The Royal Hunt of the Sun
The Royal Hunt of the Sun
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1964
Book Brief
116
Play • Fiction
Peru • 1530s
1964
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Royal Hunt of the Sun by Peter Shaffer is set in sixteenth-century Peru and follows Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro as he recruits 167 volunteers for a mission to find the Inca’s gold. Pizarro meets Atahualpa, son of the Sun God and king of the Incas. Their growing friendship and understanding lead Pizarro to reconsider his goals, torn between conquest and alliance, eventually facing profound moral dilemmas. The play includes themes of colonization and violence.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Dark
Melancholic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
502 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Royal Hunt of the Sun by Peter Shaffer garners praise for its compelling portrayal of the Spanish conquest of the Incan Empire, highlighted by rich character development and poignant dialogue. However, some critics find the narrative pace sluggish at times. Shaffer's exploration of cultural clashes and existential themes resonates, offering a thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Who Should Read The Royal Hunt of the Sun?
A reader who would enjoy The Royal Hunt of the Sun by Peter Shaffer is likely someone fascinated by historical drama and moral dilemmas. Fans of complex narratives like those in Les Misérables or The Crucible will savor this exploration of faith, conquest, and the clash between cultures.
502 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
116
Play • Fiction
Peru • 1530s
1964
Adult
18+ years
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