The Trojan War
“To
get
Or
Helen Back”
The Cause of the War
Short Version – Wife of a King is
kidnapped. War is waged to get her back
 Longer version –

– Once upon a time …
 The goddess of discord (with a title like that, how
can you NOT cause trouble) wasn’t invited to a
wedding. She decided to cause some trouble.
Paris’ Choice
Paris was a young prince of TROY. His dad
was told that one day he would cause the
destruction of the kingdom. His dad sent
him far way.
 Teris, the goddess of discord, was upset
that she was not invited to a wedding.

– Really,who can blame Thetis and Pellius for
not inviting someone known as the “goddess
of Discord”?
Paris’ Choice Continued
Eris tosses a golden apple inscribed with
“Belonging to the fairest” at the feet of
three goddesses, Hera, Athena and
Aphrodite. Each, of course assumes it is
hers.
 Zeus is too wise to get involved in the
fight and decides that Paris, a fine young
judge of women, can be the one to
decide.

Bribes are “fairest” game
Three Goddesses try to bribe him to be the one
he chooses.
Hera promised him Europe and Asia
Athena promised that he would lead the
Trojans to victory against the Greeks
Aphrodite promised him the most beautiful
woman in all the world
Paul Ruben’s Judgment of Paris
And the winner is …

Because he is young, foolish, and destined
to cause trouble, he chooses
Aphrodite – who give him the most beautiful
woman in the world. Her name is Helen
– she is from Sparta, a city-state in Greece
- Sparta is known for its army.
Helen just happens to be already married
He husband just happens to be the king of Sparta
Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!!!!!
Helen’s husband is Menelaus – the king of
Sparta. He wants his wife back. The
Greeks want to take over Troy anyway, so
ALL of the Greeks agree to help him.
 Troy is protected by an amazing wall
around the city that no army has ever
been able to penetrate.

Just how long is this going to
take?

The battle for Troy/Helen lasts for 10
years! Thousands die on each side.

Heroes are plentiful on each side.
– Achilles – best Greek warrior
– Hector – best Trojan warrior
Let’s Call it a Draw

Even after 10 years, there is no clear
winner. Perhaps the Greeks will have to
go home without their prize, unless. . .
Isn’t that Odysseus guy supposed to be clever?
Can’t he come up with something?
Odysseus’ Plan
Odyssey comes up with a plan to make it
look as if the Greeks have given up.
 They will build a giant hollow horse (a
symbol of Troy) and leave it outside the
walls of the city.
 A group of men will hide inside and when
the time is right, they will climb out, open
the gates. The Greeks will rush in and
Troy will fall.

Surprisingly Enough. . .

The plan worked! Greeks, away from
home for 10 years, will all be able to
return home to their wives and children.
Few wanted to get home as much as
Odysseus. He heads for home with his
men and provisions. This is where our
story STARTS!