Overview
This transcript narrates the mythological saga of the Trojan War, from the founding of Troy and the birth of Paris to the city’s ultimate destruction. It covers key figures, prophecies, battles, and divine interventions, focusing on the causes, major events, and aftermath of the legendary conflict.
The Origins of Troy and Paris
- Troy was a wealthy, walled city prophesied to share Atlantis’s tragic fate.
- Queen Hecuba dreamed Troy would burn; an oracle warned her new son would doom the city.
- Priam ordered the infant (Paris/Alexander) killed, but the shepherd Agilus spared and raised him.
- Paris grew up as a shepherd, beloved by the nymph Oinone.
The Judgement of Paris
- At a divine wedding, Eris (Discord) caused strife by sending a golden apple “to the fairest.”
- Goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite vied for the apple; Zeus appointed Paris judge.
- Hera promised power, Athena victory, Aphrodite the love of Helen; Paris chose Aphrodite.
- Athena and Hera vowed revenge on Troy.
Helen’s Marriage and the Oath
- Helen, famed for her beauty, chose Menelaus as husband; all Greek suitors swore to defend the chosen union.
- Odysseus advised this oath to prevent future conflicts.
Paris Discovers His Heritage
- Paris, recognized during games in Troy, was embraced by his royal family.
- Cassandra, gifted with prophecy but cursed never to be believed, foresaw Troy’s downfall.
The Abduction of Helen
- Paris, now a prince, visited Sparta, met Helen, and, with Aphrodite’s help, she fell in love with him.
- While Menelaus was away, Paris and Helen fled to Troy with Spartan treasures.
The Greeks Prepare for War
- Outraged, Menelaus called on the Greek oath; a massive coalition formed, led by Agamemnon.
- Odysseus attempted to avoid war but was outwitted.
- Achilles was found and recruited, fulfilling a prophecy necessary for Greek victory.
- Agamemnon was forced by the gods to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia to set sail for Troy.
Early Battles and the Siege
- The Greeks landed, but the first ashore, Protesilaus, was fated to die.
- Achilles and the Greeks gained ground but could not breach Troy’s divine walls.
- A long siege began, marked by periodic truces, raids, and the involvement of legendary warriors and allies.
Internal Strife and Divine Interventions
- Agamemnon angered Achilles by claiming Briseis, leading to Achilles’ withdrawal.
- Plague struck the Greeks until Agamemnon returned his captive, Chryseis, to Apollo’s priest.
- The gods frequently intervened, worsening the conflict.
Key Duels and Deaths
- Paris and Menelaus dueled; Paris was saved by Aphrodite, sabotaging peace.
- Hector killed Patroclus, who fought in Achilles’ armor, leading to Achilles’ return.
- Achilles killed Hector and desecrated his body but later returned it to Priam.
Turning Points and the Fall of Troy
- The deaths of Achilles (by Paris’s arrow with Apollo’s help) and Ajax weakened the Greeks.
- With the Palladium stolen and new allies brought in (Neoptolemus, Philoctetes), the Greeks sought new strategies.
- Odysseus devised the Trojan Horse; Greek warriors infiltrated Troy, opening the gates for the army.
- Troy was sacked; Priam and most royal family members were killed, the city destroyed.
Aftermath and Legacy
- Survivors like Aeneas escaped, leading to future legends.
- Helen was spared by Menelaus, despite her role in the war.
- The Greeks departed, leaving Troy in ruins; the deeds of both sides became the subject of legend.
Decisions
- Paris judged Aphrodite the fairest, inciting divine animosity.
- Greeks swore to defend Helen's marriage, binding them to war.
- Agamemnon sacrificed Iphigenia to appease the gods.
- Achilles reconciled with Agamemnon to rejoin battle.
- Priam ransomed Hector’s body from Achilles.
- Greeks used the Trojan Horse to infiltrate and capture Troy.
Action Items
- TBD – Odysseus: Recruit Achilles and Neoptolemus for the Greek effort.
- TBD – Odysseus and Diomedes: Steal the Palladium from Troy.
- TBD – Greek leaders: Organize final assault using Trojan Horse strategy.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- 10 years: Duration of the siege of Troy.
- 11 days: Armistice for Hector’s funeral.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Will any Trojans survive to rebuild elsewhere (e.g., Aeneas’s fate)?
- What becomes of Helen after returning to Greece?