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10: 'I could not make him a god.'

Grief-stricken by Patroclus' death, Achilles vows to kill Hector, as Tom Hollander reads the final episode of Madeline Miller's brilliant retelling of the Iliad.

Tom Hollander concludes Madeline Miller's retelling of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔr's Iliad - an electrifying tale of love, ambition and immortal fame.

In Ancient Greece, in the Age of Heroes, after a tragic accident, the awkward young prince Patroclus, is exiled to the court of King Peleus. There he meets his son Achilles - strong, swift, and beautiful. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men, their bond blossoms into something deeper - a bond that risks the wrath of the gods.

But when news comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the heroes of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Soon the cruel Fates will test them both and demand a terrible sacrifice.

Today: floored by Patroclus' death, Achilles vows to kill the man who killed him - Hector. But Achilles knows that if Hector dies, his own death must soon follow.

Writer: Madeline Miller
Reader: Tom Hollander
Abridger: Rowan Routh
Producer: Justine Willett

14 minutes

Last on

Fri 9 Feb 2024 22:45

Broadcast

  • Fri 9 Feb 2024 22:45