Like The Mists of Avalon (1982), The Firebrand is a good choice for reading by groups interested in Goddess lore and traditions, as well as those interested in the heroic epic itself. The emergence of Kassandra as a metaphor for the self-discovering woman and her role in her community, especially as the communicator of both warnings and wisdom, has been international, and readers may know of Christa Wolfs rendition of the same tale. The Firebrand can be used as a companion piece in classics and world literature course work.

1. How does Bradley's version of the fall of Troy fit with what you know about the Homeric tradition and Greek mythology in general? How does she portray the Greek pantheon, especially their role in the story of Troy?

2. What is the view of the Homeric heroes, especially Agamemnon, Achilles, and Odysseus? How is her portrayal of Helen, Klytemnestra...