Mythology provides an endless well of inspiration for storytelling, and television has taken up the mantle to bring these ancient stories to life like never before. From the mighty gods of Mount Olympus to the enigmatic spirits of Eastern lore, here are the ten best TV shows that have deliriously dived into world mythology.

1. American Gods – Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed novel, this show dives into a world where gods from various mythologies exist due to people’s beliefs. It pits old deities against new in a modern-day setting, offering a creative take on mythological figures.

2. Vikings – This gritty historical drama brings Norse legends to life and follows the saga of Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok. His voyages and plundering are shrouded in the lore that shaped Viking culture and influenced their mythology.

3. The Lost Canvas – As an anime series that represents the Greek myths, ‘Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas’ narrates the tale of warriors known as Saints who fight wearing armors protected by constellations. Its narrative combines elements of Hellenic mythology within its celestial battles.

4. Mahabharat – An epic narrative from Indian mythology, ‘Mahabharat’ televises the riveting story that encompasses love, politics, morality and warfare stemming from ancient Hindu traditions.

5. Hercules: The Legendary Journeys – Starring Kevin Sorbo as Hercules, this lighthearted series brought Greek mythology down to a human level and entertained audiences with tales of heroism and mythical creatures in ancient Greece.

6. Xena: Warrior Princess – A spin-off from ‘Hercules,’ Xena takes a more fantastical approach to mythology, involving not just Greek but also Roman, Norse, and Eastern myths as she seeks redemption for her past sins.

7. Ragnarok – A Norwegian twist on Norse mythology, ‘Ragnarok’ unfolds in a small modern-day town that begins experiencing strange occurrences symptomatic to the ending of the world according to Viking lore.

8. Supernatural – While not strictly speaking a show based on one specific mythological system, ‘Supernatural’ incorporates entities from various mythologies throughout its episodes while following two brothers battling supernatural forces.

9. Shuumatsu no Valkyrie (Record of Ragnarok) – This anime pits some of history’s greatest figures against gods across all mythologies in one-on-one battles to determine the fate of humanity.

10. Atlantis – This British fantasy-adventure series takes inspiration from Greek myths and legends and sets out on a journey with characters such as Hercules and Pythagoras alongside famous mythical elements such as the city of Atlantis itself.

Each show offers viewers an engaging way to explore ancient tales through modern storytelling techniques, weaving narratives that pay homage to their legendary origins while creating something entirely new for audiences to enjoy.