Arthurian legend

The trouble with Arthur, I thought as I came forward to help him sort the books into order, was that he rarely offered me time enough to scold him; he usually ended up chastising himself before I had a chance to do so. Sometimes I wondered whether he really had need of a tutor, or whether he simply tolerated me as a friend of his father, to be given respect when I was nearby and to be laughed at when my back was turned.

Alexander

Hephaistion meets someone in Hades.

Alexander

Bagoas visits Hephaistion in his sick-room at Ekbatana.

The Iliad

Achilles can almost imagine they’re home. “I miss Phthia,” he says softly, pressing his lips to Patroclus’ neck. “The green fields, the fine women–”

“You were the finest woman Phthia ever produced,” Patroclus answers, and Achilles shoves him down into the sand, laughing.

Short and sweet.

Greek myth

Dionysus visits the forge.

The Iliad/Greek myth

My other favourite Iliad story, because Gloria Mundi is just so talented.

“I will avenge you, when you’re dead,” he’d said to Achilles once.

“You think even Death can part us?” Achilles had murmured, pretending surprise. “Surely I will find my way back to your arms.”

“And leave me waiting for you?” Patroclus had said, laughing. “No! I’ll come to Hades, and bring you out with me.” He’d sealed the vow with a kiss.

Achilles had kissed him back, and let the kiss seal his lips. That was not the fame he had been promised.

The death of Hector, and Achilles sends a message to Patroclus.

The Iliad/Greek myth

My favourite Iliad story. Gloria Mundi writes with such an amazing and unique voice, perfect for the tone of the Iliad:

Neither of them will ever surrender to anyone else. Once Patroclus — in Achilles’ armour, a perfect fit at last — has fallen to Hector’s hand, Achilles will have to find other ways to love.

Like a girl, like a dog, like a ghost.

Greek myth

From one existence to another.

Troy/The Iliad

From beginning to end.