Examples Of Paris In The Iliad

A myth is a story that was told in an ancient culture to explain a practice, belief, or natural occurrence. There are hundreds of myth but the one that is going to be focused on is the myth of the Judgement of Paris or The Golden Apple of Discord. This myth is essentially said to be the start of the Trojan war. One man’s greed and selfishness was the initial cause of a nine to ten year war.
A wedding for Thetis and her husband, Peleus was going on in Olympus. Every god was invited but Eris. She was the god of discord but in Hesiod’s Theogony she is referred to as the daughter of Nyx (Night). In other words, she didn’t bring good feelings to a crowd. She found out about the wedding and became furious and as a result created a golden apple. On the apple stated the word “Kallisti meaning “for the fairest”. (Friedman and Johnson) Every goddess rushed towards it but the three goddess who got it
Although in Homer’s Iliad, it was said that Paris was the one to start it. “Evil Paris, beautiful, woman–crazy, cajoling, better have you never been born, or killed on unwedded. Truly I could have wished so; it would be far better than to have you with us to our shame…there is no strength in your heart, no courage… carried away a fair woman from remote land…to your father a big sorrow, and your city, and all your people, to yourself with think shameful by bringing joy to the enemy? And now you would not stand up against warlike Menelaus? … nor the favors of Aphrodite, … nor all your beauty….for the wrong you did us.” (Homer 118) This shows how Hector thought his brother was a disgrace to the city. Paris in fear shrunk back away from Menelaus not going to defend himself. He brought war unto the Trojans and did nothing. Paris also known as Alexandros stated at the end of book nine in Homer’s Iliad that,” …clearly the victory is with warlike Menelaus.” (Homer 129) Homer depicts him as a coward, conceited, and