Skip to Main Content

Women of Myth

From Deer Woman and Mami Wata to Amaterasu and Athena, Your Guide to the Amazing and Diverse Women from World Mythology

Illustrated by Sara Richard

About The Book

Uncover the fascinating and complex women from mythology and folklore with this collection of stories profiling powerful goddesses, mighty queens, and legendary creatures.

Get inspired with 50 fascinating stories of powerful female figures from mythologies around the world. From heroines and deities to leaders and mythical creatures, this collection explores figures of myth who can inspire modern readers with their ability to shape our culture with the stories of their power, wisdom, compassion, and cunning.

Featured characters include:
-Atalanta: Greek heroine and huntress who killed the Caledonia Boar and joined the Argonauts
-Sky-Woman: The first woman in Iroquois myth who fell through a hole in the sky and into our world
-Pele: Hawaiian volcano goddess
-Clídna: Queen of the Banshees in Irish legend
-La Llorona: A ghostly woman in Mexican folklore who wanders the waterfront

Celebrate these game-changing, attention-worthy female characters with this collection of engaging tales.

About The Authors

Jenny Williamson is a poet, writer, storyteller, freelance copywriter, and cocreator of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast. She has always been obsessed with ancient history and mythology, and blends her love of both with her passion for writing and storytelling, making the stories she tells accessible for modern readers. She has published poetry in multiple journals online and in print, and has a chapbook out with Finishing Line Press. She lives in Brooklyn with her cat Heloise and usually one or two foster kittens.

Genn McMenemy has been in love with mythology since before she could read. She and her brothers used to listen to their mother read myths and fairytales and dream about what life was like a long time ago. She has used her nerdy knowledge of mythology and ancient history to cocreate the Ancient History Fangirl podcast. Now she is a full-time award-winning freelance marketer, writer, researcher, and copywriter. Originally from the US, she now lives in the UK with her husband, Glen, and their tiny dog, Triss. She spends all of her free time traveling, visiting historical sites, and researching her next writing projects. Women of Myth is her first book.

About The Illustrator

Sara Richard is an Eisner and Ringo Award–nominated artist from New Hampshire whose work has been printed in Vanity FairBritish Vogue, and other publications. Her art is inspired by Art Nouveau, Art Deco, funerary imagery, and the natural world. Her creations tend to skew into the macabre and unknown with a balance of sweetness and sentimentality, honoring the Victorian-era theme of Memento Mori. As a native of New Hampshire, Sara grew up surrounded by trees and plenty of wild mushrooms. When not making art or writing, she’s watching horror movies, cleaning forgotten gravestones with her mom, and collecting possibly haunted curiosities from the 19th century. Her online gallery can be found at SaraRichard.com.

Why We Love It

“Who doesn’t love a good story about a badass woman? This book is filled with them, from beautiful goddesses to warrior princesses, heroines, and even monsters! Authors Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy, hosts of the Ancient History Fangirl podcast, retelling stories with their attention to (sometimes gory) detail, and flair for the nerdy. With gorgeous illustrations from the same illustrator that brough to life Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook, this is book you’ll want to pick up and flip through long after your first reading.”

—Rebecca T., Editor, on Women of Myth

Product Details

  • Publisher: Adams Media (February 7, 2023)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781507219423

Raves and Reviews

"McMenemy and Williamson's book helps debunk such archetypal stereotypes while shedding crucial light on the glory of women in mythology."

The Teen Mag

"A must-have for your collection."

The Frumious Consortium

“This is a treasure trove of a book; beautifully illustrated and packed with rich and fascinating knowledge. It's an absolute must for fans of all mythology; a joyful and diverse celebration of brilliant and formidable women.”

—Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this illustrator: Sara Richard