Prince Paris of Troy, also known as Alexander, is one of the most significant and complex figures in Greek mythology. As a central character in the saga leading to the legendary Trojan War, Paris’s actions and decisions have had profound implications in mythological narratives, literature, and art throughout history.

Below, World History Edu delves into his origins, family, key events in his life, his portrayal in various sources, symbolic meanings, and enduring legacy.

What sides did the Greek gods take during the Trojan War?

Origins and Lineage

Paris is a prince of Troy, the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, making him one of the many children in the royal family of Troy. The name Πάρις (Paris) is believed to have Luwian origins, akin to the Hittite name Parizitis, though it is etymologically distinct from the name of France’s capital, derived from the Gallic Parisii tribe. As the younger brother of the famed Trojan prince Hector, Paris often finds himself in the shadow of his more heroic sibling, yet his actions are pivotal to the unfolding of the Trojan War.

Physical Description and Attributes

Descriptions of Paris vary across sources, highlighting different aspects of his character:

Byzantine chronicler Malalas’ Chronography portrays the Trojan prince as “well-grown, sturdy, white, good nose, good eyes, black pupils, black hair, incipient beard, long-faced, heavy eyebrows, big mouth, charming, eloquent, agile, an accurate archer, cowardly, hedonist.” This depiction emphasizes his physical attractiveness and skills, juxtaposed with traits of cowardice and indulgence.

Dares the Phrygian describes Paris as “fair, tall, and brave. His eyes were very beautiful, his hair soft and blond, his mouth charming, and his voice pleasant. He was swift, and eager to take command.” This account presents a more heroic and admirable image, focusing on his beauty, bravery, and leadership qualities.

These varying descriptions reflect the multifaceted nature of Paris’s character in mythology, balancing his attractiveness and charm with perceived flaws and vulnerabilities.

Family and Relationships

As the son of Priam and Hecuba, Paris is part of Troy’s royal lineage. Priam, the king of Troy, is a central figure in the Trojan War narrative, and Hecuba, his queen, is known for her tragic fate during the war.

Paris is the younger brother of Hector, Troy’s greatest warrior and defender. The contrast between Hector’s honor and bravery and Paris’s more controversial actions underscores the differing roles siblings can play within a mythological context.

Paris had a relationship with the nymph Oenone, with whom he had a son named Corythus. After abducting Helen, Paris fathered children with her as well, including Bunomus, Aganus (“gentle”), Idaeus, and a daughter also named Helen. These relationships add depth to his character, showing his capacity for both love and the complexities of familial bonds.

Childhood and Prophecy

Paris’s early life is marked by prophecy and attempts to thwart his destined fate. Before his birth, Hecuba dreamed of giving birth to a flaming torch, interpreted by the seer Aesacus as an omen of Troy’s downfall, prophesying that Paris would be the cause. To prevent this, Priam and Hecuba attempted to kill him shortly after birth.

However, the infant was spared by Priam and left exposed on Mount Ida. Instead of perishing, Paris was suckled by a she-bear, a motif reminiscent of other mythological heroes like Oedipus. Rescued after nine days by Priam’s herdsman, Agelaus, who found him alive, Paris was brought back to Troy, signifying his survival against the prophecy’s intent.

Youth and Early Deeds

As a young prince, Paris demonstrated his fairness and capability. He earned the epithet Alexander (“protector of men”) by successfully rescuing stolen cattle, showcasing his leadership and bravery. His first love was Oenone, a nymph skilled in prophecy and medicine, who vowed to heal him if he ever needed it. This relationship sets the stage for later events, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal.

The Judgement of Paris

Paris’s most defining moment occurs during the Judgement of Paris, a pivotal event that triggers the Trojan War. The narrative begins with the wedding banquet of Peleus and Thetis, where Eris, the goddess of discord, is deliberately excluded.

In retaliation, Eris throws a golden apple inscribed “To the fairest one” among the goddesses, inciting a dispute between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Unable to resolve the conflict, Zeus delegates the judgment to Paris, chosen for his reputed fairness.

