What Happened to Paris and Helen of Troy?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris and Helen of Troy, also known as Helen of Sparta or simply Helen, is one of the most captivating love stories in history. The tale has been retold countless times in literature, art, and film.

But what happened to these iconic figures after the Trojan War? Let’s dive in and explore their fate.

The Story of Paris and Helen

In Greek mythology, Paris was the son of King Priam of Troy. He was tasked with judging a beauty contest between three goddesses – Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera. In exchange for choosing her as the most beautiful, Aphrodite promised Paris the love of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Enter Helen – wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. When Paris arrived in Sparta on a diplomatic mission, he fell in love with Helen at first sight. According to some versions of the story, Aphrodite helped them run away together to Troy.

This act sparked the Trojan War – a decade-long conflict between the Greeks and Trojans over Helen’s abduction. The Greeks ultimately emerged victorious with the help of cunning tactics like the Trojan Horse.

The Fate of Paris

During the Trojan War, Paris proved to be a skilled warrior but ultimately met his demise when he was struck by an arrow shot by Philoctetes – a Greek hero who had been abandoned on an island due to a festering wound.

In some versions of the story, Paris’ body was left unburied for several days due to his actions during the war. Eventually, his sister Cassandra convinced Priam to give him a proper burial.

The Fate of Helen

Helen’s fate is less clear than Paris’. Some versions suggest that she returned to Sparta with Menelaus after the war ended. Others claim that she remained in Troy with her lover until its fall.

According to one account, Helen was taken prisoner by the Greeks during the sack of Troy and returned to Menelaus. Another version suggests that she was reunited with Paris in the afterlife.

The Legacy of Paris and Helen

Despite their controversial love story, Paris and Helen have become symbols of romantic passion in Western culture. Their tale has inspired countless works of art, literature, and film – from Shakespeare’s “Troilus and Cressida” to Wolfgang Petersen’s “Troy.”

However, their story also serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of desire and war. The Trojan War resulted in countless deaths and left both Troy and Greece in ruins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer to what happened to Paris and Helen after the Trojan War, their story continues to captivate audiences around the world. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the complex nature of love, desire, and war – themes that continue to resonate with us today.