100 Greek and Roman Mythology Writing Prompts

Journey Back in Time with 100 Greek and Roman Mythology Writing Prompts: the fantastical tales of Greek and Roman mythology have captivated audiences for millennia. These classic stories overflow with larger-than-life characters, epic adventures, enthralling quests, supernatural feats, majestic gods and goddesses, magnificent beasts, and life lessons that still resonate today.

Whether you’re a student exploring ancient myths for the first time or a seasoned writer revisiting old favorites, using these myths as creative writing prompts allows you to delve deeper while crafting your own unique additions to the mythic canon.

To spark your imagination, I’ve put together an expansive list of 100 writing prompts derived straight from the greatest hits of Greek and Roman mythology. You’ll find ideas ranging from retelling iconic mythic stories from alternative perspectives to crafting completely original narratives featuring favorite gods, heroes, titans and all manner of magical beings.

Some prompts encourage exploring overlooked details or backstories for supporting mythic characters to give them a chance to shine as protagonists. Other prompts merge myths with modern settings to reinvigorate the possibilities. A few avoid the serious drama for some light-hearted divine hijinks on Mount Olympus!

Review the list to pinpoint whatever unique myths speak to you, then start writing to breathe new life into these timeless tales! Allow the original myths to guide key aspects of setting, conflict and resolutions, but make ample room to reinterpret characters and events by infusing your own perspectives, styles and messages.

Whether you adhere faithfully to canon or chart your own creative course, use these mythic writing prompts as time machines to transport you back to an imaginative ancient world filled with unrestrained wonder and adventure. What new chapters will you contribute to mythology’s legendary library?

Here are 100 Greek and Roman Mythology Writing Prompts: 

