Madeline Miller and the Midcult

The Song of Achilles and Circe as Exemplary Cases of 21st Century Mythological Retellings

Abstract

Madeline Miller’s novels The Song of Achilles (2011) and Circe (2018) comprise fictional autobiographies of the figures of Patroclus and Circe, respectively, known from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Revolving around Homeric side characters and the themes of homosexuality as well as female agency in the traditionally heteronormative and patriarchal ancient world, they pose perfect examples of 21^st century mythological retellings with their typical focus on characters and topics considered underrepresented. With recourse to the concept of ‘midcult’, i.e. literature that suggests high-cultural and social relevance while not living up to this claim, Miller’s novels will serve as exemplary cases demonstrating the chances and limitations of modern mythological retellings. Miller’s broad media presence will additionally allow for insights on her poetic selfconception and the role of public epitext in the process. Due to misrepresentations of the ancient tradition, untenable accusations against classical scholarship, and a rather narrow conception of homosexuality, The Song of Achilles will be revealed as midcult, whereas the variety of female topics and strong female characters, the skilful reworking of Odysseus and Circe’s encounter, and the intertextual play with Odyssean narrative techniques render Circe a successful balancing act of a modern approach to the ancient tradition.