Myth versus reality – will we ever know the absolute truth about the rise and fall of Troy? Seeing as the Trojan War started in 1200 BC, and the main account thereof was written over 400 years later by Homer, it is highly debatable.
Stephen Fry presents his version of the War in Troy, the latest in his series of novels covering the history of Greece and all thing Greek. His previous novels are Mythos, which covers the birth and rise of gods and humans, and Heroes, which relates the incredible adventures of Perseus, Heracles, Jason and Theseus, all mortals.
Fortunately, one does not have to have read these two earlier novels, as Fry provides dozens of footnotes, detailing where one can find further details, should they be required. He also makes a point of telling us that we need not remember every name, place or relationship in the book, which is a good thing, as there are literally hundreds of characters on each side of the conflict, not to mention the forty-odd gods, titans and other immortals. The gods seemed to be a pretty randy bunch, as there are numerous tales woven into the narrative of many of them – male and female - popping down to earth, some disguised as various animals, having sexual intercourse with whoever they fancied, creating many mortals with godlike qualities.
The gods were also not averse to interfering in the Trojan conflict, taking sides according to their preferences whenever the mood took them, even though the supreme god, Zeus, ordered the others to desist from interfering.
Fry has a wonderful way of relating his story, introducing conversations between gods and mortals, and sometimes seems to have his tongue firmly in his cheek when doing so. Troy is, however, a damn fine read, and lays out very clearly the scenario behind the Trojan War, which lasted for many years, stretching the forces of Greece and Troy to their absolute limit.
If you were fed the basis of the Trojan War story during History classes at School, as I was, then you’ll find Stephen Fry’s novel educational, entertaining and illuminating. Once the conflict gets under way after Paris’s abduction of the incredibly lovely Helen, Fry’s descriptive talents come to the fore, giving us a wonderfully descriptive tale that brings history to life in all its gory and brutal detail. Highly recommended reading.
Troy is published by Penguin - ISBN 978-0-241-42458-2 – Barry Meehan
Posts
