Ancient texts online
Consulting ancient sources is essential to understand Greek mythology. Here is a selection of reliable, free, and accessible resources to read Greek (and sometimes Latin) authors, in original or translated versions.
1. Reference libraries
Perseus Digital Library (Tufts University)
- Greek text + English translation
- Lexical search, parallel versions, commentaries
- Authors: Homer, Hesiod, Apollodorus, Pindar, Euripides, Sophocles, etc.
Theoi.com
- Translated excerpts from major works
- Organization by deity, monster, or theme
- Links to full texts on Perseus
🏛️ 2. Free French editions
Remacle.org
- Numerous French translations from the 19th and early 20th centuries
- Homer, Hesiod, Pausanias, Diodorus Siculus, Apollodorus…
- Sometimes stylistically dated, but very useful and comprehensive
Wikisource
- Free translations
- Simple presentations and downloadable texts
3. Mythographic texts
Library of Apollodorus
- Structured source of myths and genealogies
- Available on: Perseus (English)
Hyginus - Fables
- Roman compendium but valuable for Greek tradition
- Available on Wikisource
4. Iconography and archaeological documentation
Beazley Archive (Oxford)
- Database of Greek vase images with descriptions and references
Louvre – Collections
- HD photographs of Greek objects
- Usable keywords: “Heracles”, “Athena”, “Attic”, etc.
BNF – Gallica
- Manuscripts, ancient books, copyright-free iconography
Conclusion
These resources constitute a solid foundation to explore the foundational narratives of Greek mythology, compare variants, and understand the structure of ancient traditions. They are all freely accessible and regularly updated.