Trojan War Story

Summary

The Trojan War, a legendary conflict in Greek mythology, began when Paris, a prince of Troy, chose Aphrodite as the fairest goddess, receiving Helen, wife of Menelaus, as his reward. Paris's abduction of Helen led to a 10-year war between the Greeks and Trojans. Famous Greek warriors like Achilles, Odysseus, and Ajax fought, while gods like Athena, Aphrodite, and Apollo influenced the battle. The war climaxed with the Greeks' deceptive Trojan Horse, which led to the fall of Troy. Though victorious, the Greeks faced divine retribution, and few returned home unscathed.

Takeaways

• 🍏 Three goddesses—Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite—competed for a golden apple inscribed 'to the fairest'.
• 👑 Zeus, refusing to judge, sent the goddesses to Paris, a prince of Troy, to make the decision.
• 💍 Each goddess offered Paris a bribe: Hera promised power, Athena offered wisdom, and Aphrodite promised him the most beautiful woman, Helen.
• 🛳️ Paris chose Aphrodite, who helped him seduce Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta, leading to their elopement to Troy.
• ⚔️ Menelaus, furious, sought help from his brother Agamemnon, leading to a massive Greek expedition to Troy with famous warriors like Achilles, Odysseus, and Ajax.
• 🛡️ The Trojan War lasted for 10 years, with both sides struggling, and many gods and goddesses intervening in the conflict.
• 🏹 Achilles killed Hector, the Trojan hero, but was later shot in the heel by Paris and died.
• 🐴 Odysseus devised the famous wooden horse strategy, which tricked the Trojans into letting Greek soldiers into their city.
• 🔥 The Greeks sacked Troy, killing many Trojans and enslaving women and children, marking the end of the war.
• 🌊 Although the war ended, many Greeks, including Agamemnon and Odysseus, faced trials and troubles on their return home due to the wrath of the gods.

Q & A

What caused the Trojan War according to the myth?

The Trojan War was caused by a contest between three goddesses—Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite—over a golden apple inscribed with 'to the fairest.' Paris, a prince of Troy, chose Aphrodite after she promised him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, who was already married to Menelaus, the king of Sparta.

Why did Paris choose Aphrodite over Hera and Athena?

Paris chose Aphrodite because she promised him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen. Hera offered him power, and Athena offered him wisdom, but Paris was swayed by Aphrodite's bribe.

How did Helen end up in Troy?

Helen ended up in Troy after Paris seduced her and convinced her to elope with him. They fled to Troy, taking with them a great deal of treasure.

Who led the Greek forces to retrieve Helen and why?

Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, led the Greek forces to retrieve Helen. He did this at the request of his brother, Menelaus, who was furious after Paris abducted his wife.

Which Greek heroes were involved in the Trojan War?

Several Greek heroes were involved in the Trojan War, including Achilles, known for his strength and skill in battle; Odysseus, known for his cunning and eloquence; and Ajax, one of the strongest Greek soldiers.

What role did the gods and goddesses play in the Trojan War?

The gods and goddesses were deeply involved in the Trojan War, taking sides and supporting their favorite mortals. Athena supported the Greeks, Aphrodite favored the Trojans, Apollo sent plagues to the Greeks, and Poseidon helped build the famous wooden horse.

How did the Greeks finally manage to defeat the Trojans?

The Greeks defeated the Trojans through a clever plan devised by Odysseus. They built a large wooden horse, hid their best warriors inside it, and left it as a 'gift' for the Trojans. The Trojans brought the horse inside their city, and at night, the Greeks emerged, opened the gates, and sacked Troy.

Who killed Hector, and how did this event impact the war?

Achilles killed Hector, the noblest of the Trojans, and dragged his body around the walls of Troy. This was a significant blow to the Trojans, as Hector was one of their greatest defenders. His death was mourned by the Trojans and his father, King Priam.

What was the fate of the Trojan survivors after the fall of Troy?

Most of the Trojans were slaughtered, but a few, like Aeneas, son of Aphrodite, managed to escape. Aeneas fled with his father and son and later founded a new Troy in Italy, which became the origin of the Romans.

How did the Trojan War affect the Greek leaders after their victory?

Many Greek leaders faced difficulties after the war. Agamemnon was killed by his wife Clytemnestra, Odysseus wandered for 10 years facing trials before returning home, and Menelaus and Helen faced a long journey but eventually returned to Sparta and lived peacefully.