Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "tale"

Hey there, fellow mythology buffs!

I've always been fascinated by the rich tapestry of myths and legends, especially those that have stood the test of time. This passion led me to embark on a special project that I'm excited to complete and share with you all. My latest book, "The Journey of Ulysses," is finally here, offering a fresh and modern take on Homer's classic, "The Odyssey."

In "The Journey of Ulysses," I invite you to join me on an adventure across ancient seas through the eyes of one of literature's most enduring heroes. This isn't your high school textbook's Odyssey. Imagine all the cunning of Ulysses, the battles with mythical creatures, and the longing for home, but told in a way that is easier to read and makes sure the gods are Greek gods, as they should be, and not Roman gods, as they were in many English retellings. It was originally written in Greek, so why not bring it into modern English prose instead of something translated or retold well over a century ago?

Whether you're a die-hard fan of the original epic or looking for an exhilarating story that combines ancient lore with a contemporary twist, this book is for you. I've poured my heart and soul (and a fair bit of modern-day lingo) into retelling Ulysses's legendary journey. So, if you're up for an adventure that blends the old with the new in a tale as timeless as it is relevant, "The Journey of Ulysses" awaits.

Set sail into a story that bridges worlds and weaves the past into the present. It's a story about resilience, the power of the human spirit, and the endless pursuit of home, no matter the obstacles.

I had a wonderful time revisiting the story myself as I retold it!

Catch the wave,
Samuel DenHartog

Greetings, seekers of myth and legacy!

With my latest literary adventure, "Tales from the Greek Pantheon," I invite you to climb the mythical Mount Olympus and delve into the lives of the gods and goddesses whose epics have stood the test of time. Let us navigate the cloud-wreathed peaks where Zeus thunders, Athena strategizes, and Apollo illuminates the arts. This collection of tales is a reinvigoration of the stories that have laid the foundation for much of Western culture and thought.

So lace up your sandals, fellow adventurers, for an odyssey amongst the stars and the spirits of antiquity. Here's to the odysseys that inspire, to the myths that mold our moral compass, and to the stories that remind us of the grandeur and folly of the human condition as seen through the eyes of the gods.

Join me on this epic voyage, where each chapter is a hymn to the ancient powers and the timeless tales that resonate with the echo of Olympus.

Until our paths cross in the shadow of the Acropolis,
Samuel DenHartog

In my latest literary voyage, "Tales from the Halls of Valhalla," I invite readers to traverse the mystical boundary that separates our world from the ancient realms of Norse mythology. Journey from the majestic halls of Asgard to the depths of Midgard's mysteries, we encounter gods and mortals locked in the timeless dance of fate. Odin's wisdom, Thor's might, and Loki's guile are but a few of the vibrant threads woven into this tapestry of tales. Each story is a window into the Norse soul, revealing a world where the lines between bravery and recklessness, honor and tragedy, are as intertwined as the roots of Yggdrasil.

This endeavor has been a pilgrimage back to the spiritual homeland of the Viking spirit, exploring the narratives that have sculpted the Norse worldview. Through "Tales from the Halls of Valhalla," I aspire to resurrect these ancient sagas, presenting them not just as myths but as the embodiment of a people's ethos, where valor and destiny are as crucial as the air we breathe.

Join me on this expedition across the frostbitten landscapes of the North, through tales of creation and cataclysm, of gods walking among us, and of the end of days — Ragnarök. Together, let's drink from the well of Urd, battling alongside the Einherjar, and feast in Valhalla, where the echoes of the past live on in the stories we tell today.

See you in Valhalla,
Samuel DenHartog

I’ve always believed that myths don’t need rewriting—they just need to be brought to life again. The stories of Roman gods have been passed down in fragments, etched into marble, scattered through poets and historians. But behind those fragments are full lives, waiting to be heard in new rhythms. This book offers those tales in new breath, closer to how they might have sounded around firelight or under open skies.

What fascinated me was how much was already there—love that turns sharp, loyalty that fractures, vanity that reshapes the world. The gods aren’t symbols here. They’re characters who make choices, and live with them. My goal was to honor the original myths but let them feel spoken rather than recited. When Mars strides into battle or Proserpina lingers in shadow, you’ll know their stories—but you might feel them differently.

Each tale holds tight to its source while finding a new pulse in the telling. Some follow Ovid’s path, others the whispers of Varro or Virgil, and some come from lesser-remembered lines that deserved to rise again. What ties them all together is the sky—a sky thick with fate, fire, and gods whose moods still echo through us. It’s not about changing what happened. It’s about hearing it like you’re there.