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Ancient Myths and Legends Without Men
Rediscover legendary tales from Ancient Mythology, centred around the stories of women, perfect for fans of Mythos, Circe, Pandora and Clytemnestra in this beautifully-illustrated bold feminist retelling of ancient mythological stories, written by expert classicist Mara Gold.
Discover the goddesses, warriors, witches, and monsters who shaped and subverted womanhood from the very beginning ...
Homemaker. Virgin. Warrior. Witch. Madwoman. Monster.
The labels applied to mythological women echo throughout history. These archetypes, created in the Ancient World, still resonate today.
From the stories of the virgin goddesses Athena and Artemis, the contrasting depictions of wifely duty in Clytemnestra and Penelope, the ecstatic frenzies of the Maenads, Echidna—the so-called mother of all monsters—and the misunderstood Medusa, Ancient Myths and Legends Without Men reveals a world where powerful women were both worshipped and feared.
Accompanied with beautiful illustrations throughout, uncover the real stories behind the women of Ancient Mythology and find what they can teach us about being a woman today.
Discover the goddesses, warriors, witches, and monsters who shaped and subverted womanhood from the very beginning ...
Homemaker. Virgin. Warrior. Witch. Madwoman. Monster.
The labels applied to mythological women echo throughout history. These archetypes, created in the Ancient World, still resonate today.
From the stories of the virgin goddesses Athena and Artemis, the contrasting depictions of wifely duty in Clytemnestra and Penelope, the ecstatic frenzies of the Maenads, Echidna—the so-called mother of all monsters—and the misunderstood Medusa, Ancient Myths and Legends Without Men reveals a world where powerful women were both worshipped and feared.
Accompanied with beautiful illustrations throughout, uncover the real stories behind the women of Ancient Mythology and find what they can teach us about being a woman today.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
13 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 24, 2025
Begin was heel goed en interessant, maar wou toch wat meer diepgang over ieders verhaal. Wel interessant om te lezen om te zien dat 'vrouwen' al zo lang op een bepaalde manier worden gezien door mannen....
October 31, 2025
4.5 rounded up - This incredibly researched book acts as something of a beginners guide to some of the coolest figures in classic mythology. Split into the recognisable tropes of Virgin, Homemaker, Warrior, Witch, Madwoman and Monster (my favourite chapter) Gold talks us through a few of the key female figures and their stories.
Gold’s wit really starts shining through a couple of chapters in and is immediately endearing, as is the clear passion she has for her mythological loves. I really enjoyed the queer takes and recentering of figures who were sidelined by their own stories. My only downside is that some of the character studies feel a little too short! I’d have liked to read a full chapter on every myth Gold writes about.
Even with this though, Gold has written a great book that will no doubt inspire people to go and do an even deeper dive into some really fascinating legends.
(Also worth noting that this book is BEAUTIFUL, from the cover to the gorgeous illustrations, it’s an absolute treasure).
Thank you to Mara and to Vintage for this advanced copy. AMALWM is now taking pride of place in my bookshelves.
Gold’s wit really starts shining through a couple of chapters in and is immediately endearing, as is the clear passion she has for her mythological loves. I really enjoyed the queer takes and recentering of figures who were sidelined by their own stories. My only downside is that some of the character studies feel a little too short! I’d have liked to read a full chapter on every myth Gold writes about.
Even with this though, Gold has written a great book that will no doubt inspire people to go and do an even deeper dive into some really fascinating legends.
(Also worth noting that this book is BEAUTIFUL, from the cover to the gorgeous illustrations, it’s an absolute treasure).
Thank you to Mara and to Vintage for this advanced copy. AMALWM is now taking pride of place in my bookshelves.
February 3, 2026
I wrote this review below when I got halfway through the book, I've finished it now and I stand behind my opinion.
I am both captivated and disappointed in equal measure.
I appreciate so much having women's perspective in ancient stories (it's about time!), but I feel the book lacks thorough historical research and study.
2 chapters particularly felt out of place: assuming that Sekhmet was the most popular deity in ancient Egypt because her statues are the most common among museums and private collections is a huge stretch. 1/Sekhmet was perhaps the most feared deity - and not in ancient Egypt, rather in the Old Kingdom times - as the goddess of war, vengeance and fire 2/ancient Egypt daily life is greatly intertwined with religion and superstitious beliefs (hence amulets) 3/before 1911 and Tutankhamen's tumb was discovered, egyptologists struggled to find any decent sealed tumbs, because tumb raiders were common then and were still after the fall of the Egyptian empire. From there, a logical conclusion would be that raiders took the tumb's riches, and any godly representation worth the money, but left Sekhmet's statues and amulets etc, fearing her revenge. Depending on the times (old and new kingdom mostly), more popular figures among Egyptian gods are Re (Râ), the 8 gods and goddesses, Tot, Amun.
My second issue is the author 's analysis of Joan of Arc. She a real, historical figure. To put it shortly and bluntly, she's a teenager, a virgin, a women in the late middle age, suddenly "called by god" to reclaim the french kingdom and have its legitimate french king back on its throne. Then Charles VII let her be captured, burned at the stake so she would not have too much influence in the french court.
