The Fiction Podcast

In this episode, Hosts Frank and Justin continue to examine the Ancient World with their discussion of the 2024 movie Troy. The conversation delves into the debate of Achilles and Hector as heroes, exploring their contrasting motivations and actions. It also highlights the absence of gods in the movie, a departure from the epic poem (The Iliad), and its impact on the portrayal of characters and events. The conversation delves into the themes of honor and greed, as well as the grading of characters and the movie itself.

Takeaways
Achilles and Hector as Heroes
The Absence of Gods in the Movie Honor and Greed
Character Grading

Chapters
00:00 Achilles vs. Hector: The Heroic Debate
30:47 The Ron Weasley Award
35:54 Themes of the Movie
42:44 World Building and Cinematography
55:09 Final Grading and Sign Off

Frank and Justin kickstart Season 4 - The Ancient World discussing the significance of Homer's epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, exploring their importance and the oral tradition that contributed to their preservation.

With the help of Guest Hosts Classical Studies Professors Rebecca Schindler and Pedar Foss, their conversation delves into Homer's ability to capture intense emotions and physical sensations, the contrast between the Iliad and the Odyssey, character analysis of Hector and Paris, the transition from the Iliad to the Odyssey, differences between the two epics, and the modern relevance of Homeric heroes.

This all serves as a preclude as Frank and Justin build up to the theatrical release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in July 2026.

Takeaways
Ancient Greek epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are central to the discussion
The oral tradition and performance of these poems played a significant role in their preservation Homer's ability to capture intense emotions and physical sensations
The contrast between the Iliad and the Odyssey Trusting oneself in a tough world
Fascination with the character of Helen

Chapters
00:00 The Oral Tradition and Performance of Epic Poems
29:51 Capturing Intense Emotions
36:13 Character Analysis: Hector and Paris
43:51 Transition from the Iliad to the Odyssey
57:01 Modern Relevance of Homeric Heroes
01:02:21 Fascination with the Character of Helen

Editor's Notes
Contact hosts at @TheFictionPodcast or [email protected]
Contact Rebecca Schindler: [email protected]
Contact Pedar Foss: [email protected]
Professors Schindler and Foss shared information about the Trasimeno Regional Archaeological Project. For more information view the webpage at:trasimenoscavi.org

Book Picks:The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt (Foss)
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (Schindler)
Babel by R.F. Kuang (Schindler)

The Fiction Podcast Season 4 explores ancient cultures and storytelling, focusing on Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey. Hosts Frank and Justin express excitement for the ancient world, including African and Asian cultures, and invite audience suggestions for related themes and works.

Takeaways
Exploration of ancient cultures and storytelling
Engagement with audience suggestions for related themes and works

Chapters
00:00 Return to the Original Franchise
06:43 Exploring Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey
13:17 Engaging with Audience Suggestions

In this episode, Frank and Justin wrap up Season Three of their podcast, reflecting on the trilogies they've covered, including notable works from literature and film. They discuss the elements that make a good trilogy, the importance of character and world-building, and the pitfalls that can lead to a trilogy's downfall. The conversation also features a fun trivia segment where they guess quotes from various trilogies, followed by a rapid-fire ranking of their favorite characters and trilogies. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss everything from the best endings, character arcs, most underrated and overrated series, emotional moments that resonate with audiences, disappointing entries in trilogies, and express their desire for character spin-offs. And yes, there is always grading! Finally, they look ahead to the upcoming season, hinting at exciting new topics related to ancient literature and film.

*Editors Note: Frank mistakenly used a quote from Star Wars Episode I in referring to a quote from Shmi Skywalker instead of using a quote from Aunt Beru in Episode IV.

In this Bro-nus Bonus episode, hosts Frank, Justin, and guest host Nick, dive into a fun-filled discussion centered around bromances, ranking various fictional pairs and characters. The hosts use light-hearted banter throughout, playing a mix of games that involve ranking bromances and choosing ideal bromance partners. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the dynamics of fictional bromances, debating iconic characters like Wolverine and Chewbacca, while also ranking popular trilogies. Join the party!