Overview
This lecture presents the mythic origins, key events, and main figures of the Trojan War as told by Homer, highlighting the causes of the conflict, legendary heroes, and the destruction of Troy.
The Origins of Troy and Its People
- Troy, a powerful city with walls built by the gods, was ruled by King Priam and Queen Hecuba.
- Hector, Priam's eldest son, was Troy's greatest and most honorable warrior.
- Cassandra, gifted with prophecy by Apollo, was cursed so no one would believe her warnings.
- Paris, another of Priam's sons, was prophesied to bring about Troy’s destruction but was spared and raised in secret.
The Birth and Abduction of Helen
- Helen, the most beautiful woman, was born to Queen Leda and Zeus (as a swan).
- Many Greek heroes sought Helen's hand; all suitors swore to protect her chosen husband.
- Helen married Menelaus, King of Sparta, but Paris later abducted her with Aphrodite’s help, becoming the cause of the Trojan War.
The Judgment of Paris and Divine Involvement
- Eris, the goddess of discord, caused a feud by gifting a golden apple "to the most beautiful" goddess.
- Paris judged Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite; he chose Aphrodite in exchange for Helen's love.
- The gods took sides: Hera, Athena, and Poseidon for the Greeks; Aphrodite, Apollo, and Ares for the Trojans.
Assembling the Greek Forces
- Menelaus called upon Helen’s suitors, including Agamemnon, Odysseus, Nestor, and Diomedes.
- Achilles, nearly invulnerable except for his heel, joined after being discovered in disguise.
- Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to appease Artemis and enable the fleet to sail.
The Trojan War and Key Events
- The war raged for nine years, with neither side able to breach Troy’s walls.
- Agamemnon seized Briseis from Achilles, causing Achilles to withdraw from battle.
- Paris and Menelaus dueled for Helen but Paris survived with Aphrodite’s intervention.
- Hector killed Patroclus (Achilles’ friend), leading Achilles to return and kill Hector.
The Fall of Troy
- Achilles was killed by Paris with Apollo’s guidance.
- Odysseus devised the Trojan Horse; Greeks hid inside and, once inside Troy, opened the gates for the army.
- Troy was sacked; King Priam and Hector’s son were killed, and the city was destroyed.
Aftermath and Fates of Survivors
- Ajax the Lesser violated Cassandra in Athena’s temple and was later killed by the gods.
- Cassandra and Agamemnon were both murdered by Clytemnestra upon their return.
- Aeneas escaped Troy and eventually founded the lineage that would found Rome.
- Menelaus and Helen returned to Sparta; Odysseus’s long journey home (the Odyssey) began.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Iliad — Homer’s epic poem about the Trojan War, focusing on Achilles’ anger and Hector's death.
- Odyssey — Homer’s epic poem detailing Odysseus’s journey home after the Trojan War.
- Trojan Horse — A wooden horse used by Greeks to infiltrate and conquer Troy.
- Achaeans — Another name for the Greeks in Homeric epics.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the characters and their alliances for potential exam questions.
- Read selections from the Iliad and the Odyssey on the Trojan War.