Overview
This lecture summarizes the mythological origins, key events, and major characters of the Trojan War, as told in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, including the war’s causes, battles, and aftermath.
The Origins of the Trojan War
- Homer, an ancient Greek poet, authored the Iliad and the Odyssey about the Trojan War.
- Troy, ruled by King Priam and Queen Hecuba, was famed for its strong, god-built walls.
- Priam’s children included Hector (heroic prince), Cassandra (cursed prophetess), and Paris (destined to doom Troy).
- Paris was spared as an infant despite a prophecy predicting Troy’s destruction.
Helen and the Oath of the Suitors
- Helen, daughter of Zeus and Leda, was considered the most beautiful woman in the world.
- Suitors, including Greek princes, swore an oath to protect Helen’s chosen husband.
- Helen married Menelaus, King of Sparta.
The Judgement of Paris and Helen’s Abduction
- At a divine wedding, Eris (goddess of discord) caused a dispute with a golden apple labeled “to the most beautiful.”
- Paris judged between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, choosing Aphrodite who promised him Helen.
- Paris abducted Helen from Sparta with Aphrodite’s help, igniting Greek outrage.
Greek and Trojan Leaders
- Menelaus invoked the oath; Greek leaders like Agamemnon, Odysseus, Nestor, and Diomedes joined.
- Achilles, the greatest warrior, joined despite his mother Thetis’ attempts to keep him from war.
- Priam called on Allies like the Lycians (Sarpedon, Glaucus) and Amazons (Penthesilea).
Major Events of the Trojan War
- Greeks besieged Troy for nine years but could not breach its walls.
- Conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles over Briseis led Achilles to withdraw from battle.
- Paris and Menelaus dueled for Helen; Paris was saved by Aphrodite.
- Hector killed Patroclus (Achilles’ close friend, wearing Achilles’ armor).
- Enraged, Achilles killed Hector and dishonored his body.
The Fall of Troy
- Achilles was killed by Paris with Apollo’s aid via a poisoned arrow.
- Odysseus devised the Trojan Horse, allowing Greeks to infiltrate and destroy Troy.
- King Priam was killed; women like Andromache and Cassandra were enslaved.
Aftermath and Legacies
- Cassandra and Agamemnon were killed by Clytemnestra due to past grievances.
- Aeneas escaped Troy, leading survivors to eventually found Rome.
- Menelaus and Helen returned to Sparta; Odysseus began his own long journey (the Odyssey).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Iliad — Homer’s epic poem about the Trojan War, focusing on Achilles.
- Odyssey — Homer’s epic about Odysseus’ journey home after Troy.
- Trojan Horse — A wooden horse used by Greeks to enter and conquer Troy.
- Oath of Tyndareus — Promise by Helen’s suitors to defend her marriage.
- Achaeans — Homer’s term for the Greeks.
- Concubine — A woman taken as a slave/secondary wife.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the key characters and their roles in the war for deeper understanding.
- Read selections from the Iliad and Odyssey to see Homer’s original storytelling.
- Prepare notes on the aftermath for a possible follow-up on the Odyssey.