Contemporary Feminist Retellings of Greek Myths

This book examines modern myth retellings, exploring their empowerment and commercialisation in digital marketing.

This book explores the recent surge in adaptations of Graeco-Roman myths, reimagined through a female lens. From modern classics such as Madeleine Miller’s Circe to the recent surge of dark academia and contemporary fanfiction, these retellings, often written by women and featuring female protagonists, challenge traditional narratives and give voice to marginalized characters from the classical canon. They are particularly popular as ‘fix-it lit’, addressing the wrongs and injustices done to female figures in ancient myths.

Unlike 20th-century feminist rewritings, this current wave is shaped not only by socio-cultural factors but also by online trends and marketing strategies. Movements such as #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, along with platforms like BookTok and fanfiction sites, have contributed to the popularity of these retellings. This volume examines the extent to which these works are genuinely empowering from a feminist perspective or rather cater to a demand for fresh takes on familiar stories, exploring the complexities and ambiguities of contemporary myth-making.