I've read the Iliad, the Odyssey, Epic of Gilgamesh, some condensed Norse mythology, King Arthur stories, Metamorphasis, The Golden ***. Can you think of any other really great books like these?
2006-09-21 06:38:17 · 13 answers · asked by horrorfan 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
For cripes sake! READ Eaters of the Dead (The 13th Warrior) by Michael Crichton if you like Norse mythology this is based on an actual text.
Heres a review from amazon:
Based on the Ibn Fadlan manuscript from 921 AD, we see real Vikings!
First released in 1976, 'Eaters Of The Dead' was one of my first Michael Crichton books. I have been an avid Crichton fan since that time. Later, in the 1990's, a film was made called 'The 13th Warrior', which remained true to the book and yet added some wonderful flavor and fantastic visuals to a novel I still remembered as terrific. Though based heavily on the rediscovered manuscripts and references of the real Ibn Fadlan, Crichton clearly tells us the book is considered as fiction and was/is marketed as fiction.
Ibn Fadlan was sent away from Bagdad by the Caliph, on the word of a jealous husband who's wife Fadlan had tampered with, to become Ambassador to the King of the Bulgars far to the north. On his journey, he is waylaid by a band of Norsemen and selected to join them on a journey to aid King Rothgar against an unspeakable evil that appears in the cold northern mists.
Traveling with Buliwyf, a man soon to become king of his own court, and a group of twelve hearty Norsemen including the light-hearted Herger who speaks enough Latin to act as translator, Fadlan is taken further north with a band of men the fastidious Arab considers to be unclean barbarians. Fadlan becomes immersed in their savage lifestyles, killing for sport and rutting in public, even gaining some respect for their superstitious ways and bawdy, rugged beliefs.
King Rothgar's lands are being attacked by the Wendol, a Neanderthal-type, cave-dwelling clan who takes the heads of their enemies and eats their flesh. It is up to the thirteen warriors to rid King Rothgar of his dangerous enemies.
'Eaters Of The Dead' is a riveting tale, with enough footnotes and factual base to make it a realistic peek at the ancient Norsemen and a quick, exciting read. When the book was re-released, Crichton added (in 1992) some interesting, factual notes on the Wendol, possible origins of the people described by Ibn Fadlan back in 921 AD.
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Or read Grendel by John Gardner is modern retelling of the Beowulf epic from the point of view of the monster.
2006-09-21 08:07:22 · answer #1 · answered by Ralph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you try Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" while you were reading King Arthur stuff? It's definitely epic, but focuses more on the women behind the throne than on Arthur himself.
Of course, there's always The Lord of the Rings series. The prequel The Silmarillion has some great mythology which would provide a fascinating comparision to the other stuff you've already read.
2006-09-21 06:45:45 · answer #2 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Sword of Shannara Trilogy---Terry Brooks
Princes of Ireland: The Dublin Saga---Edward Rutherfurd
Rebels of Ireland: The Dublin Saga---Edward Rutherfurd (Sequal)
Ilium---Dan Simmons
Red Branch---Morgan Llywelyn
Type Epic Mythology in as a Keyword search at www.barnesandnoble.com The books listed above and 1,200+ more can be found
2006-09-21 13:31:21 · answer #3 · answered by arenee1999 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally liked the series on the Ramayana by Ashok Banker, The first book is Prince of Ayodhya, followed by Siege of Mithila. The style of writing is terrific and he has followed the storyline faithfully giving new insights and explanations to this 4000 year old legend which has survived and grown through the years.
2006-09-22 04:09:55 · answer #4 · answered by jazideol 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Shahnameh (Book of the Kings), a persian Epic Story.Critics compare this whit Iliad. I can post a english translation for you, if you want.
bye
2006-09-21 07:04:45 · answer #5 · answered by mehrdad135 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please note that I have no intention to "push" religion to you...
But try to read "Torah"... Bible... Koran...Veda's book...
If you read them out of religion concepts, but as historical and philosophy information... surely you will apprehend what is so different between people who followed those religions and our good world of today is...
Those books are ancient and epics...
Look for the "Fogs" of Avalon anyway...
Guess I got a new fountain of epic enterprises!
2006-09-21 06:54:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i want to propose the spuds books to all of us noticeably boys that have long previous to a boarding college, yet its an mind-blowing examine for all of us. The e book is termed Spud, there is likewise Spud2, and spud3. they are all comedy fiction according to a dairy of a youthful boy at boarding college.
2016-10-01 05:25:15 · answer #7 · answered by riesgo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try The Mahabharata. Its supposed to be a really good book.
2006-09-21 06:45:09 · answer #8 · answered by rocker_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You gotta read Beowulf--it's excellent. I recommend skipping the digressions, though (they're long explanations of where Beowulf came from and that kind of thing).
2006-09-21 06:46:02 · answer #9 · answered by Bittlesgrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rex arthur 500 pages long
2006-09-21 06:46:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