While the concept of introducing gods or deity-like entities is not new at all in manhwa, ones that specifically make use of lore-accurate mythology or entire mythological universes is more rare. Some of these will also use the popular and enticingdungeon system, which is adored in shonen-like manhwa, but others will either integrate mythology and folklore into modern life or be completely set in that universe.
For all mythology fans, these stories provide with beautiful and unique retellings of classics, some of which have often been stories many have grown up with – read in books or turned into school plays –, providing unusual reads or redraws of deities. Mythology, regardless of which, makes for a perfect backdrop for any story that desires to weave in rich lore and ancient knowledge passed on in virtually all cultures around the world, evoking an archaic feeling in the readers.
9Tales Of The Unusual
Horrifying Myths And Haunting Urban Tales
This manhwa series makes use of ancient folklore or traditional urban legends to tell terryfing tales, as the name suggests, that will make the readers' skin crawl. Readers will enjoy the recurring themes of human desires, needs and habits in horror tales.
While many manhwa in the genre make use of a mythological universe or tell a story, this is a kind of a different one that instead takes inspiration from urban legends and ancient myths to tell singular, terryfing stories. It is also different from the populatedgenre of horror manhwa, which offers some of the most chilling continuous tales, too. If these were translated into text-only, they would be perfect for a campfire evening.
8The Centaur
A Researcher And A Centaur
The habitable territories of humans have shrunk since many once fertile lands have turned to deserts, leading desperate researchers to dangerous travels. When a monster separates a researcher from the team, he unexpectedly finds protection from a Centaur, which becomes his travel companion.
This manhwa, while not set in a mythological universe, makes use of mythological creatures and combines the idea of urbanization, warfare, and environmental pollution into a fantasy world with these creatures, making for an interesting concept. Plus, it features plot twists about the true nature of the world’s desertification – the main character is, after all, a researcher.
7Athena Complex
I, Athena, Will Seek Revenge… As A High School Boy
Scorned by Poseidon, heartbroken Athena vows revenge against him, only to be reincarnated as a high school boy (a reverse isekai?). But she does not let this ruin her vengeful plans: so, she befriends Adrian, who is the human reincarnation of Poseidon. Only – he has no clue about the world of gods.
This is a unique take on the idea of gods, reincarnation, and the classic, petty attitude of Greek Gods, spun into the real world of high school and teenage boys, which will have readers wondering how the deities will find excuses and reasonings for their behavior, in a quarrel that goes beyond their high-school life.
6Mythic Item Obtained
Regretting His Career Choice, Until…
This manhwa is set in a world where the Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse Mythology, suddenly appears on Earth. Of course, hell breaks loose with it, bringing all sorts of demonic creatures with it. So the raiders (and the mages) are born, involved in an endless fight over the dark forces.
Jaehyon is not a particularly great Raider, regretting his choice of not choosing the path of mage, until he is able to put his hands on an item that will change his life. Readers will witness plenty of creatures and Norse mythology deities, in a dungeon-meets-God Of Warstyle of manhwa. This might be a great read forSolo Levelingfans.
5Eros Conquers All
Time To Become A God Once Again
Eros lives now amongst humans, feeding off of their desire. But he was once the greatest: feared, venerated, loved. Is this what’s left of him? Eros' life takes a sudden twist when he loses his weapon and he’s involved in a mysterious prophecy. Throw in the arrival of new gods, and suddenly Eros' wings start twitching. It’s time for him to become once again the great God he used to be.
With an compelling plot and swoon-worthy graphics, this is one of those manhwas to read slowly: it features a truly one-of-a-kind feeding dynamic for Eros (a true player, dark romance style), in a new retelling of the story of the God of Desire.
4Ennead
Love, Hate, And Obsession In A Bloodthirsty Empire
An alluring BL fantasy manhwa featuring Egyptian mythology – this is quite an interesting pick! With delicate artwork that seems etched on a virtual papyrus, the story is set under the tyrannical rule of Seth, god of war, in the once peaceful Egypt. Fed up with his bloodlust, Horus (the son of Isis) steps up to put an end to his kingdom, only to become entrapped in a world where hate turns into an unhealthy obsession.
This manhwa blurs the lines between the good and the bad in acomplex toxic relationship, leaving readers enchanted with a unique rendition of this usually less-tackled mythological universe. It will make for a surely interesting read, especially because of the interesting redraw of the original gods.
3Mystical
A Tapestry Of The Heart
Readers have a love for this manhwa due to the magical and soothing art style, along with a story that is sure to make eyes water and feel at all times sentimental, almost nostalgic. Alike toThe Fish I Loved, this manhwa makes use of merpeople folklore. The story starts with a bit of a tragedy: Garam is an aspiring painter, but is passion has weakened since his mother’s passing. It is only when he moves into his grandparents' house on the beach to focus on his art that he finds his muse.
Well, his muse happens to be an ethereally beautiful water creature, who has no memories of her own past. In a task to help her uncover her memories, the story blooms with a delicate romance that is set to leave a footprint on the reader’s hearts.
2God Game
Entertain Him Or Die
The author of this manhwa is a true mythology fan, making for an inspired story that has become a fan-favorite amongst both readers and mythology enthusiasts. With the character of Hermes integrated into the series, this manhwa features a quite dramatic story: the main character awakens into a void, bound by chains, inserted into a cruel game where only one will prevail.
While the main character believes his name is Reiyan Asura, readers will find out there is more to the story than the main character itself knows: in a world of different races, creatures, and more, Reiyan will have to level up quickly – unless he wants to end the game –, where the objective is entertaining Him. Fans of the dungeon manhwa genre will also highly enjoy this read (here is a list for readers looking forthis genre with female protagonists).
1The Fish I Loved
He’s A Merman, She’s Fresh Out Of Prison
Yana Jeong is a hard-working girl who shuffles between random day-jobs and deliveries to make ends meet and make up for her difficult past, so it is only right that when she meets Kai Shim, the son of the CEO of a luxury jewelry company, she thinks of him as a lucky snob. But Kai Shim thinks of humans as lucky, as his merman nature puts him in a tough spot. It will take a few accidents and a grave turn of events for the two tobecome entangled in each other– against both Kai and Yana’s will (expect some serious page-turners and some tough ethical dilemmas).
This beautiful manhwa tackles the theme of mermans in Korean mythology,different than the mermaids that we most typically seein the rest of the world. In this story, not only most merpeople are men, but there are some singularities: they weep pearls, they have a unique relationship with being both human and falling in love, and, of course, are known to be very handsome creatures.
