Peterson Interpretation Of The Trojan War

The earliest Greek myths were part of oral traditions and their plots and themes unfolded gradually in the written literature of archaic and classical periods. Since myths have been passing down from generation to generation, some of the “original” composition might be lost and some may alter, which limits our understanding so it is impossible to claim who has got the correct and original myth. Homeric poems were also a reinvention of traditional oral myths so we cannot rely on the Iliad as a foundation to our understanding of Greek myths and criticize some new modified versions of the myths such as Peterson’s Troy. The Peterson reinterpretation of the story of the Trojan war represents the new modified version of the myth that is suited for

Although the detailed death of Achilles’ is not in the Iliad, it was mentioned that he dies young and he has a short life. Particularly in book 22 when Achilles kill Hector, Hector foretells what Achilles fate is going to be. “But the gods will not forget this, and I will have my vengeance on that day. When Paris and Apollo destroy you in the long shadow of Troy’s western gate” (Homer.22.397-400). Also, according to non-Homeric sources, Paris kills Achilles with only a shoot in his heel with the help of Apollo. However, in the Peterson’s Troy, Apollo does not intervene in the fight between Achilles and Paris. Thus, Achilles death with only a shoot to his heel would make it more difficult for an audience to suspend its disbelief. This is due to the fact that Achilles is the best and superior warrior of Achaeans and it is virtually impossible to believe that someone, at least someone like Achilles, will die from an arrow to his heel. Incorporating Apollo at this time in a believable fashion is problematic and costly. Involving supernatural power and divine interference on the fate of human beings would lower the credibility of the movie as it may exclude audiences who do not believe in supernatural power. It may also offend some audiences who believe in supernatural power with the depiction of gods as immoral and mischievous and lower the viewing rate as the film would

There was a huge contrast on the Peterson’s portrayal of Greeks versus Troy. He depicted Troy’s royal family as morally right, kind, responsible and most of all loyal people. On the other hand, Greeks were portrayed as mischievous, arrogant and power-hungry as opposed to the Iliad where they are portrayed as superior in terms of their power and other qualities. Particularly, in clip one, Hector is shown as a caring husband who cares too much for the welfare of his family and citizens and comes up with a plan to save them. This change has a huge impact on how the audience perceives their action and how they relate to the characters in the story. Troy’s royal family and their personality put a positive impression on the audiences’ mind and the audience shares their happiness as well as sadness. So, the audience strives to see Troy citizens overcoming this difficult circumstance for ultimate success. Hence Peterson employed a happy ending where Hector shows Andromache a secret way to escape. Thus, the film ends with the escape survivors of the Trojan war such as Andromache and her child, Paris, and Helen and other Troy citizens. On the other hand, in Iliad although their fate is not stated in detail in book 24 Andromache foreshadows, “This city will topple and fall first …All the solemn wives and the children you guarded will go off soon in the hollow ships and I will go with them …Do menial