Status Updates From Troy

Sorry Miriam Margoyles, you are a delightful narrator but I can read much faster than with you. We’re in it now, Patroclus just fell

Love that this book has a horse boy instead of a horse girl type character (I fear what happens to him in the end, as I read this decades ago and don’t remember the details)

I’m reminded by how high Achilles’ pride is to shut down all of Agammemnon’s gifts and even his repentance. I suppose he just wants to teach him a lesson, though at the same time, it would take losing Patroclus for him to finally act on it and care for the Achaeans, not just himself.

The gods are getting too involved with mortals at war that their disbelief of being harmed in the process just speaks on how they think too highly of themselves. Even Jove warns Venus after being wounded by Diomed.

Paris and Helen’s affair seems open to interpretation. Generally, the gods are blamed for it than of Helen carrying any responsibility and that seems to be true when she tried to disobey Venus’ order before she threatened her. This changes things considering from the Iliad and Odyssey that didn’t translate that way.

Agammemnon and Achilles really made their fight everyone’s problem because their petty fight kickstarted the war with Troy. I really didn’t think it wasn’t that serious but the king was petty and he definitely needed humbling. It’s just unfortunate because I’m reminded by the losses involved before they reconcile and forgive each other.