The Trojan War
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The Trojan War

The Trojan War

The Trojan War became the subject of countless works, most famously Homer’s Iliad. It remains a timeless tale of pride, passion, heroism, and the inescapable will of fate.

Chapter 1

The Apple of Discord

1:18

At a grand wedding upon Mount Pelion, the gods gathered to celebrate the union of the mortal Peleus and the sea-nymph Thetis. All were invited—except Eris, goddess of discord. Offended, Eris arrived unbidden and cast a golden apple among the revelers. Upon its gleaming surface were inscribed the words: to the fairest.

Three goddesses—Hera, queen of the gods; Athena, goddess of wisdom and war; and Aphrodite, goddess of love—each claimed the apple as their own. Unable to settle the dispute, they turned to Zeus, king of the gods, for judgment. Yet even Zeus dared not choose. Instead, he sent them to a mortal prince, Paris of Troy, known for his fairness.

Upon Mount Ida, the goddesses appeared before Paris. Each sought to sway him with gifts. Hera promised dominion over all lands. Athena offered unmatched wisdom and victory in battle. Aphrodite whispered of a reward more enticing: the love of the most beautiful woman in the world—Helen of Sparta.

Paris, swayed by love, chose Aphrodite. Thus, the seeds of war were sown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Trojan War to begin according to Greek mythology?

The Trojan War began when Paris, prince of Troy, abducted Helen, the wife of Spartan king Menelaus. This act of betrayal prompted Menelaus and his brother Agamemnon to launch a massive Greek expedition against Troy to reclaim Helen and restore their honor.

How long did the siege of Troy last in the legendary account?

According to Homer and other ancient sources, the siege of Troy lasted ten years. The Greeks maintained a prolonged blockade and assault on the fortified city, unable to breach its walls through conventional warfare until they devised the famous wooden horse stratagem.

Who was Achilles and why was he important in the Trojan War?

Achilles was the greatest Greek warrior in the Trojan War, known for his near-invincibility and unmatched skill in battle. His death, caused by an arrow to his heel, marked a turning point in the war and became one of the most famous episodes in Greek mythology.

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