The Intrigues of the Trojan War

The Trojan War's roots lie in a celestial quarrel. Eris, the goddess of discord, was uninvited to a wedding and retaliated by throwing a golden apple inscribed 'For the fairest,' sparking divine rivalry.

Chosen to decide who was the fairest among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, Paris, a Trojan prince, was bribed by Aphrodite with the most beautiful woman, Helen, inadvertently setting the stage for war.

Helen's suitors were numerous. Her stepfather, Tyndareus, wary of jealousy, required them to swear an oath to defend Helen's marriage, a pact activating when Paris abducted Helen, mandating her suitors' involvement in the war.

Thetis, Achilles' mother, knowing he would die young if he fought in Troy, disguised him as a girl on Skyros. Odysseus cleverly revealed his identity using weapons, which Achilles instinctively used, revealing his true nature.

Common belief holds the Trojan War lasted ten years, but this duration only pertains to the Greek siege of Troy. Protracted conflicts and diplomatic efforts filled these years, not constant battle as often depicted.

The Trojan Horse, a symbol of deceit, was not mentioned in Homer's epics. It first appeared in Virgil's 'Aeneid'. This wooden horse, hiding elite soldiers, led to Troy's downfall through a cunning ruse.

Post-war fates of Trojan War heroes were grim. Agamemnon was murdered upon his return, Achilles died before Troy's fall, and Odysseus wandered for years. The war's end marked the beginning of many sorrows.