Gender Swapped Greek Myths

Product Information

I used to be fascinated by Greek mythology, but, even as a teenager, knew that they were fiction and a reflection of a long-gone society. That's one of the things that made them interesting. Teresias was asked what sex was like for the different sexes and replied something like 'if the pleasure of sex can be counted as 10, 9 go to women, but 1 goes to men'. Greek myths are not only rooted in reality but have helped shape modern thinking in many important ways. Their mythical nature does not take away from the fact they contain important morals and teachings that are as relevant now as they were thousands of years ago.” LoveReading4Kids exists because books change lives, and buying books through LoveReading4Kids means you get to change the lives of future generations, with 25% of the cover price donated to schools in need. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives.

A new captivating, inspiring, and totally perspective-shifting volume from the wife and husband team behind Gender Swapped Fairy Tales

LoveReading4Kids Says

I really enjoyed this book, and I found the concept of gender swapping very interesting. It was refreshing to see the women warriors out fighting and the men told to sit inside. Even the language used to describe the genders was different to that typically used in mythology, for example women being described as brave and great. The illustrations were beautiful and interesting and I loved the colour scheme. They really brought the myths to life. The stories were intriguing, easy to read and exciting. My favourites were Odyssea and the Cyclopess because it is very clever, and Pandorus and his Casket. They were funny and light-hearted, so perfect for younger readers as well as older ones. I feel very well informed about Greek mythology and would definitely recommend it to a friend! Grace B, 14 However, there are some ways I feel that the story could improve. I felt that a few of the names were confusing, such as Danae, which was changed to Danaus, and Danaus, which was changed to Danae. Also, the change of dryads to satyrs was confusing, as they are already both established groups of characters in the myths. On the other hand, the name bank at the end of the book was incredibly useful, but hard to find if you didn’t realise it was there.... Read Full Review

The use of an algorithm to do this became glaringly obvious as the stories went on and felt, frankly, quite lazy. Now if it had been done by hand with choices made by the author perhaps the writing would’ve read a lot more authentic. As it stands it’s just ok. And a little awkward in places. In true mythology style Gender Swapped Greek Myths does just that. Sirens are now male, luring heroines to their deaths. Icara and her mother fly too close to the sun and men we’d underworld queens. Faber Members have access to live and online events, special editions and book promotions, and articles and quizzes through our weekly e-newsletter. See Faber authors in conversation and hear readings from their work at Faber Members events, literary festivals and at book shops across the UK.They haven’t rewritten the stories in this book. They haven’t reimagined endings, or reinvented characters. What they have done is switch all the genders. It might not sound like that much of a change, but you’ll be dazzled by the world this swap creates – and amazed by the new characters you’re about to discover. Faber & Faber was founded nearly a century ago, in 1929. Read about our long publishing history in a decade-by-decade account. She is coming!” cried Thesea, and she ran forward to meet the beast. The seven bachelors shrieked, but tried to stand up bravely and face their fate; and the six young women stood together with firm-set teeth and clenched fists, ready to fight to the last. It’s important to note that this gender swap does not create a utopian society. This world is merely a reflection of our own with all the same problems and power imbalances, just with the genders reversed. The purpose of this book is to help us see our own world and all its inequalities in a clearer light and hopefully to help us all empathise with ‘the other side’. We hope to break down boundaries, allowing children and adults to explore even more possible roles. To be courageous heroines, loving fathers or even beastly Minoheifers in a less divided world.

I loved this book. It made me see these Greek myths in a whole new light just from the simple act of switching the gender roles. Imagine a world where seductive male sirens lure brave heroines to their death, where Icara and her mother fly too close to the sun, and where beautiful men are forced to wed underworld queens... Interesting article from the Guardian on a new book. It seems the writer and illustrator have previously gender swapped fairy tales. I think it is fair to use gender (although I've not read the books) because they keep the stereotypes and it highlights how, frankly, psychopathic behaviour is just accepted in male characters.

Karrie Fransman, Jonathan Plackett Press Reviews

Hatshepsut seems to have experimented with gender to find a form that was both tolerable to the Egyptian people and elites, as well as best represented her personal image of herself. She is often depicted with both male and female attributes. Become a Faber Member for free and receive curated book recommendations, special competitions and exclusive discounts. However, personally I think that some of the stories were told in a slightly confusing way. Some of them I had to reread a few times because the plot was slightly confusing me (although this may just be because Greek myths are confusing in themselves, I’m not sure).... Read Full Review

The way we tell stories matters. The way we see and understand and talk about the world around us and the people in it matters. Books like this one and its predecessor matter. We have joined the throngs of people who want to learn about life in the distant past through songs, ballads, poems and stories.

The tales of Ancient Greece have stood the test of time. They are brilliant stories, perfect for performing, reading aloud or alone. These sagas are filled with quests, romance, family feuds, births, deaths, comedy, tragedy, gods, monsters, betrothals, betrayals and battles. Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. *15% of eBooks. Home > Following the incredible success of Gender Swapped Fairy Tales they have taken that same simple step. They haven’t rewritten the stories in this book. They haven’t reimagined the endings, or reinvented characters. What they have done is switch all the genders. William, my 12 year old son, and I share a love of mythology and history. We have built over the years a collection of books filled with a wide range of retellings of the stories of Greek mythology.