1. Tell the story of how Zeus came to power and defeated the Titans.
2. Write a day in the life of a Greek god or goddess on Mount Olympus.
3. Narrate the 12 labors of Hercules from his perspective. How did he feel having to complete these seemingly impossible tasks?
4. Retell the story of the Trojan War from the point of view of Helen of Troy. Why did she leave with Paris for Troy? Did she regret it?
5. Describe what a day in the life could have been like in the ancient city of Athens during its golden age.
6. Tell the story of Odysseus and the challenges he faced trying to get home after the Trojan War from his sailor’s perspective.
7. Rewrite a classic myth or legend from the antagonist or monster’s point of view. How were their motivations misunderstood?
8. Explore the story of Icarus and Daedalus from Icarus’ perspective. What was going through his mind before and after he flew too close to the sun?
9. Retell the myth of Persephone’s abduction from her perspective. What did she experience down in the underworld?
10. Write a play imagining a humorous conversation between several Greek gods or goddesses during a get together celebration. What current events would they gossip about?
11. Craft a story about an average woman living in Sparta and the difficulties she encountered in their demanding, military-focused society.
12. Imagine you are Pygmalion. Narrate the story of falling love with your ivory sculpture when Aphrodite brings it to life.
13. Rewrite the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice from Eurydice’s point of view. What was her experience in the underworld after dying?
14. Tell the story of the Minotaur from his perspective, locked away in the labyrinth by King Minos. What were his days like? His thoughts?
15. Write a journal entry from Medusa’s perspective when she first realizes she has snakes for hair and a gaze that turns people to stone. How does she feel? What are her plans?
16. Craft a story focused on a priest or priestess serving at one of Athena or Aphrodite’s ancient Greek temples. What might a typical day attending to temple affairs have looked like?
17. Imagine you are Hera. Tell the story of learning about another one of Zeus’ illicit affairs. How angry are you? What do you plan to do?
18. Write about two demigods who attend Camp Half Blood from Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” universe. What adventure do they go on?
19. Retell the story of the Odyssey in modern times from Penelope’s perspective, waiting for Odysseus to return from war overseas.
20. Narrate the myth of Arachne and Athena and the lead up to Arachne getting turned into a spider. Is Arachne truly at fault? Did Athena overreact?
21. Write a short story imagining a conversation between Hades and Persephone where they reconcile their differences after the pomegranate seed incident.
22. Tell the story of Dionysus’ ascent into a powerful, worshiped god and the challenges he had to overcome. Why was he initially mocked and seen as weak?
23. Craft a story focused on the elderly blind prophet Tiresias and what daily life was like for him. Did people believe his prophecies?
24. Narrate the story of Demeter’s search for Persephone after Hades abducts her into the underworld from Demeter’s distraught perspective.
25. Imagine you are Sisyphus eternally pushing a boulder up a hill. Describe what thoughts go through your head to avoid going mad from boredom and frustration.
26. Retell the events of the Trojan War leading up to the famed Trojan Horse invasion from the perspective of a Trojan soldier. Did you suspect the Horse? Why or why not?
27. Write a journal entry from the perspective of Aphrodite after she causes Medea to fall for Jason. Did she foresee the nasty consequences? Does she have any regrets over what transpired?
28. Craft a story focused on a demigod child of Demeter realizing he or she has the powers to grow plants. What is their reaction? How do they explore their newfound abilities?
29. Tell the story of the battle between the Olympian Gods and Titans from a Titan’s point of view. Did they ever have a chance to win? How devastating was their defeat?
30. Write about a fictional missed romantic connection between Hades and Demeter. Perhaps they find brief happiness together during one of Persephone’s periods above ground.
31. Narrate the myth of Daedelus and Icarus from the perspective of a fisherman who spots a strange boy flying towards the sun in the distance.
32. Imagine you are Zeus’s wife Hera. Write about your conflicted emotions and relationship with him over the years.
33. Craft a story focused on strangers exploring an ancient, monster-filled labyrinth supposedly built by Daedalus for King Minos. Do they make it out alive with treasure?
34. Tell the tale of Perseus and Medusa from Medusa’s sister Stheno’s perspective. How does she feel about the fate of her sister?
35. Write a short story about a demigod child of Ares who is a pacifist struggling with family expectations he or she doesn’t agree with.
36. Retell the story of Narcissus staring at himself eternally in the waters of a pool from Narcissus’s best friend who desperately misses who he used to be.
37. Imagine you are Bellerophon, the legendary Greek hero who tamed the winged horse Pegasus. Where did you go exploring mounted on Pegasus? What did you see and experience up high in the clouds?
38. Craft a story focused on one of Hades’ guards in the underworld, perhaps a three-headed dog like Cerberus. What is a typical “day” of guarding the underworld like? Does anything interesting ever happen while guarding souls?
39. Tell the tragic story of unrequited love between the god Apollo and the nymph Daphne from Apollo’s mournful perspective after she is turned into a laurel tree.
40. Choose two Greek or Roman gods and write a humorous slice of life type story focused on them sharing an apartment together for some reason – perhaps as college students experiencing earthly life.
41. Narrate an ancient feud between two demigod children of rival gods who perpetually quarrel – like Athena and Poseidon. Do they ever reconcile their differences?
42. Craft a story focused on an inexperienced young man named Pyramus who has just started his job working at the temple of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. What humorous mishaps occur while he tries to prove himself as a priest?
43. Tell a story focused on the winged horse Pegasus befriending the Muses on Mount Olympus. He gives them rides and keeps them company during creative breaks from practicing their art forms.
44. Write a melancholic short story on the nymph Echo who loses her voice and can only repeat words when she angers Hera with her chatter and gossip. Does she ever find meaningful communication again?
45. Choose your favorite Greek or Roman god not often written about. Develop a story focused on them that explores their unique traits, powers, responsibilities, and perspective.
46. Revisit part of Homer’s Odyssey by developing the story of the cunning Odysseus’ journey to the underworld where he communicates with spirits of the dead to gain insight.
47. Craft an alternative mythic Greek tragedy telling the story of Orpheus trying and failing to rescue his true love Eurydice from the depths of Tartarus. This time, why does he fail?
48. Imagine you are Cerberus, the legendary three-headed guard dog of Hades. What is a day in your life like? Do you ever leave your post or explore the Surface Lands you gaze up at from the underworld?
49. Tell a story focused on the half-bird, half-woman harpies from Greek myth. Where did they originate from? Why were they cursing and tormenting King Phineus before the winged sons of Boreas interceded?
50. Develop a coming-of-age story focused on the early life of Achilles and his fate as a demigod warrior doomed to die young if he ever fights in Troy. Is he aware of his fate? Does he willingly accept it or try to avoid it somehow?
51. Craft a story about Poseidon and Athena’s intense rivalry from back when they competed to become patron deity of Athens. Why couldn’t they compromise?
52. Choose a Greek or Roman god you find interesting and imagine them walking unseen through a modern city observing humanity as they reflect on their reduced significance and belief among mortals.
53. Tell a story set in Hades focused on notoriously evil souls like Tantalus, Prometheus, Sisyphus, etc. Do they ever accept or reflect on their punishments for angering the gods? Ever plan an escape?
54. Develop a story about a discouraged man or woman meeting the winged messenger god Hermes disguised as an average human. He provides profound advice, aid, or encouragement through eloquent dialogue that changes their life.
55. Craft a story about twin demigods, one boy and one girl, discovering they have complimentary super speed and strength powers from their godly parent Mercury/Hermes when under stress or pressure. Do they train to fight monsters and explore their newfound abilities?
56. Imagine you witness Atalanta outpace Melanion in a mythical footrace. Describe how a simple golden apple provided by Aphrodite helps determine the contest’s winner and Atalanta’s fate.
57. Develop a story focused on an aging Zeus considering which of his many sons throughout Greece will replace him as head of Mount Olympus and king of gods. Who does he choose and why?
