One great short story is that of Perseus. He was sent on a quest to slay Medusa. He received help from the gods, like Hermes who gave him winged sandals, and Athena who gave him a polished shield. With these, he was able to behead Medusa without looking directly at her, as her gaze could turn people to stone. Then he used her head as a weapon against his enemies.
One short Greek mythology story is about Echo and Narcissus. Echo was a nymph who could only repeat the last words she heard. She fell in love with Narcissus, a very handsome youth. But Narcissus was in love with his own reflection in a pool. He was so obsessed with his own beauty that he wasted away by the pool, and Echo was left heartbroken, slowly fading away as well.
The works of Ovid often contain elements related to Greek mythology and some allusions that could be considered in the vein of what you seek. For example, his 'Metamorphoses' has stories that involve the complex relationships and amorous adventures of the gods and mortals from Greek mythology. However, it's important to note that the 'erotica' aspect is more in the context of the passionate and often complex relationships within the mythological framework rather than explicit in a modern sense.
Another short story is that of Icarus. Daedalus, his father, made wings out of feathers and wax for them to escape from the island of Crete. Daedalus warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun as the heat would melt the wax. But Icarus, in his excitement, ignored the warning. He flew too high, the wax melted, and he fell into the sea and drowned.
One interesting short story is about Perseus. He was sent on a dangerous quest to slay Medusa, a Gorgon with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn people to stone. With the help of the gods, he got a reflective shield, winged sandals, and a magic sword. He used the shield to avoid looking directly at Medusa and was able to cut off her head.
'Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes' by Edith Hamilton is also great for beginners. It compiles many important Greek myths in one book. It gives concise yet detailed accounts of the stories. It includes famous tales like the story of Persephone and Demeter, which is important in understanding the cycle of seasons in Greek mythology.
Sure. 'The Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood is a great choice. It gives a new perspective on the story of Odysseus' wife, Penelope. It shows her side of the story, her thoughts, and her long wait for Odysseus' return. It's a short but very thought - provoking read.
Love is a common theme. For example, in the story of Eros and Psyche, it's a complex love story full of trials and tribulations. Psyche has to overcome many challenges to be with Eros. Another theme is heroism. Perseus shows great heroism in his quest to slay Medusa. He faces dangerous monsters and overcomes them with his courage and the help of the gods.
The story of Odysseus is also among the best. Odysseus had to endure a long and arduous journey home after the Trojan War. He faced many challenges like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the wrath of Poseidon. His intelligence and perseverance are highlighted throughout his adventures, making it a captivating Greek mythology story.
Sure. There's the story where Poseidon helps the Greeks in the Trojan War. He caused earthquakes to disrupt the Trojans, which was his way of interfering in the war on the side of the Greeks. It shows how Poseidon could use his power for strategic purposes in the affairs of mortals.
Sure. There's the story of Hercules. He had to perform twelve labors, like slaying the Nemean Lion and cleaning the Augean stables. These tasks showed his great strength. Another is the story of Theseus who defeated the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. He used a ball of thread to find his way out.