Tales of the Greek Heroes by Roger Lancelyn Green (Puffin Books, London, 2002) and The Tale of Troy by Roger Lancelyn Green (Puffin Books, London, 1994)
These two books are meant to be read together, with the story of Troy second.
After my very positive experiences with Green's books on Robin Hood, King Arthur, and ancient Egyptian stories, I expected too much of these two. I still recommend them; they are worth reading, and I found that within a week something I read there helped me understand a story I heard later. Nonetheless, there are drawbacks.First, they are ambitious, especially Tales of the Greek Heroes. Green's scrupulous attention to historical and literary accuracy is commendable, as is his desire to present the stories in a manner that demonstrates their logical and chronological connections. However, although I consider myself moderately familiar with Greek and Roman mythology, I soon found out how little I really know. These books are written for children—for example, he gives a clear, age-appropriate explanation of why the Immortals had so many wives, not pressing the distinction among wives, lovers, and victims of assault—but with children I wouldn't begin here. Perhaps the D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths would be a better introduction. I found all the names of the Greek Heroes, Immortals, and mortal men (and women) to be terribly confusing—I, who had no trouble whatsoever keeping track of all the characters in The Lord of the Rings. Pronunciation would be a read-aloud nightmare, too.
Then there's the matter of content. I am reminded of why I never made it through The Iliad, getting heartily sick of all the battle scenes early in the poem. And why G. A. Henty's With Lee in Virginia left me groaning, "Not another eight paragraphs on battle strategy!" even though I've like most of the Henty books I've read. Those who enjoyed the endless battles in the movie version of The Lord of the Rings may do fine with this, but there's only so much swaggering pride, battle lust, and vengeance I can take.
One surprising effect it all had one me: I came through it with a better appreciation for spectator sports. By all means, let the screaming, foaming-at-the-mouth Gator fans swear vengeance on the equally insane Seminole fans. As the history of man goes, it wasn't all that long ago they were tossing boulders instead of basketballs, swinging clubs instead of baseball bats, throwing spears instead of footballs, and sacrificing daughters instead of holding tailgate-party barbecues.
In some ways, however, things haven't changed much.
The ancient Greek stories, like the Bible, Shakespeare, and much of what is called classic literature, are important to know because of the insight they give into human nature, history, and culture, whether or not one appreciates the content. And like all great literature, they won't be mastered through one book, nor in a single reading. Green's books may not be the best introduction to the topic, but they'd be a great second or third step.[Heracles] wandered far and wide until at length he came to another cave in which he found a mysterious creature. [He asked,]
"Strange maiden, have you seen my horses?"
"Yes," she replied, "it was I who took them in when they strayed this way. But I will never give them up to you, unless you wed me, according to the custom of this country. Here we are married when we have kissed thrice; and the marriage lasts only for as long as we both wish it."
