Things 300 didn't tell you

[dangermousie]

I am reading Tom Holland's Persian Fire, an amazing amazing book about the 'clash of civilizations' between Persia and Greek City States (am getting shivers at the way he describes Marathon) and heeeee, am most amused to learn that Frank Miller conveniently left out the fact that his hunky Leonidas was not only King after conveniently declaring his half-brother insane (the day after the half bro was mysteriously found dead in the stocks, great chunks carved out of legs, belly etc. Verdict? Suicide. Heh) but also that his wife Gorgo was his half-niece, daughter of that same half-brother (not an uncommon practice btw).

Heh.

I am still boggling over the movie's portrayal of Xerxes as a 9 ft tall drag queen, but that is by the by :)

Comments

[meganbmoore.livejournal.com]

9...foot tall...drag queen...

*is now scared of 300*

But yeah, those ancient Greeks and all the things they did...then the ones they put you to death for...

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

9...foot tall...drag queen

He looked rather pretty IMHO. :D All golden-like and he had the greatest throne of all times.

[plazmah.livejournal.com]

Don't forget the golden panties OF DOOM.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

But of course.

According to the book I am reading, Xerxes was supposed to look every inch a king (image was important to the Persians) but it didn't yet mention panties. I wonder why such an oversight.

Of course, I am really cracking up at the potrayal of him as this whiny, wimpy guy because according to this book, Persian princes were brought up from the age of 5 to get up before dawn, start their day with a five mile run and continue with military exercises, hunting, command and dunking in icy streams.

Gold panties optional.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Hee! I guess this is why Iranians complained to UNESCO! But in serious, 300 was just a fantasy and I can't really see it as historical movie at all, there was no attempt made.

[morwen_peredhil]

Not just a 9 ft tall drag queen, but a Goa'uld 9 ft tall drag queen straight out of the Stargate movie.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

LOL. Next you'll be telling me Persians had no battle rhinos or masked ninjas. Have you NO respect for history?

[morwen_peredhil]

Ninjas? Pretty much rule. There should be ninjas in EVERY movie. Ninjas or pirates. OR BOTH.

[janlake83.livejournal.com]

yeah 300 was a good movie but it did leave a lot out.... and my geo lab professor went on a 20 min tangent on it a few weeks ago... and yeah xerxes as a 9 ft drag queen was discussed and made fun off..

oh well... i might check that book out since i just finished BOOMERANG NATION and how college kids graduate but move back home since there are a job shortage...

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It's a fun book. really really good :)

[partypaprika.livejournal.com]

Suicide...huh. How interesting. I'm also very intrigued(?) by the fact that his wife was his half niece. That's not a little weird at all. Although, I'm actually really interested in ancient Greek history. I might just have to go out and get that book!

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

It's a fun book, I rec!