58. Craft an alternative story where Icarus’s melted wax wings enable him to glide safely into the ocean after flying too close to the sun. He then explores a tropical, possibly monster-filled island lush with fruit trees, ruins, and secrets.
59. Retell the events leading up to Pandora opening her box that unleashed evil onto the mortal world. This time imagine Pandora herself narrating why she chose to open the forbidden box out of innocent curiosity against instructions.
60. Develop a story focused on young goddess Athena yearning for freedom and stretching her wings outside the shadow of her domineering father Zeus as she attempts to understand humanity and build her own legacy.
61. Craft a short story about a female sculptor who magically brings her breathtaking, beloved sculpture of the goddess Aphrodite to life. Does the sculptor form an actual relationship with her artwork turned woman?
62. Tell a tale exploring how Prometheus may have felt chained and tortured on a desolate mountain peak day-after-day for helping humanity against Zeus’ orders by delivering them divine gifts like fire. Does he ever regret his compassion towards mortals?
63. Choose any fantastical creature from Greek myths like griffins, chimeras, unicorns, etc. Develop a story focused on the perspective of this creature interacting with humans or being pursued for its valuable parts like potent blood or golden fur.
64. Craft an alternative story where cunning Odysseus ignores the Sirens’ alluring songs by not having his crew plug their ears with wax. Instead they navigate a safe path after capturing a talkative mermaid who reveals the Siren’s weakness.
65. Develop a story focused on an ordinary mortal man or woman who encounters Aphrodite and Eros during a festival. They are accidentally struck by one of cupid’s stray arrows and fall madly in love with the next person they lay eyes on – for better or worse!
66. Tell a story featuring the philosopher Socrates in Athens defending his radical ideas against accusations of impiety by suggestion from a mysterious elderly stranger in the crowd.
67. Craft a story featuring the winged horse Pegasus befriending Andromeda after rescuing her from her chains at the last second as she is about to be devoured by Cetus sent by Poseidon.
68. Develop a tale focused on Greek hero Perseus encountering winged sandals gifted from Hermes and a shining bronze shield from Athena that depicts petrifying Medusa and her sisters Stheno and Euryale.
69. Explore the concept of “Hubris” or excessive pride leading to one’s downfall through a story focused on legendary Greek heroes like Achilles, Odysseus, Oedipus or others known for arrogant behavior at times.
70. Craft an alternative myth telling how crippled blacksmith god Hephaestus forges impressive new thrones for goddesses Hera and Aphrodite in hopes one of them will consent to become his wife after embarrassing rejection on Mount Olympus.
71. Develop a story based on various Greek monsters like bronze giant Talos guarding Crete or the ferocious nine-headed Lernaean Hydra battling Hercules set in the modern world. How do humans react? Can the creatures be defeated?
72. Explore Plato’s Allegory of the Cave through a narrative featuring imprisoned men who believe shadows projected on the wall are reality while philosophies encourage the enlightened escapee.
73. Craft a story featuring Greek titans like Oceanus, Coeus, Hyperion, or Iapetus assisting the Olympians during battle with Kronos or Typhon after tiring of their harsh brother’s merciless leadership. Do they aid in his defeat?
74. Develop a tale based on common Greek myths like Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece aboard the Argo, Theseus escaping the labyrinth after battling the Minotaur, or the 12 Gods warring with their Titan parents. Pick one!
75. Narrate the tragic fate of unrequited lovers Hero and Leander after
76. Craft a story focused on Zeus and Hera with relationship issues. Hera is upset after overhearing boastful Zeus promise to make a mortal woman the next young goddess of spring in place of Persephone to appease Demeter.
77. Develop a tale based on rumors that Helen of Troy may have actually spent 10 years of the Trojan War in Egypt. Explore what events could have transpired there while Greek and Trojan blood was shed in her name.
78. Tell a story based on the lighter side of Mount Olympus with gods pulling harmless pranks on one another or engaging in embarrassing situations revealing that even mighty deities are flawed. Comedy and laughter follow!
79. Craft an alternative myth telling how brave Icarus survives his fall only to discover strange deserted islands below with remnants of an advanced but forgotten bronze-age civilization later plagued by volcanic eruption.
80. Develop a story focused on Greek heroes like cunning Odysseus or mighty Hercules. They could fight monsters like Cerberus, sail through lethal whirlpools like Charybdis, or outwit tantalizing Sirens during their adventures.
81. Explore a fictional scenario where demigods train to sharpen their supernatural skills at a secret enchanted camp located deep within a mist-covered forest or high atop legendary Mount Olympus itself, home of the gods.
82. Craft a tale describing the winged horse Pegasus befriending Andromeda after rescuing her from her chains at the last second as she is about to be devoured by Cetus during her sacrifice.
83. Develop a story based on Pandora’s box finally being re-opened after thousands of years by a modern-day archaeologist who has no idea what evil now escapes back into the world.
84. Explore a lighter fictional scenario on Mount Olympus where Aphrodite seeks relationship advice from the other goddesses before a hot date with Ares while meddling Eros and feuding gods cause mischief.
85. Craft a story about Zeus punishing Prometheus by chaining him to a mountain where an eagle eternally eats his liver only for it to regenerate and repeat the torment. Did Prometheus deserve this for gifting fire to mankind?
86. Develop a tale about the rise and fall of legendary Icarus who flew too high and melted his man-made wings. Was it reckless ambition? Youthful folly? Divine retribution? Expound on the meaning of his mythic fate.
87. Explore the tale of mighty Hercules from start to finish. From his wrathful step-mother Hera all the way through completing his storied 12 Labors after which he eventually dies only to become a god.
88. Craft a story set in modern times telling how demigods would try to discreetly use their special powers like controlling waves or conjuring storms without revealing their godly parent to nearby mortals.
89. Develop a light-hearted fictional scenario where the Muses growing bored on Mount Olympus secretly form an Olympian battle band to the shock of the older gods who don’t appreciate their sudden loud experimental music echoes.
90. Expound on legendary creatures like the ferocious Nemean Lion with impenetrable fur that Hercules fought or Pegasus the winged stallion. Imagine a habitat for it. What does it eat? How does it behave? Interact with humans?
91. Craft a myth telling how Helios rides his fiery sun chariot across the sky until it falls into the ocean each night only to repeat the cycle at dawn. What could make the sun disappear? How would mankind cope with eternal darkness?
92. Develop a scenario where demigods train to sharpen their supernatural skills at a secret enchanted camp located deep within a mist-covered forest or high atop legendary Mount Olympus itself, home of the gods. What skills would they practice? Where would they quest?
93. Imagine you are Odysseus nearing the end of his long perilous journey back home to Ithaca and family after years abroad at the Trojan War and facing numerous monsters of the sea. Describe finally escaping after blinding Polyphemus the cyclops then washing ashore exhausted to your homeland so close.
94. Develop a comedic slice of life story set in the underworld realm of Hades focusing on bizarre cursed shades like Tantalus chasing fruit or Sisyphus forever pushing his stone in frustration as they complain
95. Tell the story of Atalanta’s race against her suitors. Focus on her internal struggle as she faces losing her independence if a man beats her. Does she let someone win? Or fail to outrun them by her own mistake?
96. Craft a story about someone finding Pandora’s box and opening it in the modern world. What evils escape and how does humanity cope? Is there remaining hope inside as well?
97. Develop a comedic story about the difficulties of Aphrodite and Ares maintaining a secretive romantic affair from the other skeptical Olympian gods who disapprove. Do they get caught red-handed?
98. Write about an average girl who suddenly finds out she is a demigod, perhaps a daughter of Demeter. Tell her story as she travels to Camp Half-Blood, trains to use newfound powers, and goes on her first quest with new friends.
99. Craft a story focused on the winged horse Pegasus. He befriends lonely Medusa who was cursed and exiled. Their special bond and adventures explore important themes about friendship, judgment, and finding the good in people despite outward appearances.
100. Develop a scenario where Icarus’ wax wings don’t melt when close to the sun, but actually enable him to soar higher than ever imagined. He enters celestial realms barred from mortals before. What fantastic sights does he witness? How does this experience profoundly change him moving forward when he finally returns to Earth?

