74 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
151
Novel • Fiction
Troy • Ancient Times
1993
YA
10-14 years
In Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff, the Trojan War begins after Eris, the goddess of discord, leaves a golden apple at a wedding, sparking a dispute among Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite over who is the fairest. Paris of Troy chooses Aphrodite, who promises him Helen, sparking the war. Achilles, initially hidden by his mother, joins the battle and plays a pivotal role. Following years of conflict, the Greeks use the Trojan Horse strategy to infiltrate and sack Troy, ending the war.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Dark
Bittersweet
Emotional
4,814 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff is praised for its captivating retelling of the Iliad, appealing to both young readers and adults. Reviewers commend its engaging narrative and beautiful illustrations. Some find the language overly complex for younger audiences, and a few critique its faithfulness to the original myth. Overall, it’s a vivid and enriching adaptation.
Fans of classical myths and historical fiction, particularly those who enjoyed The Iliad or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, will appreciate Black Ships Before Troy. Sutcliff's vivid storytelling and rich characterizations attract both young readers and adults who enjoy epic tales.
4,814 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Athene
Goddess of wisdom and battle strategy, she favors Odysseus, aiding him and the Greeks with her strategic counsel and clever ideas.
Aphrodite
Goddess of beauty and love, who supports Paris by intervening on his behalf and influencing events to favor him.
Priam
King of Troy, who longs to protect his city and family during the war and shows compassion and a father's love in his interactions with Achilles.
Paris
A Trojan prince whose actions, influenced by Aphrodite, play a key role in sparking and perpetuating the war.
Helen
Known as the most beautiful mortal woman, whose relationship with Paris is central to the conflict between Troy and Greece.
Odysseus
A clever and resourceful Greek hero who uses his wit to aid the Greeks and is known for devising the Trojan Horse stratagem.
Agamemnon
The High King of Greece and Menelaus’s brother, who plays a pivotal role in leading the Greeks against Troy.
Nestor
An experienced and wise Greek counselor whose advice aids in key strategic decisions during the war.
Achilles
Renowned as the greatest Greek warrior with a tragic vulnerability, known for his prowess on the battlefield and his deep bond with Patroclus.
Patroclus
Achilles’s closest companion, who shows courage and loyalty, and stands as a significant influence on Achilles’s emotional journey.
Hector
The noble and valiant Trojan prince, committed to defending his city and family with honor.
Penthesilea
The Amazon queen and a fierce warrior who allies with the Trojans, known for her bravery in battle.
Laocoon and Cassandra
Two Trojan seers who offer crucial warnings about the Greek threats, although their insight is tragically ignored.
151
Novel • Fiction
Troy • Ancient Times
1993
YA
10-14 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.