13 Ways to Get Your Trojan On

Hello Bloglandia!

Before you start to think I’ve gone from writing books to writing a sex advice column, I should probably clarify that I mean “Trojan War,” NOT “Trojan condoms.”

Hmmm…I probably just lost a lot of readers.

Oh well, for those of you who are sticking around and who are looking for a little mythologically-themed at-home entertainment, you’re in the perfect spot.

So, with some subdued fanfare, I released The Battle of Ares: Book Five of the Osteria Chronicles a few weeks ago (which in COVID Standard Time seems like a decade ago).

As with the other books in The Osteria Chronicles, The Battle of Ares puts a different spin on and adds new life to the myths of Ancient Greece. In this case, the story of the Trojan War.

Obviously, I’m not the first creator to “borrow” this legend, so I thought it would be fun to dive into a couple lists: one of Trojan War-themed movies, and one of Trojan War-themed books.

Since most of us are required to stay home right now, these might provide you with some ideas to keep yourself occupied. Hopefully, you can find them through your local library (online, of course) and nab them for free.

Note: These lists are in no way complete, and I’d love to know if you have your own favorite Trojan War movie or book adaptation!

8 Movies Centered on the Trojan War…

• Troy (2004) – This movie with Brad Pitt was a bit of a bomb, but I love it. Also, Brad Pitt’s Achilles was a huge inspiration for my own cocky version of Achilles.
• Monty Python & The Holy Grail – Okay, I know it’s about King Arthur, but there is a scene stolen right from the battle fields of Troy! If you don’t know which one I mean, check out this clip from YouTube.
• Helen of Troy – This woman was popular in her day and her popularity hasn’t waned. I found three different versions of this movie from 1924, 1956, and 2003.
• The Trojan Horse (1961) – The cheesy advertising poster (see below) for this “surging spectacle” (ew) makes me think this movie has to be hilariously awful.

• The Fury of Achilles (1962) – This actually looks pretty good in a campy kind of way, I might have to check it out.
• Achilles (1995) – An animated version of the story.
• Crayola Kids: The Trojan Horse – A less bloody version for the kiddies and the squeamish.
• And last, but most definitely not least….The Legend of Awesomest Maximus (2011) – I mean how can you resist? I really hope this was meant to be a comedy.

 

Now, for the more literary minded folks, how about…

5 Books Featuring the Trojan War

• The Illiad by Homer – The original. While the text can be a bit thick, if you can find an audiobook version of it, I highly recommend giving this a listen.
• Helen of Troy (yes, her again!) by Margaret George – On my To-Read List.
• Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – I can’t say enough about this book. It is wonderfully written and one of those books you just don’t want to end.

• Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell – The first in his Troy series.
• An Illiad by Alessandro Baricco – Each character tells his own version of events. I haven’t read it yet, but it sounds intriguing.

Again, if you have any other Trojan War favorites or if you’ve enjoyed any of these, be sure to let me know!

And, if you’re looking for more ways to keep your mind occupied, please keep scrolling.

Thanks for stopping by, everyone. Keep your hands scrubbed and stay healthy!!