After reviewing the extensive list of myth-based writing prompts I’ve provided, hopefully your mind is already swirling with ideas and possibilities. Every prompt is meant to ignite your innate creativity – that inner muse longing to channel its expression through the written word.

Although initially daunting, reworking ancient myths may feel less intimidating once you embrace the creative freedom you have to take the narratives in completely new directions. The key is staying true to the core essence of whatever characters or mythic arcs speak to you most. The rest can be freely reinterpreted through your own unique lens.

What hidden backstories will you illuminate? Which unsung heroes will finally get their chance at glory? What new worlds will unfold and which lessons will you impart through subtle (or not so subtle) allegories? The narrative canvas stretches wide open.

While I aimed to inspire rather than overwhelm with so many prompt options, please don’t feel any pressure to adhere too strictly to myths if they don’t resonate. This is your odyssey to embark upon. Let your inner muse channel that innate storyteller within while using prompts merely as creative catalysts rather than rigid guidelines.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey and savor the richness mythology provides in shaping emotive, meaningful tales that linger across generations. Our modern stories descend directly from these primordial narrative wells tapping into timeless aspects of human experience. Now it’s your turn to draw sustenance from these depths through whatever unique works your own muse inspires!

If you enjoyed these prompts, please leave us a comment. We also have many other writing prompts on our sit.