by Bonnie Moss

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2012

The mighty Troy fell because of the tragic love of Paris for Helen, the face that launched a thousand ships. What possessed Paris to pursue a woman who belonged to Menelaus, King of Sparta, a friend to his father Priam, King of Troy.

In those times, gods and goddesses played with the emotions and weaknesses of human beings. Paris was smitten by Helen, thanks to influence of the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Helen's father, King Tyndareus of Argos, failed to honor the goddess satisfactorily. Eros shot an arrow of potion to the lovers under the direction of Aphrodite.

Paris brought Helen home to Troy. This day marked the end of Troy. Menelaus asked Agamemnon to help him take back his wife . Agamemnon had other plans. This is the chance of a lifetime to invade the invincible Troy. The war lasted ten years .

The Trojans proved their might at first, under the leadership of Hector. But as the war went on, there were thousands of casualties on both sides. Patroclus was a warrior very dear to Achilles. He was killed by Hector in battle. Achilles was enraged and swore to kill Hector.

Achilles rode his chariot to the walls of Troy and challenged Hector to a fight. He was certain Hector would pay for slaying Patroclus. Hector was one of the finest warriors not only of Troy. He lost his life under Achilles sword. Hector was the prince of Troy, commander of Troy's army.

Achilles showed no respect to the body of the slain Hector. He dragged it around, all the way to his camp where he left the body outside his camp. Hector's body was kept safe from predators, thanks to the intervention of Venus who kept him safe, day and night. She anointed the body with ambrosial oil of roses so that his flesh will not be torn as Achilles dragged him about. Another god sent a dark cloud from heaven to provide shade where Hector lay safe from the heat of the sun.

This brought such pain to Priam. A messenger from the god of Olympus came to Priam to bid him go to Achilles to claim his son's body. He has to go alone. Priam was not to go with fear in his heart, nor think of getting killed. The slayer Argus will be sent by the gods to protect him. He was assured that once he enters the camp, Achilles will not slay him, nor will anyone else. Achilles willl give him the honor and courtesy a king deserves. So Priam went to face Achilles.

Indeed, Achilles held Priam with deep respect as a good ruler, and for his courage to come and fetch the body of his son deep in the enemy's territory. Priam asked

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