Notes on Book Three of the Iliad

Paris and the Conflict

Paris' Role
- Paris leads the Trojans but hides from Menelaus, showing cowardice.
- Hector criticizes Paris for his lack of bravery, emphasizing his beauty over courage.
- Paris, feeling humiliated, proposes to resolve the conflict with Menelaus through single combat for Helen.
Single Combat Proposal
- Hector supports the idea of single combat.
- The goddess Iris calls Helen to witness the event.
- Priam, ruling elder of Troy, performs sacrifices to formalize the agreement.

Combat Details
- Both Paris and Menelaus fail to injure each other with their spears.
- Menelaus' sword breaks on Paris' helmet.
- Menelaus attempts to strangle Paris with helmet strap.
- Aphrodite intervenes, rescuing Paris, and takes him to his room.
Aftermath
- Aphrodite brings Helen to Paris; Helen mocks him initially.
- Despite the mockery, Helen and Paris end up making love.
- Agamemnon proclaims Menelaus the winner, demanding Helen's return.

Sympathy for Helen
- Helen regrets the war and its consequences on her behalf.
- She questions the absence of her brothers, suspecting their shame.
- Initially resists Aphrodite's influence, conflicted in feelings for Paris.
- Helen’s emotions are manipulated by divine intervention.

Paris' Character
- Lacks a sense of shame or responsibility for causing the war.
- Prioritizes pleasure and self-preservation over honor.
- His willingness to fight is short-lived, returning quickly to indulgence.
- Despised by the Trojan army for his self-centeredness.

Hector's View
- Wishes Paris had never brought disaster upon Troy.
- Paris’ duel is more about wounded pride than true valor.
Priam's Humanity
- Unlike other Trojan elders, Priam does not blame Helen for the war.
- Shows compassion toward Helen, despite the chaos she has caused Troy.
- Represents a human connection in contrast to the gods' interventions and other Trojans' views.