Good Texts for an Aspiring Hellenistic Polytheist

[Seeker of the Ancients]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to the forums and I'm really looking forward to participating in some interesting discussions here

First off, I was wondering if anyone on this particular DIR knows of any texts that might be valuable to someone who is hoping to develop a worship practice centered around the Greek pantheon. I have attempted to find sources of information in my college library, but so far my search has been... underwhelming. Of the two texts I have found so far, the first is nothing more than a glorified glossary of Greek mythology and the other seems to be geared toward a younger (likely high school age) audience, and I had hoped for a more mature interpretation of the old stories.

Specifically, the types of books I was hoping to find are:
- A comprehensive and mature interpretation of the classic Greek myths
- A more intellectual assessment of the myths. Perhaps a text exploring their spiritual importance in the modern day?
- Historical information regarding the various rituals the ancient Greeks used to honor their gods.

Anyway, anything you could provide would be very helpful

Thanks in advance and I'm very glad to be here!

 

[te_lanus]

I've read Exploring Greek Myth by Matthew Clark its good. But I'm not into greek mythology

 

[Sees]

Need to fire up my old laptop and check out some notes, bookmarks, etc. Hopefully we get some more folks who practice in our RF ranks soon (some Celtic Recons too)

I like the stuff on this website www.HellenicGods.org their understanding of myth as related to actual, practiced religion/spirituality is much different than you'd find in most dry resources which give classical, church-inspired narrow vision and condescending overtones. Their articles and book recommendations will probably be to your liking.

Edit-

Here is one of their pages specifically talking about that actually...had to refind it.

MYTHOLOGY IN HELLENISMOS - ΜΥΘΟΛΟΓΊΑ - www.HellenicGods.org

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

I own a copy of The Greek Myths by Robin and Kathryn Waterfield. It's short - only 300 pages - but contains stories on all the Olympians and mentions the gods of the underworld in passing, as well as the stories of how the universe arose from chaos, the previous races of men, how Prometheus gave fire to humanity, the Titan War and of the heroes like Odysseus. It's something I love to read.

I've also got the Homeric Hymns and Hesiod's Theogony and Works & Days. They're useful for direct referencing on aspects of the gods.

 

[Quintessence]

If you're not already familiar with Theoi, you should be.

Supposedly, this book is an academic mainstay. There's another one I have at home that may also be an excellent one, but I have not honestly gotten to reading it yet.

 

[Seeker of the Ancients]

Wonderful! Thank you all for taking the time to find all of this for me! I will start trying to get my hands on the sources you've given me now

I'm also really appreciative for the internet sources. It seems that in-depth information on Ancient Greek Religion is hard to find, even on the web.

I like the stuff on this website www.HellenicGods.org their understanding of myth as related to actual, practiced religion/spirituality is much different than you'd find in most dry resources which give classical, church-inspired narrow vision and condescending overtones. Their articles and book recommendations will probably be to your liking.

Edit-

Here is one of their pages specifically talking about that actually...had to refind it.

MYTHOLOGY IN HELLENISMOS - ΜΥΘΟΛΟΓΊΑ - www.HellenicGods.org

Yeah, that is something I've noticed too. Many of the sources I've found up until now have had very disconnected, dismissive tones when discussing the Gods and the religion that centered around them. Glad to see that there are sources out there that separate themselves from that mentality.

Again, thank you all!

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Some books you may want to consider:

Old Stones, New Temples: Drew Campbell: 9780738832012: Amazon.com: Books
Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today: Tony Mierzwicki: 9780738725932: Amazon.com: Books
Amazon.com: Timothy Jay Alexander: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Sites:
Olympianismos- Forum of Classical Olympian religion/Hellenismos
Elaion
Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes
Tropaion

Oh, and the Hellenic Gods site is an Orphic site. Orphism is but one Mystery tradition of the Hellenes. Just a heads up.

 

[GoodbyeDave]

I'd endorse Burkert as a guide to ancient beliefs, although he tends to ignore later developments.

For practice,
Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship
It's also worth reading the Homeric hymns and the Orphic hymns. The latter are available in singable versions in
Hymns and initiations / transl. T. Taylor.

Two works that will inspire
Longing for wisdom / A. Szabo
Seven myths of the soul / T. Addey

 

[Frolicking_Fox]

Check theoi.com
It is a really good source

Also, which gods/goddesses do you worship? I am Ares and Artemis

 

[Aupmanyav]

I got to know about Greek mythology from James Frazer's "Early Sociology of Religions" and Robert Grave's "Greek Myths". The first I studied at the British Library in Delhi, the second was bought by my father. I cherish the reading of both the books.