The Rest Is History 13. Stephen Fry and Troy
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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.
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Trojan War's Significance
- The Trojan War marks the end of Greek myths, where gods and humanity interacted closely.
- This symbolizes mankind's growing independence from divine explanations.
Myth and History
- Fry's books transition from gods to heroes, then to the Trojan War, blending myth with history.
- Schliemann's excavations, though controversial, linked Troy to a real place.
Evolution of Myth
- Fry compares the evolution of Greek myth to computer game graphics, from simple to complex.
- Early gods are like blocky 4-bit graphics, while later figures gain depth and resolution like modern games.