Circe: New & Ancient Greek Tales Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts 9781804179635

Enchantress, goddess, witch, predatory seductress... Inevitably, Circe has been best-known in these terms, through the male gaze of Homer, Hesiod et al., as interpreted by readers and storytellers until today. Rarely does the classic literature give us a rounded view of a woman subject to the same flaws and emotions as anyone: jealousy, desire, unrequited love; her witchcraft is perhaps not so much dreadful as awe-inspiring and led by nature. What we know of her story is piecemeal, from many sources. This enriching collection brings together new stories and ancient origins, offering a wider perspective on the whole life of the enigmatic, enchanting Circe.

Introductory essay by Imogen Dalton, and foreword by Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts. The modern authors whose stories feature in this book are: L.D. Burke, Z.D. Campbell, C.B. Channell, Mason Graham, Kay Hanifen, M.J. Harris, Elena Kotsile, Claire L. Marsh, Erin Murphy, Lourdes Urena Perez, Elizabeth Roberts, Zach Shephard, Jamie Simpher, Theresa Tyree, and Mathieu W.R. Wallis.

About the series: Discover the mythology of humankind through its heroes, characters, gods and immortal figures. Myths, Gods & Immortals brings together the new and the ancient, familiar stories with a fresh and imaginative twist. Each book brings back to life a legendary, mythological or folkloric figure, with new stories alongside a comprehensive introduction which tells the original tales and emphasizes ancient and modern connections, tracing history and stories across continents, cultures and peoples. New and emerging writers from open submissions reveal hidden themes, casting fresh perspectives on well known stories, complementing the specially commissioned story of the origins and the cultural background from the era. The first titles are Medusa, Odin, Anansi and Circe.

Dr Ellie Mackin Roberts (Foreword) is a Material Religion Research and Engagement Fellow, and Research Fellow at the University of Bristol. Ellie's main research interests involve the material culture and art of ancient Greece, particularly archaic and classical Greek religion, including the role of women in the religious landscape of the ancient Greek city. Her popular history books include Heroines of Olympus: The Women of Greek Mythology and Brief Histories: Ancient Greece. She makes Greek mythology and history videos for a general audience on TikTok.

Imogen Dalton ('Introducing Circe') is an academic of classical studies, specializing in mythology. As a freelance writer she has worked on articles and magazines on the subjects of mythology, spirituality and theology. Her interests also cover mythology from other ancient societies such as Norse, Celtic and Egyptian. Her background as an artist and a holistic therapist gives her a unique perspective on the energetics and rituals associated with ancient religions. She also has a YouTube channel where she discusses myth, religion and rituals.