Paris, also known as Alexander in some translations, is a prominent figure in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. He is the son of King Priam of Troy and his wife Hecuba. Paris was not always considered a hero or a brave warrior, but rather he was seen as a cowardly prince who caused the downfall of Troy.
The Judgment of Paris
The story of Paris begins before the events of the Iliad. According to Greek mythology, there was a wedding between Thetis and Peleus, and all the gods were invited except for Eris, the goddess of discord.
In retaliation, she threw a golden apple with the inscription “For the fairest” into the banquet hall. Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite each claimed it for themselves. Zeus then arranged for Paris to judge which goddess was the fairest.
Paris chose Aphrodite because she promised him Helen of Sparta as his wife. The problem was that Helen was already married to Menelaus, King of Sparta.
Paris abducted Helen and took her back to Troy with him. This event sparked the Trojan War which is chronicled in the Iliad.
Paris in Battle
Paris did not have a reputation as a skilled warrior and often relied on his charm and good looks to avoid battle. However, he did fight when necessary and had some success on occasion. In book three of the Iliad Hector scolds him for not fighting harder during a skirmish with Menelaus.
Despite his shortcomings on the battlefield, Paris remained an important figure in Troy due to his royal status and relationship with Helen.
Paris’ Death
In book ten of the Iliad, Paris faced off against Menelaus once again in single combat. This time Menelaus had him at sword point but Aphrodite appeared and saved Paris by taking him back to his bedroom in Troy. This act of divine intervention was not enough to save Paris in the end, as he was eventually killed by Philoctetes with an arrow.
Paris’ death was a significant moment in the Trojan War, as it marked the beginning of the end for Troy. His actions and decisions ultimately led to the downfall of his city and his people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris was a complex character in the Iliad. He was not a traditional hero but rather a flawed prince whose actions had far-reaching consequences.
His decision to judge the goddesses and choose Aphrodite set in motion events that would lead to war and ultimately his own demise. Despite his faults, Paris remains an important figure in Greek mythology and his story continues to captivate readers today.