Trojan War Research Paper

“Tell me, O Muse, of that ingenious hero who travelled far and wide after he had sacked the famous town of Troy” (Homer/”The Odyssey”). The Trojan War was an essential part of Greece’s history and shaped the way that we comprehend Greek mythology. It paved the path of many Greek citizens’ lives and society. We always knew that Helen, Menelaus and Paris were crucial to Greece’s history and shaped the way for numerous stories such as Homer’s The Odyssey. Helen and Paris, impacted the Trojan War through their strong love, actions, and decisions. Although many people influenced Greek mythology, Helen played a big role changing history forever. In the beginning, “Helen chose Menelaus, a prince of Mycenae, to be her husband” (“Helen of Troy”).
Helens decision to marry Menelaus indirectly started the difficulties that caused the war; if she did not marry Menelaus she would not have run off with Paris. Accoridng to history.com staff, “The war began after the abduction (or elopment) of Queen Helen by the Trojan prince Paris.” “Paris took Helen back to Troy, some say she went willingly, some say she was kidnapped by Paris” (“Helen of Troy”). When Paris took Helen to Troy, Menelaus was enraged and declared war on Troy, for what was going to become known as the Trojan War. Afterwards, “the siege… lasted more than ten years until the Greek retreated to Sparta to reign with Menelaus” (“Trojan War”). As a result of Helen being taken to Troy, a war was launched which lasted approximately 10 years. In the end the Greeks retreated, leaving a wooden horse at the door of Troy. This wooden horse is an archetypal figure in many stories, and represents a creative way to overcome an obstacle. Therefore, Helen caused the Trojan War, changed the way for Greeks, and all people around the world. The tale of the Trojan War is well known and influential in today's pop culture. Paris’ enthusiasm and determination had a dramatic effect on Greek history.
“Paris was a handsome, young prince who eloped with the most beautiful woman in the world and caused the Trojan War.” (“Paris”) “Aphrodite… had promised him the most beautiful woman in the world after he proclaimed her the "fairest" goddess. When Paris saw Helen, he knew that Aphrodite had kept her promise.” (“Helen of Troy”) Although, Paris knew he would marry Helen as soon as he laid his eyes on her; her beauty caused a great conflict between Paris and Menelaus, leading to the following events. Thus, “Menelaus offered to fight Paris in single-combat and so settle the issue of the war. Agreeing to this, the two warriors drew lots to see who would have first throw with their spear. Paris won and threw first, but his spear landed harmlessly in the shield of Menelaus.”(“Cartwright”) Later, when Menelaus was close to killing Paris, once again, Aphrodite was there to help by breaking the helmet strap close to taking Paris’ life away. Also covering the prince in a mist of safety, or taking him to the security of his bedroom according to Cartwright. Aphrodite, the goddess of pleasure and love assured Paris the security and help that she granted him. The story of Paris’ fight for Helen shows what true love is and revamps the way we learn about Greek
mythology. Through the lives of Helen and Paris, the Trojan war started and changed because of their adjudications and reactions to each other. Helen was considered the most beautiful woman in the world, her beauty inclined Menelaus to marry her and Paris to take her to Troy. Helen’s beauty and elopement caused a major rift in history. Paris’ tenacious disposition and death during the Trojan War proved his love for Helen and the determination within him. Therefore, Paris and Helen’s journey changed modern education of history and literature by creating stories that impacted the way we learn today.