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For most of us, our introduction to folktales and mythologies was in the classroom. From Asian folktales to African mythologies retold through a modern lens, these selections help reacquaint us the with the familiar curiosity those stories left us with.
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A figure from the Hindu epic Ramayana, Kaikeyi is a princess and consort of a King that finds herself exiled after having the greatest influence in her kingdom. In this retelling of the epic, Kaikeyi finds her power through ancient texts and transforms herself into a warrior of a woman and an even better queen. This perspective of Kaikeyi allows readers to empathize with her as she struggles through a patriarchal society while restoring the title in her kingdom.
Medusa from Greek mythology has always been a feared monster, but this novel from Jessie Burton provides a humanized perspective of this story. Recovering from her cursed fate, this novel follows Medusa as she puts her life back together. This adaptation provides an outlook on how Greek mythology described female figures.
This story follows Òdòdó, a young woman raised by female black smithers in 15th century West Africa. After her city is conquered by a king of Yorubaland, she is kidnapped and kept in the palace as the soon-to-be wife of the king. In this fantastically tragic novel, Sangoyomi blends Yoruba religious tradition with Greek mythology to create this masterpiece.
A Touch of Moonlight by Yaffa S. Santos
A ciguapa is a mythical creature from the Dominican Republic described as a back-footed nude woman with knee-length hair, with siren-like magic powers of attraction, seducing men that wander the forests at night. Unfortunately, this is the monthly fate for Larimar Cintrón, a brand manager for a local New York City bakery and financial head of her household. After meeting a baker from a competing business, Larimar is faced with deciding to take a new position and divulging her mystical secret to her newfound partner.
Spirits Abroad by Zen Cho perfectly encapsulates the idea and belief that there is a thin line between the natural world and the spirit world. Inspired by Chinese and Malaysian folktales and mythologies, Cho pens ten stories that play on the line of natural and spiritual. From the orang bunian to the pontianak, Cho explores the multiple realities there are when it comes to the Asian diaspora and how those traditions transcend man-made borders.
About the Author
Hanna is a Library Associate at DC Public Libraries. She enjoys reading books authored by Octavia Buter, Tayari Jones, and Nnedi Okorafor. Aside from reading she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing sims 4, and painting.