The Greatest Indian, American "Mythology" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Mythology

Mythology is a category of books that explores the myths, legends, and folklore of various cultures and civilizations. These books delve into the stories, beliefs, and traditions of ancient societies, providing insight into their values, customs, and way of life. Mythology books often feature gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, and offer readers a glimpse into the supernatural and mystical aspects of human existence. Whether retelling classic tales or exploring new interpretations, mythology books provide a fascinating window into the rich and diverse tapestry of human culture.

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  1. 1. Mahabharata by Vyasa

    The book is an English translation of the ancient Indian epic, originally written in Sanskrit, which tells the story of a great war that took place between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The narrative explores themes of duty, righteousness, and honor while also featuring a rich array of gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings. It is not only a tale of war and conflict, but also a profound philosophical and spiritual treatise, containing the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text of Hindu philosophy.

    The 315th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Ramayana by Valmiki

    The book is an ancient Indian epic poem which follows the journey of Prince Rama as he embarks on a quest to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana, the demon king. The narrative explores themes of morality, dharma (duty/righteousness), and the struggle between good and evil. The story is not just about Rama's battle against Ravana, but also his spiritual journey and the importance of upholding one's duties and responsibilities.

    The 613th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

    This book explores the theory that important myths from around the world which have survived for thousands of years all share a fundamental structure, which the author calls the "monomyth." It outlines the stages of this monomyth, which include a hero's call to adventure, a descent into the underworld, and a triumphant return. The book also discusses how these universal patterns can provide a framework for understanding human experience and the world around us.

    The 1453rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

    The novel is a reimagining of the ancient Greek epic of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who becomes the beloved companion of Achilles, the greatest warrior of his age. Their deep bond and affection for one another transform into a powerful love that defies the expectations of their society and the will of the gods. As they grow into men, their fates become increasingly intertwined with the legendary conflict at Troy, where honor, sacrifice, and destiny culminate in a poignant and tragic conclusion. The story explores themes of heroism, glory, and the humanizing effects of love against the backdrop of war and the capricious whims of immortals.

    The 2092nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Tootinameh; Or, Tales of a Parrot by India, Iran

    "The Tootinameh; Or, Tales of a Parrot" is a collection of traditional stories from India and Iran, told from the perspective of a parrot. The parrot tells tales to a young woman to keep her from straying while her husband is away, weaving narratives of love, honor, and morality. The book is a rich tapestry of cultural and historical insights, showcasing the storytelling traditions of India and Iran.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Circe by Madeline Miller

    The novel is a reimagining of the life of Circe, a minor goddess and witch from Homer's Odyssey. Born into the house of Helios, god of the sun, Circe is scorned by her family and turns to mortals for companionship, leading her to discover her powers of witchcraft. After transforming her mortal lover into a sea monster, she is banished to a deserted island by Zeus. Over the centuries, she hones her magical abilities, encounters famous mythological beings, and struggles with her immortality, loneliness, and desire for love and freedom.

    The 4021st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Tales from the Kathasaritsagara by Somadeva

    "Tales from the Kathasaritsagara" is a collection of ancient Indian stories written in Sanskrit. The book is a compilation of legends, folktales, and myths, including tales of gods, goddesses, kings, queens, and commoners, as well as animals and supernatural beings. The stories are filled with wit, humor, wisdom, and moral lessons, offering a fascinating insight into the rich cultural and literary heritage of ancient India.

    The 4825th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny

    The book is a science fiction and fantasy blend that tells the story of a far-future world where the original human colonists have developed technology that allows them to take on the aspects of Hindu gods, effectively granting them immortality and immense power. The story's protagonist, who aligns himself with the figure of the Buddha, seeks to undermine this new pantheon's despotic rule and bring enlightenment and freedom to the mortal populace. He navigates a complex landscape of politics, religion, and rebellion, using both cunning and philosophical insight to challenge the status quo and offer a different path for humanity's evolution.

    The 5898th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

    "Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a retelling of the classic fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin. The story follows three women: Miryem, a moneylender's daughter who turns silver into gold; Wanda, a peasant girl who becomes Miryem's servant; and Irina, a duke's daughter who is forced into marriage with the powerful and dangerous tsar. As their lives become intertwined, they must use their wits and strength to overcome the challenges they face, including the wrath of the magical beings who lurk in the shadows.

    The 9765th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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