Troy (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #3)

Title: Troy (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #3)

Author: Stephen Fry

Published in: 2020

Date read: 20th August 2023

Score: 5/5

Genre: Mythology

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Troy," published in 2020, is the third instalment in Stephen Fry's popular series of Greek myth retellings, following "Mythos" and "Heroes." In this volume, Fry turns his witty, engaging, and deeply knowledgeable narrative style to arguably the most famous and devastating conflict of the ancient world: the Trojan War.

Fry's "Troy" begins by setting the stage, delving into the events that precipitated the war. He vividly introduces the key players, both mortal and divine. The narrative kicks off with the fateful Judgment of Paris, where the Trojan prince, swayed by Aphrodite's promise, awards her the golden apple, leading to his abduction of Helen, the famously beautiful queen of Sparta and wife of King Menelaus.

This audacious act sparks the outrage of the Achaeans (Greeks) and ignites the decade-long conflict. Fry meticulously details the gathering of the vast Greek armada, led by legendary heroes such as the cunning Odysseus, the mighty Ajax, the wise Nestor, and, most crucially, the near-invincible warrior Achilles, whose pride and rage will play a pivotal role in the war's trajectory. On the Trojan side, he portrays the noble King Priam, his valiant son Hector (Troy's greatest defender), and the cause of it all, Paris.

The novel then unfolds the brutal and protracted siege of the city of Troy. Fry brings to life the legendary battles, duels, and strategic maneuvers that defined the war. He balances the grand sweep of epic conflict with intimate portraits of the heroes, showcasing their bravery, their flaws, their rivalries, and their human vulnerabilities, even in the face of divine intervention. The gods and goddesses of Olympus are not mere spectators; they frequently meddle in mortal affairs, taking sides, manipulating events, and adding layers of complexity to the human drama.

Key moments retold with Fry's characteristic wit and flair include Achilles's withdrawal from battle, the death of Patroclus and Achilles's furious return, Hector's tragic fate, and the eventual downfall of Troy. The climax, of course, revolves around the cunning stratagem of the Trojan Horse, the ultimate act of deception that finally breaches Troy's impenetrable walls and leads to its tragic destruction.

"Troy" is a compelling and accessible retelling, making the ancient myth fresh and immediate for a modern audience. Fry’s storytelling illuminates the timeless themes of war, heroism, fate, love, and loss, presenting a rich tapestry of human and divine folly and glory.

Comments:
I remember studying this in Latin at school but it was nowhere near as engaging as when told by Sir Stephen Fry. This is a beautifully set out and delivered section of this story. I am nervous now that I have to wait so long for the final instalment to come out.

Books that we've read by Stephen Fry (4):
Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #1) (2017), Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #2) (2018), Troy (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #3) (2020), Odyssey (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology #4) (2024)