The Rest Is History
13. Stephen Fry and Troy
Jan 7, 2021
Stephen Fry, a polymath and author of a book on the Trojan War, joins Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook to dive into Greek myths. They explore the complex characters of the Trojan War, reflecting on how Homer's works and archaeological finds reshape historical narratives. The conversation touches on the emotional impact of classical literature, especially the Iliad, and its resonance with modern themes. Fry eloquently discusses the balance of comedy and mortality in storytelling and the enduring legacy of myths in contemporary culture.
01:05:15
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Quick takeaways
- Greek mythology as literary performance showcasing mankind's progress towards self-reliance.
- Poetic portrayal of combat in Homer's writings transcends brutality to engage readers.
Deep dives
Greek Mythology as a Literary Performance
Greek mythology is viewed as a literary performance rather than a folk performance, with a remarkable progression from the birth of the gods to the coming home of characters like Odysseus, signifying mankind's progression towards self-reliance.
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