For millennia, Greek mythology has captivated artists across all mediums. What truly delights me is how each creator—be it a writer, a visual artist, a director, or in the case of Hades 2, a team of game developers—brings their unique vision to the characters and events they choose to explore. With the sequel to their hit hack-and-slash roguelite, Supergiant Games delves into the world of Greek gods through the eyes of Melinoë, the princess of the Underworld.
As the protagonist of Hades 2, Melinoë introduces players to a fresh perspective on life in the Underworld. Unlike her brother Zagreus, this young witch did not grow up within the opulent palace. Instead, she resides in a humble, makeshift camp on the fringes of Hades’ realm. The emotional distance from her family is palpable, her only connection a cherished drawing in her simple room. The game begins as a brooding yet powerful Melinoë embarks on a quest to rescue her family from Kronos, the Titan of Time, hoping to finally bridge the chasm that has long separated them.
(A video review of Hades 2 is embedded here.)
However, Hades 2 is not the only modern interpretation focusing on the women of Greek mythology. Melinoë’s struggles quickly brought to mind another tale of a Greek goddess and witch: Madeline Miller’s ‘Circe’. Published in 2018, this retelling reimagines the story of Circe, a witch banished to the island of Aeaea by Zeus. While ‘The Odyssey’ might paint her as the cunning sorceress who turned Odysseus’s men into pigs, Miller’s book offers readers a chance to experience events from her perspective.
If you’re a fan of Hades 2—and particularly if you’re drawn to the witches of Greek mythology or narratives that aren’t solely focused on male-dominated conflicts—’Circe’ is absolutely essential reading. It’s not just an incredibly entertaining and accessible book; it also deepened my appreciation for Hades 2 and illuminated areas where the game’s story could have explored certain themes with greater depth.
In ‘Circe’, witchcraft is portrayed as a profound threat to the higher gods. Unlike the Olympians, who inherit their power through bloodlines, witchcraft draws its strength from the earth itself. Anyone, be they god or mortal, can harness this power through diligent effort and consistent practice. To become a formidable witch, Circe tirelessly works, literally, using her mortar and pestle to process herbs and flowers daily in her kitchen, meticulously perfecting her elixirs. This culminates in a distinctly feminine power, one that flourishes through the steadfast, almost domestic, labor of tending a garden and maintaining a pantry.
Much like Circe in the novel, Melinoë must repeatedly toil to gather herbs and flowers that enhance her powers and her camp. As a player, I too began to feel like a witch as I honed my abilities, learning to navigate the game more effectively and steadily collecting the resources needed to upgrade my attacks and stats. Yet, Melinoë’s journey differs significantly from Circe’s. Her primary source of power comes from other Olympians, who augment her sorcery with various boons and stat buffs. Melinoë is also Hades’ daughter. Despite her father’s initial discouragement of her quest, he still provides assistance through character upgrades and resources. Playing as Melinoë doesn’t quite feel like navigating the world as an outcast witch; instead, every Olympian greets her with a smile or a cheerful remark. Even Zeus, a god notorious for sexual violence, greets her with a chuckle and readily offers his power. Unlike the goddesses in Circe’s world, Melinoë has the freedom to choose her own suitor.
Supergiant Games’ interpretation of Greek mythology often presents a polished, almost cheerful façade. This can feel peculiar at times, especially since, as other critics have noted, traditional Greek myths often depict the brutal and unforgiving nature of the gods. Nevertheless, the overall cheerfulness makes sense given that Hades 2 functions largely as an enjoyable dating simulator intertwined with compelling hack-and-slash gameplay. Yet, even with that in mind, it sometimes left me feeling as though Supergiant had simply transplanted its popular formula onto a female protagonist without fully exploring how a Greek myth might fundamentally shift when told from a woman’s perspective.
In the book, Circe is a lesser god in every sense. She is not stereotypically beautiful compared to other goddesses, meaning she cannot be married off (which is how a woman’s value is often defined in the world of the gods). As the daughter of a Titan, she is considered a tier below the Olympians of Mount Olympus. She lacks the inherent, raw power of her father Helios, the sun god, who frequently lashes out at her. Unlike Hades 2, ‘Circe’ is fundamentally a story of profound transformation—of a woman discovering her own source of power to challenge the established hierarchy of the gods.
I don’t believe every story about a woman needs to be fraught with hardship or trauma. Hades 2 offers enjoyable, albeit somewhat shallow, fun. I can easily get lost in its gameplay, like munching popcorn, and romance charming characters. It’s a blast to play, and I appreciate having both types of stories. But if you’re seeking a narrative that truly delves into the deep—and often difficult—lives of Greek witches, then you absolutely must pick up Miller’s ‘Circe’.
(An image gallery titled ‘Here’s What Book You Should Read Based On Your Favorite Game’ is included here.)