Home Inspiration: Delving into Greek Mythology with our Client Manager Will

July 20, 2021

• Guest Blog Series

My name is Will, and I am one of the Client Managers here at Kings Tutors. Today I want to share with you an aspect of my education which I found utterly fascinating, and which gripped me from a young age. When I was eleven, I like many others began studying Latin and Classical Civilisation at school. In one my very first lessons, I noticed a dusty poster on the wall at the back of the classroom, entitled ‘Greek Gods’. As soon as the bell for break time rang, I scurried to the back of the room and sat there for over half an hour, studying the various figures and descriptions of this poster. I found the concept utterly mesmerising: a civilisation had existed long ago which told stories and legends of gods and monsters, and this was something I could actually study at school. For me, it did not seem like anything else I had studied: there were no complicated formulas or dates to remember, just stories in which one could become completely lost, with goodies and baddies, love and death, heroes and villains. It was from this moment that I caught the bug of Greek mythology, and this is a passion that I want to share with you. 

Once I had discovered this poster, I wanted to read and watch everything I possibly could to do with this mythical world and its inhabitants. I went down to the school library and asked for a book on Greek Mythology. I was presented with a number of options, all of which I subsequently consumed, and it is these which I want to share with you today.

Firstly, for younger children, a real catalyst for my love of Greek mythology was a book entitled “Mythology The Gods, Heroes, and Monsters of Ancient Greece”. This beautifully imaginative book is part of the ‘-ology’ series, and is interactive, inspiring as well as educational. This is a great place to start for any young children wishing to delve into this world. 

Secondly, another excellent point of entry into this world comes in the form of a series of books aimed at children which follow the adventures of modern-day Demi-god Percy Jackson, and contemporary existence of the gods of Olympus. Whilst these books may seem somewhat derivative of the myths which inspired them, they are excellent stories for children which weave in a great deal of educational history of the myths themselves. 

Then, once sufficiently hooked, I would waste no time in investing in the enormous two-volume folio edition entitled ‘Greek Myths I & II’. These may seem like a daunting read, and they are certainly written in a more ‘adult’ language, but they are the ultimate authority on the stories of the Greek Myths, and any fan of this world is sure to find themselves lost in the numerous adventures of heroes and villains found within these volumes.

Whilst just the tip of the iceberg, these books are an excellent way into this magical and mythical world for any child. Let us know how you get on, and be sure to get in touch if you would like any further recommendations for learning more about Greek Mythology!