An introduction to Odysseus, the hero of The Odyssey

In Greek mythology, the Trojan War was waged against the city of Troy by the Achaeans (Greeks) after Paris of Troy took Helen from her husband Menelaus king of Sparta. The war is one of the most important events in Greek mythology and has been alluded to in many works of Greek literature and is still referred to even in today’s world.Greek mythologyTroyAchaeansGreeksParisHelenMenelausSpartaGreek literature

It all started with argument between Hera, Aphrodite and Athena. Eris, the goddess of discord, had a golden apple that she wanted to give to “the fairest beauty.” Zeus being intelligent refused to make the choice. Instead he gave the decision to Paris, the son of King Priam of Troy. Where the sounds like it wouldn’t be a problem, don’t be misled. Paris was very young and handsome but he was no warrior. He lusted after Queen Helen, King Menelaus’s wife, Queen of Achea a city state of Mycenea. He agreed to choose Aprhodite if she made Queen Helen fall in love with him.

This phrase has been said over and over through the centuries which is called an allusion. An allusion alludes or refers to a commonly known event. It is also a fabulous use of HYPERBOLE which is the figurative language term for exaggeration. She is the woman whose “face launched a thousand ships.”

Agamemnon, King Menaluas’s brother called the army of Mycenea together to attack troy hence the “launching of a thousand ships.” All of these men had to travel to Troy by water from Mycenea

Homer's Iliad is the most famous narrative of Achilles' deeds in the Trojan War. Achilles' wrath is the central theme of the book. The Homeric epic only covers a few weeks of the war, and does not narrate Achilles' death. It begins with Achilles' withdrawal from battle after he is dishonored by Agamemnon, the commander of the Achaean forces.AgamemnonAchaean

Hector The Trojans, led by Hector, subsequently pushed the Greek army back toward the beaches and assaulted the Greek ships. With the Greek forces on the verge of absolute destruction, Patroclus led the Myrmidons into battle wearing Achilles' armor, though Achilles remained at his camp. Patroclus succeeded in pushing the Trojans back from the beaches, but was killed by Hector before he could lead a proper assault on the city of Troy.HectorPatroclusMyrmidons Achilles Enraged over the death of Patroclus, Achilles ended his refusal to fight and took the field killing many men in his rage but always seeking out Hector. Before dying, Hector reminds Achilles that he is fated to die in the war as well. Achilles takes Hector's body and dishonours it.

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Led by Hermes, Priam takes a wagon out of Troy, across the plains, and enters the Greek camp unnoticed. He grasps Achilles by the knees and begs to have his son's body. Achilles is moved to tears, and the two lament their losses in the war. After a meal, Priam carries Hector's body back into Troy. Hector is buried, and the city mourns.Hermes

The Iliad was written in support of Menelaus and Agamemnon’s armies. The war ends prior to the use of the Trojan Horse. However, the horse is mentioned the Odyssey which predates the Aenid. The Aenid which uses different names for its heroes is written in support of the Trojans and their hero Aenas. The well-known story of the end of the Trojan War with the Greeks bearing their famous gift, the Trojan Horse.

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