The Trojan War And Its Heroes

The Trojan War And Its Heroesto Think That the Trojan War Was Started

The Trojan War and its Heroes To think that the Trojan War was started over the bickering of Goddesses, is truly mind blowing. One of the most famous wars, that is still discussed and studied about today, is seen as a very masculine bloodbath. Now, after reading this week’s chapter, it just all seems so petty situation that snowballed into something more serious than it needed to be. Although the heroes fought to the best of their abilities, it all could have been easily avoided. Surprisingly enough, after reading this week’s stories, I trill have a great appreciation for the Romans and the Greeks.

When it comes to the Trojan War, in the minds of the mortals, the war stared because Paris decided to secretly take his promised Helen from the King Menelaus (Hamilton). In actuality, it started with Eris being sour over not getting invited to the Olympus parties (p. 254). Imagine being that petty, where you mess with someone else’s party, instead of having your own. In spite, she causes the Goddesses to fight over a golden apple (p. 254). Unable to come to a decision, they turn towards the judgment of a human; the very beings that the Gods look down upon. The Goddesses, instead of asking who is “the fairest” (p. 255), they start to persuade him with the most glorious riches. The fact that the ego of these Goddesses brought them to use bribes, is kind of degrading.

Nevertheless, the prince Paris chose Aphrodite as the fairest and gave her the golden apple, in exchange for “the fairest woman in all the world” (p. 255). While this can be seen as romantic and the most human choice, it would only be the catalyst for disaster. As Helen, “daughter of Zeus and Leda” (p. 255), was claimed to be the fairest woman alive, she would be Paris’s bride. In his desperation to marry and have her hand, Paris steals her without telling a soul (p. 257), which then causes all of Greece to target all of Troy. This commotion helps reinforce the fact that Women are a man’s greatest weakness. Everything was perfectly set for him to marry her without problems, but his impatience got the better of him. While the cause to the war is ridiculous, I personally think it was a legitimate reason. Some random foreigner took the princess, who was promised to another man, away without a word, is reason enough to start a war.

When it comes to the Greek and Trojan Heroes, I can help but think both sides demonstrate dishonorable traits. On the Trojan side, Paris started the whole war (Hamilton). He showed how much of a coward he was by secretly taking Helen, instead of stating how their marriage was a promise from the Goddess Aphrodite. Then, when he was faced with Menelaus, Aphrodite had to take him away, due to being an unskilled fighter (p. 263). Hector on the other hand, was far more honorable than Paris. He was the son of the King Priam and Queen Hecuba, and the brother of Achilles (p. 260). In the favor of Apollo, he fought bravely and valiantly, even though he knew he would die during the war. He bid his wife Andromache and his only son Astyanax farewell, before returning to the ruthless battle (p. 266). On the Greek side, Odysseus didn’t have the most honorable start, he claimed to have gone “mad” (p. 258). He didn’t want to leave his family behind, much less over a war he described as “a romantic adventure overseas for the sake of a faithless woman” (p. 258), allowing us to understand his disapproval for the war. Regardless of his opinion, he was forced to join and fought with all of his might. His brilliant mind would bring the Greeks victory against the Trojans, demonstrating the most honorability throughout the War (Hamilton).

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The Trojan War, one of the most renowned conflicts in ancient history, is often depicted as a brutal, masculine confrontation driven by honor, jealousy, and divine intervention. However, a closer examination of the myths and stories surrounding the war reveals that many of its origins were petty and rooted in personal grievances and divine disputes. This essay explores the true causes of the Trojan War, the honor and dishonor exhibited by its heroes, and the lessons these narratives impart about human nature and divine influence.

The commonly accepted story of the Trojan War begins with Paris, prince of Troy, abducting Helen, wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. This event, which ignited the prolonged conflict, is often portrayed as a romantic act driven by Paris’s love for Helen. However, the deeper myth reveals a different origin, rooted in divine discord. According to myth, the war's true beginning traces back to Eris, the goddess of discord, who, feeling slighted for not being invited to Olympus parties, incited chaos by casting a golden apple inscribed with "for the fairest" among the goddesses. This petty act of jealousy escalated as Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena vied for the title of "the fairest," bribing Paris with promises of power, wealth, and wisdom (Hamilton, 1942). Ultimately, Paris's choice of Aphrodite, who offered him the love of the most beautiful woman, Helen, sealed the fate of Troy (Hamilton, 1942). This act of divine favoritism and petty jealousy highlights how seemingly trivial divine disputes can have catastrophic human consequences.

As the myth unfolds, Paris's abduction of Helen serves as the immediate spark for the war. Paris's decision was driven by personal desire and divine influence, rather than noble intentions. His secrecy and impulsiveness demonstrate a lack of maturity and honor, contrasting sharply with the heroic ideals later exemplified by other figures. The war itself becomes a reflection of human flaws—greed, pride, and recklessness—set against the backdrop of divine meddling. Nevertheless, the heroism of individual characters on both sides reveals complex moral qualities.

On the Trojan side, Paris is depicted as a coward and a reckless lover who incited the war through a petty act of theft. His secretive abduction of Helen exemplifies dishonorable conduct, especially considering the divine promises he received from Aphrodite. Conversely, Hector, prince of Troy and son of King Priam, embodies valor, duty, and honor. Despite knowing that he is destined to die, Hector fights bravely to defend his city, bidding farewell to his wife Andromache and their son Astyanax before returning to battle (Hamilton, 1942). His willingness to face death exemplifies the ideal of heroic sacrifice and moral integrity.

On the Greek side, Odysseus presents a complex picture of heroism. Initially claiming to have gone mad to avoid the war, Odysseus’s feigned madness was a strategic ruse (Hamilton, 1942). His subsequent participation and military brilliance played a crucial role in Greece’s victory. Odysseus’s cunning, intelligence, and strategic thinking highlight a different kind of heroism—one rooted in wit and wisdom rather than brute strength or divine favor (Hamilton, 1942). Despite his initial reluctance, Odysseus’s dedication to his country and his eventual leadership demonstrate a layered moral character, emphasizing that heroism often involves moral complexity.

The stories of the Trojan heroes reveal contrasting traits of honor and dishonor. Paris’s secretive actions and preference for personal pleasure contrast with Hector’s noble sacrifice and unwavering commitment to Troy. Similarly, Odysseus’s initial attempt to escape the war through deception contrasts with his later display of ingenuity and strategic acumen. These narratives underscore that heroism is multifaceted and that personal virtues, moral choices, and divine influence all shape heroic identities.

The myth of the Trojan War serves as a reflection of human nature and divine intervention. It illustrates how petty disputes and divine favoritism can escalate into catastrophic conflicts when individuals act on greed and pride. Moreover, the contrasting behaviors of heroes like Hector and Odysseus demonstrate that honor, wisdom, and moral integrity are essential qualities for true heroism. These stories continue to resonate because they reveal timeless truths about human flaws, the influence of the divine, and the importance of moral character in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Trojan War, often simplified as a heroic and tragic clash of civilizations, emerges from a series of petty grievances, divine jealousies, and human flaws. While some of its heroes exemplify noble traits, others reveal dishonorable tendencies, emphasizing that heroism involves complex moral choices. The stories serve as enduring lessons on the nature of human pride, divine influence, and the moral virtues necessary to face life's greatest challenges.

References

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