Did Helen and Paris Have a Child?

By Robert Palmer

The Mythical Tale Unfolds

The story of Helen and Paris is one of the most celebrated tales in Greek mythology. It is a tale of love, war, and tragedy that has captured the hearts and minds of people for centuries.

But did they have a child together Let’s explore this question further.

The Story of Helen and Paris

Helen was known for her beauty, which was said to be unrivaled in all of Greece. She was married to King Menelaus of Sparta but fell in love with Paris, the prince of Troy. Paris abducted Helen and took her to Troy, sparking a war between the Greeks and Trojans.

The Trojan War lasted for ten years before the Greeks finally emerged victorious. During the war, many lives were lost on both sides, including those of Paris and his brothers Hector and Deiphobus.

Did Helen and Paris Have a Child

There are conflicting accounts regarding whether or not Helen and Paris had a child together. Some legends suggest that they did have a son named Alexander or Troilus. However, other versions state that they did not have any children together.

One account suggests that Helen had an affair with Aeneas after arriving in Troy, which resulted in the birth of their son Ascanius. This account contradicts the idea that Helen had a child with Paris.

The Legend of Alexander or Troilus

According to some legends, Alexander or Troilus was born to Helen and Paris before the start of the Trojan War. He was said to be beautiful like his mother but also had his father’s courage.

Unfortunately, Troilus’ fate was tragic as he was killed by Achilles during the war. His death is depicted in William Shakespeare’s play “Troilus and Cressida.”

The Reality of the Situation

While the legend of Helen and Paris having a child is romantic, there is no historical or archaeological evidence to support it. It is more likely that the idea of them having a child together was created as a way to humanize these mythical figures.

Conclusion

The question of whether or not Helen and Paris had a child together remains unanswered. While some legends suggest that they did, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. The story of their love and the Trojan War, however, continues to captivate audiences around the world.