Guided by Hermes, the messenger god, Paris encounters the three goddesses at Mount Ida. Each goddess offers him a bribe:

• Hera promises dominion over Europe and Asia.
• Athena offers unparalleled wisdom and military prowess.
• Aphrodite pledges the love of Helen of Sparta, the most beautiful woman in the world, already married to King Menelaus.

Tempted by the promise of Helen’s love, Paris awards the golden apple to Aphrodite. This decision leads to Helen’s departure to Troy with Paris, whether by abduction or mutual elopement, depending on the version of the myth. Helen’s departure incites Menelaus and the unified Greek forces to launch a formidable expedition against Troy, igniting the decade-long Trojan War.

Role in the Trojan War

In Homer’s Iliad, Paris is portrayed as less valorous compared to his brother Hector. He is depicted as somewhat cowardly and unskilled in combat, preferring archery over the heroic melee typical of Greek warriors. Despite his flaws, Paris plays a crucial role in key events.

Early in the war, Paris challenges Menelaus to a duel to end the conflict. Menelaus defeats him, but Aphrodite intervenes, whisking Paris away and preventing his death.

Paris is responsible for the death of Achilles, the Greek hero, by shooting him with an arrow guided by Apollo. This act is a turning point in the war, demonstrating Paris’s impact despite his limited combat prowess.

Paris meets his end during the war, mortally wounded by Philoctetes. In some versions, Helen pleads with his first wife, Oenone, to heal him, but Oenone refuses, leading to Paris’s death and Helen’s return to Troy. In other accounts, Paris dies on the battlefield after being refused healing, prompting Oenone to commit suicide out of grief.

What sides did the Greek gods take during the Trojan War?

Portrayal in Literature and Sources

Paris is depicted variably across ancient sources, each emphasizing different aspects of his character:

• Homer’s Iliad: Presents Paris as less heroic, focusing on his role in initiating the war and his critical yet flawed actions during the conflict.
• The Cypria: Although lost, it provided a more detailed account of Paris’s actions and the events leading to the war.
• Ovid’s Works: Emphasize the emotional and personal dimensions of Paris’s relationships, particularly his connection with Helen and Oenone.
• Lucian’s Dialogues of the Gods: Infuse the myth with irony and satire, highlighting the divine manipulations and human flaws.
• Pseudo-Apollodorus’s Bibliotheca and Hyginus’s Fabulae: Offer more standardized and concise versions, focusing on the essential elements of the myth.

These diverse portrayals contribute to a multifaceted understanding of Paris, balancing his flaws with his pivotal role in mythological narratives.

Symbolism and Interpretations

Paris embodies several symbolic themes in Greek mythology:

• Beauty and Desire: As the catalyst for the Trojan War, Paris’s choice is driven by personal desire, representing how beauty and love can lead to significant consequences.
• Power and Influence: The goddesses’ bribes reflect different forms of power—political, intellectual, and sensual—and Paris’s decision underscores the allure and impact of these influences.
• Corruption and Bribery: Paris’s willingness to accept Aphrodite’s bribe highlights themes of corruption and the moral dilemmas inherent in decision-making.
• Consequences of Choices: The far-reaching effects of Paris’s decision exemplify how individual choices can shape the course of history and destiny.
• Fate and Accountability: While divine forces set the stage, Paris’s actions emphasize personal responsibility and the interplay between fate and free will.
• Gender Roles and Power Dynamics: The myth reflects patriarchal society’s dynamics, where female power is primarily exerted through beauty and influence rather than direct authority or wisdom.

Since the 5th century BC, particularly through the works of playwright Euripides, the focus has shifted towards the moral and political implications of Paris’s actions. Euripides uses the story to explore themes of justice, human vulnerability, and the ethical dimensions of leadership, offering a critical perspective on traditional myths.

Artistic Representations

The Judgement of Paris has been a favorite subject in art for centuries, serving as a rich tableau for exploring themes of beauty, choice, and divine interaction. Its visual appeal lies in the depiction of three divine figures and the moment of judgment, offering opportunities for artistic expression across various styles and periods.

Early representations appear on vases and the chest of Cypselus at Olympia, where Hermes presents the goddesses to Paris without inscriptions, relying on the viewer’s familiarity with the myth.