Ok, from there, please help me understand why she's labeled as a Queer / LGBTIQ+ figure? Genuine question because the author lost me there..
I am both captivated and disappointed in equal measure.
I appreciate so much having women's perspective in ancient stories (it's about time!), but I feel the book lacks thorough historical research and study.
2 chapters particularly felt out of place: assuming that Sekhmet was the most popular deity in ancient Egypt because her statues are the most common among museums and private collections is a huge stretch. 1/Sekhmet was perhaps the most feared deity - and not in ancient Egypt, rather in the Old Kingdom times - as the goddess of war, vengeance and fire 2/ancient Egypt daily life is greatly intertwined with religion and superstitious beliefs (hence amulets) 3/before 1911 and Tutankhamen's tumb was discovered, egyptologists struggled to find any decent sealed tumbs, because tumb raiders were common then and were still after the fall of the Egyptian empire. From there, a logical conclusion would be that raiders took the tumb's riches, and any godly representation worth the money, but left Sekhmet's statues and amulets etc, fearing her revenge. Depending on the times (old and new kingdom mostly), more popular figures among Egyptian gods are Re (Râ), the 8 gods and goddesses, Tot, Amun.
My second issue is the author 's analysis of Joan of Arc. She a real, historical figure. To put it shortly and bluntly, she's a teenager, a virgin, a women in the late middle age, suddenly "called by god" to reclaim the french kingdom and have its legitimate french king back on its throne. Then Charles VII let her be captured, burned at the stake so she would not have too much influence in the french court.
Ok, from there, please help me understand why she's labeled as a Queer / LGBTIQ+ figure? Genuine question because the author lost me there..
January 2, 2026
"The majority of monsters in the ancient world were female reflecting a societal fear of women with any sort of power
but especially power over men. From Echidna, the so-called mother of all monsters, to the Sirens, the enduring symbol of male temptation, these monsters were designed to push the narrative that women who went unchecked were dangerous. Many of them did not start out as monsters but as beautiful women who were punished bv the men who were attracted to them."
Classical studies has never taken my fancy (maybe because of the rape and perpetual female punishment) this book was an accesible intro to ancient myths and legends. The archetypes chosen as chapters (homemaker, virgin, warrior, femme fatale, witch, madwoman, monster) still ring true as pigeon holes used in an attempt to control and define womanhood. Although the books focus is predominantly greek and roman there are some cool comparisons to indigenous legend/myth....
"Far from Aeaea, we see some parallels with Circe in the story of Kurangaituku from Aotearoa. There are multiple versions of the myth, which are particular to different iwi or tribes that still exist around the country. Kurangaituku Was part- bird part-woman and traditionally described as a witch, though some versions portray her more sympathetically as a protector or caretaker of birds. Like Circe, she was not the main character in her own story, but a well-known antagonist to the male hero, Hatupatu. Also like Circe, the dominant versions of the story describe Kurangaituku capturing Hatapatu whilst he was out hunting and imprisoning him in her cave along with her pet birds and reptiles."
but especially power over men. From Echidna, the so-called mother of all monsters, to the Sirens, the enduring symbol of male temptation, these monsters were designed to push the narrative that women who went unchecked were dangerous. Many of them did not start out as monsters but as beautiful women who were punished bv the men who were attracted to them."
Classical studies has never taken my fancy (maybe because of the rape and perpetual female punishment) this book was an accesible intro to ancient myths and legends. The archetypes chosen as chapters (homemaker, virgin, warrior, femme fatale, witch, madwoman, monster) still ring true as pigeon holes used in an attempt to control and define womanhood. Although the books focus is predominantly greek and roman there are some cool comparisons to indigenous legend/myth....
"Far from Aeaea, we see some parallels with Circe in the story of Kurangaituku from Aotearoa. There are multiple versions of the myth, which are particular to different iwi or tribes that still exist around the country. Kurangaituku Was part- bird part-woman and traditionally described as a witch, though some versions portray her more sympathetically as a protector or caretaker of birds. Like Circe, she was not the main character in her own story, but a well-known antagonist to the male hero, Hatupatu. Also like Circe, the dominant versions of the story describe Kurangaituku capturing Hatapatu whilst he was out hunting and imprisoning him in her cave along with her pet birds and reptiles."
February 28, 2026
i wanted to like this so much more than i did.
visually, the book is striking. the cover, the illustrations, and general design are all stunning. its content, too, is so important. female mythology, especially outside of its direct relationship to men, desperately needs to be heard. i fear, however, that gold fails to do these stories justice in a few crucial ways.
first of of all, i have to admit, i’m bothered by the fact that the book is entitled “ancient myths & legends without men,” then mainly focuses on ancient greece, but sporadically pulls from other cultures. this is never addressed. to me, it felt like a continuous loss of focus or, more problematically, leaning into the white supremacist narrative that greece’s is naturally the most important ancient culture. i would have had no problem with gold simply covering greece or explaining that this is her expertise, but the irregular, unpredictable switches felt jarring.
