Who Killed Paris of Troy?

By Michael Ferguson

The story of Paris of Troy has been a subject of fascination for centuries. This Trojan prince is best known for his role in the Trojan War, but his death remains a mystery.

Who killed Paris of Troy? Let’s dive into the various theories and legends surrounding this enigmatic figure.

The Mythical Background

According to Greek mythology, Paris was the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. When he was born, an oracle prophesized that he would cause the downfall of his city.

To avoid this fate, his parents left him on a mountainside to die. However, he was rescued by shepherds and grew up to become a handsome young man.

The Judgment of Paris

The most famous legend concerning Paris is the Judgment of Paris. The story goes that three goddesses – Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite – asked him to choose which one was the most beautiful. Each goddess offered him a bribe: Hera promised him power and wealth, Athena offered him wisdom and skill in battle, while Aphrodite promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Paris chose Aphrodite as the winner and received her bribe – Helen of Sparta. The only problem was that Helen was already married to King Menelaus of Sparta. When Menelaus found out about their affair, he declared war on Troy.

The Trojan War

The Trojan War lasted for ten years before the Greeks finally managed to breach the city’s walls using a wooden horse filled with soldiers. During this time, Paris fought bravely on behalf of Troy but ultimately proved to be a liability due to his recklessness.

The Death of Paris

The actual circumstances surrounding Paris’s death are shrouded in mystery. Some legends claim that he died during the war from an arrow wound, while others suggest that he survived but was later killed by one of his own people.

One theory is that Paris was killed by Philoctetes, a Greek warrior who had been bitten by a snake and left behind on the island of Lemnos. Philoctetes had been given the bow and arrows of Hercules, which made him a formidable opponent. He is said to have shot Paris with an arrow dipped in the poisonous blood of the Hydra.

Another theory is that Paris was killed by his own half-brother, Deiphobus. According to this version of events, Deiphobus had married Helen after Paris’s death and was jealous of his brother’s legacy. He is said to have ambushed Paris and killed him in a fit of rage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mystery of who killed Paris of Troy remains unsolved. While there are various theories and legends surrounding his death, no one knows for sure what really happened. Despite his controversial role in the Trojan War, Paris remains an intriguing figure in mythology whose story has captivated audiences for centuries.