The revival of classical themes led artists like Lucas Cranach the Elder to create multiple versions, emphasizing the goddesses’ beauty and nudity in line with Renaissance humanism.

Artists such as Peter Paul Rubens and Antoine Watteau infused the scene with dynamic movement, sensuality, and decorative elegance, highlighting the dramatic and aesthetic aspects of the myth.

Post-Impressionists like Paul Cézanne and surrealists like Salvador Dalí reinterpreted the scene with abstract and symbolic elements, exploring psychological and dreamlike dimensions.

The myth is depicted in illuminated manuscripts, inkstands, marriage chests (cassoni), and maiolica ware, integrating narrative elements into everyday objects and enhancing their decorative appeal.

The story has been adapted into ballets and operas, where the visual grandeur complements the musical and dramatic storytelling.

Broader Cultural Impact

Inspired works like William Congreve’s libretto The Judgement of Paris and Antonio Cesti’s Il pomo d’oro, which explore themes of love, politics, and morality through musical and theatrical adaptations.

Classical philosophers and authors, including Plato and Aristotle, reference the myth to discuss ethical dilemmas, justice, and the complexities of human choice.

The phrase “the apple of discord” has entered common language to describe situations where minor issues lead to significant conflicts, reflecting the myth’s enduring relevance.

A modern parody religion, Discordianism venerates Eris and her golden apple as symbols of chaos and creativity, challenging traditional notions of order and authority. The inscription “kallisti” (“to the fairest”) embodies principles of individualism and subjectivity.

Contemporary analyses focus on the portrayal of female agency and the objectification inherent in the myth. Feminist critiques examine how the goddesses vie for male approval, using beauty as their primary means of influence, thereby reinforcing patriarchal values.

Also, the myth is analyzed through psychological lenses, with characters symbolizing internal human conflicts. Paris’s decision represents the struggle between reason, power, and desire, mirroring the complexities of human decision-making.

Conclusion

Prince Paris of Troy is a multifaceted character whose actions and decisions are central to one of Greek mythology’s most enduring narratives. From his origins and familial ties to his pivotal role in the Judgement of Paris and the ensuing Trojan War, Paris embodies the complexities of beauty, desire, power, and the profound consequences of individual choices. His portrayal varies across sources, reflecting different cultural, literary, and philosophical perspectives, which enriches his character and underscores his significance in mythological studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What event initiates the Judgement of Paris in Greek mythology?

The Judgement of Paris begins at the wedding banquet of Peleus, a mortal king, and Thetis, a sea nymph. Eris, the goddess of discord, is deliberately excluded from the celebration. Offended by her exclusion, Eris throws a golden apple inscribed “To the fairest one,” sparking a rivalry among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.

Why was Eris excluded from the wedding banquet of Peleus and Thetis?

Eris was deliberately excluded from the wedding banquet to prevent potential strife and chaos, as her presence was known to incite conflict. The organizers wanted to ensure a harmonious celebration by omitting the goddess of discord.

What was inscribed on the golden apple thrown by Eris, and what did it symbolize?

The golden apple was inscribed with the phrase “To the fairest one” (τῇ καλλίστῃ, tēi kallistēi). It symbolized beauty, desire, and temptation, serving as the catalyst for the divine contest among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.

Who was chosen to judge the beauty contest among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, and why?

Paris, a prince of Troy known for his fairness and impartiality, was chosen to judge the beauty contest. Zeus delegated the decision to Paris because of his demonstrated equanimity and fairness, notably when he had previously awarded victory to Ares disguised as a bull over his own prized animal.

The Role of Ares in the Trojan War

What were the bribes offered by Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite to Paris?

• Hera offered Paris dominion over Europe and Asia.
• Athena promised him unparalleled wisdom and prowess in warfare.
• Aphrodite pledged the love of the most beautiful mortal woman, Helen of Sparta, who was married to King Menelaus.

What was the consequence of Paris awarding the golden apple to Aphrodite?

By awarding the golden apple to Aphrodite, Paris secured Helen of Sparta’s love, leading to her departure to Troy with him. This act incited the wrath of Menelaus and the united Greek forces, ultimately triggering the decade-long Trojan War.

How has the Judgement of Paris been represented in art throughout history?