An 1874 painting by Henri Paul Motte depicts the Greek myth of the Trojan Horse . [Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art/Encyclopedia Brittanica]

Surprise attack: Canada’s own Trojan Horse tale

STORY BY RICHARD FOOT

Everyone seems to be talking about The Odyssey, this summer’s cinematic blockbuster based on Homer’s ancient poem. Among other things, the film portrays the story of the Trojan Horse, that legendary symbol of warfare deception.

The hero Odysseus and his Greek army are camped on a beach outside the gates of Troy, having laid siege to the city without success for a decade. To break the stalemate, their army pretends to sail away, while secretly retreating to a nearby island. Outside the gates of the fortified city, they leave behind a large and mysterious wooden horse.

Believing it to be a gift, the Trojans haul the horse into Troy, allowing Odysseus and other warriors hidden inside to emerge through a trap door, open the gates to their waiting army and destroy the city.

READ MORE

Latest Stories

• War of 1812: The general who set fire to the White House sets the record straight
• Official history: A contentious account of the war in Afghanistan has sparked debate
• Remembering a king’s message: “How all civilized nations should live together.”

Among the British war heroes honoured at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, is Captain Alexander Macnab of Upper Canada. A plaque dedicated to his memory is located near the tomb of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (pictured at left). [Diliff/Wikimedia]

Historian Tanya Grodzinski on Canada and the Napoleonic Wars, Part 2

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

Within the crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, rest two of the country’s most revered war heroes. To innumerable Britons, both the tomb of Admiral Horatio Nelson—the seafaring legend of Trafalgar—and that of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington—whose cunning carried the day at Waterloo—are sacred. Together, they embody Britain’s victory over France during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), epitomizing the martial prowess and imperial confidence that defined an era.

Nearby, however, the chamber holds a far humbler memorial—indeed an ode to an all-but-forgotten chapter in Canadian history and heritage.

“If you stand in the right spot,” said military historian Tanya Grodzinski, “you’ll see near Wellington’s tomb, a bust of [Canadian prime minister] John A. Macdonald, then a little rectangular wall stone dedicated to the memory of Captain Alexander Macnab.”

READ MORE

More from The Briefing

• Historian Tanya Grodzinski on Canada and the Napoleonic Wars, Part 1
• British historian Paul Reed on why Canada’s Great War story endures
• Historian Eric Story on the legacy of Great War veterans with disabilities

Member Benefit Partner

Learn More