Monster. These powerful labels assigned to mythological women have echoed across history. Originating in the Ancient World, these archetypes continue to resonate in modern times. Since histories without men are rare, mythology offers a unique space for those overlooked to find representation. It lets us connect with and explore our own narratives through the lives of legendary women who have become so ingrained in culture that they feel almost real.

Ancient Myths and Legends Without Men: A Bold New Feminist History, Reclaiming the Stories of Mythology's Most Iconic Women, Goddesses, and Female Monsters uncovers a world where mighty women inspired both reverence and fear. From the virgin goddesses Athena and Artemis, to the contrast in depictions of wifely duty in Clytemnestra and Penelope, the wild Maenads, Echidna - the famed mother of monsters - and the often misunderstood Medusa, this collection brings their powerful stories to life.

Accompanied with beautiful illustrations by Double Slice Studio throughout, uncover the real stories behind the women of Ancient Mythology and find what they can teach us about being a woman today.

Meet the goddesses, warriors, witches, and monsters who influenced and transformed the idea of womanhood from the very earliest of times.

Mara Gold is currently completing a DPhil in Classical Languages and Literature at St. Hilda’s College, University of Oxford. Mara specialises in women’s classical reception and scholarship, in relation to modern concepts of gender, sexuality and feminism.