secondly, and even more important is the lack of depth of analysis. while the reader is introduced to many myths and legends, none of them are expanded on below surface level. feminist retellings or interpretations are often mentioned without much detail and chapter conclusions are lackluster at best, barely amounting to a page each. the book left me with a better idea of the rough outline of women in greek myths, but no true, deeper understanding.
so sad to only give this three stars. still worth it alone for the gorgeous design and some increased familiarity with female stories.
visually, the book is striking. the cover, the illustrations, and general design are all stunning. its content, too, is so important. female mythology, especially outside of its direct relationship to men, desperately needs to be heard. i fear, however, that gold fails to do these stories justice in a few crucial ways.
first of of all, i have to admit, i’m bothered by the fact that the book is entitled “ancient myths & legends without men,” then mainly focuses on ancient greece, but sporadically pulls from other cultures. this is never addressed. to me, it felt like a continuous loss of focus or, more problematically, leaning into the white supremacist narrative that greece’s is naturally the most important ancient culture. i would have had no problem with gold simply covering greece or explaining that this is her expertise, but the irregular, unpredictable switches felt jarring.
secondly, and even more important is the lack of depth of analysis. while the reader is introduced to many myths and legends, none of them are expanded on below surface level. feminist retellings or interpretations are often mentioned without much detail and chapter conclusions are lackluster at best, barely amounting to a page each. the book left me with a better idea of the rough outline of women in greek myths, but no true, deeper understanding.
so sad to only give this three stars. still worth it alone for the gorgeous design and some increased familiarity with female stories.
February 6, 2026
This book offered some new nuggets of information despite my familiarity with Homer, Virgil, Greek drama, and numerous modern retellings. The female-focused family tree was an interesting concept, though I found myself wishing for the inclusion of a traditional genealogy including both genders for comparison.
The book’s strengths lie in its concise examination of how Greek mythology portrays women through archetypal patterns, occasionally drawing comparisons with other mythological traditions like Joan of Arc and Mary. However, it seems caught between readers—requiring background knowledge to fully appreciate the selection of figures discussed, yet too brief for readers already in the know.
Personally the book’s brevity left me wanting more depth and analysis. A more substantial treatment of this rich subject matter would have been welcome.
The book’s strengths lie in its concise examination of how Greek mythology portrays women through archetypal patterns, occasionally drawing comparisons with other mythological traditions like Joan of Arc and Mary. However, it seems caught between readers—requiring background knowledge to fully appreciate the selection of figures discussed, yet too brief for readers already in the know.
Personally the book’s brevity left me wanting more depth and analysis. A more substantial treatment of this rich subject matter would have been welcome.
March 8, 2026
In Greek Myths and Legends Without Men, Mara Gold breathes vibrant new life into antiquity by centering the voices of women and non-binary figures often sidelined in traditional lore. Her prose is evocative and deeply researched, successfully stripping away centuries of patriarchal bias to reveal the raw power of characters like Medusa and Artemis. Gold's scholarly expertise shines through, making this an essential, modern addition to any mythology lover's shelf.
However, the experience is slightly marred by a layout that feels overly clinical, often resembling the dry formatting of Wikipedia entries rather than an immersive narrative. This academic tone persists until the stories abruptly conclude at the three-quarter mark, leaving the final twenty-five percent of the book purely for references. While the scholarship is impressive, the narrative finished so early that I was left wanting much more of Gold’s storytelling before hitting the bibliography ….plus the mention of these idols in modern culture felt clunky and like a someone attempting to be cool “with the youth”
However, the experience is slightly marred by a layout that feels overly clinical, often resembling the dry formatting of Wikipedia entries rather than an immersive narrative. This academic tone persists until the stories abruptly conclude at the three-quarter mark, leaving the final twenty-five percent of the book purely for references. While the scholarship is impressive, the narrative finished so early that I was left wanting much more of Gold’s storytelling before hitting the bibliography ….plus the mention of these idols in modern culture felt clunky and like a someone attempting to be cool “with the youth”
November 26, 2025
Beautiful and accessible book, so interesting and left me wanting more. Wonderfully queer and bringing myths to the modern day, showing how activists and others have reclaimed mythological figures. Really relevant and refreshing take. Only criticism is wanting more! Hope there’s another book in the works!
December 16, 2025
I love reading history, myths and legends from a female perspective. It’s packed with cool illustrations and written in a way that’s easy to get into, so you don’t need to be a mythology expert to enjoy it. I am keen to dive into the myths and legends that I was not familiar with to learn some more; particularly Kurangaituku. Thankyou Mara for creating this book
January 8, 2026
Really enjoyed this but was not what I was expecting. There were short chapters about Clytemnestra, Atalanta and Medea (my fav characters within mythology) within which I wish were written and expanded on so much more, but there were still lots of interesting facts and information! Gran got me this for Christmas after I pointed it out at the ashmolean museum in Oxford gift shop!
December 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this! A great starting point for feminist retelling of mythology that references so many other great works!!
March 6, 2026
Loved this collection of stories, and the illustrations, I just think the editor didn’t do a great job, as there were a lot of errors.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews