18 years after Percy Jackson was first introduced to the world with “The Lightning Thief”, a novel by Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson appeared in a new form for the Disney + television. series adaptation. Season one hit screens at home on Dec. 19, 2023, and fans have been anxiously awaiting season two ever since.
Season two comes out in 2025, so in the meantime, here’s some great pieces of media to satisfy any Greek mythology cravings.
Two classic retellings
In the world of Greek inspired literature, Madeline Miller’s name frequently comes to mind, deservedly so. Miller wrote two famous retellings of classic Greek myths: “Circe” and “The Song of Achilles”. If you’re looking to return to the classics, these are the places to start.
Miller puts a new spin on the myths surrounding the titan Circe, following her from her time with the titans and gods, to her exile to her island — all the way through the conclusion of the events of the Odyssey.
Miller’s retelling focuses on the internal life of Circe, and her path from becoming a meek and sheltered young immortal, to a powerful, self possessed witch. The journey from Circe’s first uncertain days in exile, to the final pages where she takes her story into her own hands, is deeply satisfying and expertly crafted, and worth every page.
“The Song of Achilles” gained TikTok notoriety for its heart wrenching writing. Miller takes the reader back to Troy and the years in Pythia before the war — this time from Patrcolus’s perspective.
“The Song of Achilles” tells the story of love, loss and legacy as two young men struggle to grapple with dire prophecy, doomed love and a destiny handed down from the gods.
While this retelling gained it’s fame from the doomed lovers who star in it, the soft moments between Patroclus and Thetis had deeper emotional resonance than any other scene in the book, creating a bittersweet but fitting end.
An epic trilogy
Rosaria Munda drew inspiration from Plato’s “The Republic” to create a sweeping tale of sacrifice and hope for a better future in her trilogy “The Aurelian Cycle”.
The first book “Fireborne” introduces the audience to the two main characters, Annie and Lee. After the fall of the triarchy, Annie and Lee are left to navigate a new world while grappling with the past. Lee’s family, the former feudal lords, murdered Annie’s family, but the two find themselves relying on each other to survive in an orphanage after the revolution.
As the two grow up and find their place among the dragon riders who make up their countries military, they’re forced to grapple with the question of whether the regime that ruined Lee’s life is truly better than the one that ruined Annie’s.
The two question the idea of who is more deserving, as they fight for democracy and equality. If you’re looking for a thrilling action packed series that forces characters to decide whether to do what’s right, or to protect their friends and family, this is the perfect series for you.
“The Aurelian Cycle” takes readers through a journey of two young people pushed to the brink as they are forced to question power, and test how far they are willing to go in their attempts to do better than the people who came before them as they strive for justice, democracy and freedom.
A sweeping saga
Percy Jackson achieved such a beloved status among fans for its wit and sarcasm, so if you’re looking to return to the classic with a little bit of humor, “Epic: The Musical” concept album is a great place to start.
“Epic: The Musical” is a concept album for a musical retelling of the Odyssey that the creator, Jorge Rivera-Herrans is releasing in sagas.
Rivera-Herrans’ retelling depicts Odysseus as a noble hearted warrior tired of war, who still maintains his confidence and flippant sense of humor after being separated from his wife and son for a decade.
Even without the visuals, the concept album never fails to capture the grand and mythical atmosphere of Greek Mythology, executing well-laid out emotional arcs and musical refrains steeped in symbolic callbacks.
While the play has moments of humor and levity, Odysseus struggles with how to ethically navigate a world where violence and glory are rewarded at the sake of his humanity. As the saga continues, Rivera-Herran illustrates beautifully that while Odeyss is named for Odysseus’ epic journey, he is not a hero.
The original Percy Jackson series, and its adaption, have heart, humor and weight behind the story, as the lessons the characters learn hold value beyond the pages they’re written in. So while fans excitedly wait to see how season two will keep the legacy alive, these three pieces of media effortlessly pull the audience back into the world of gods, heroes and villains.
