Paris
Paris is the Trojan prince who chooses Aphrodite's offer and leaves Sparta with Helen at the start of the Trojan War story.
Overview
Paris, also called Alexander, is a son of Priam and Hecuba. Pseudo-Apollodorus places him near the start of the Trojan War story: Hera, Athena and Aphrodite offer rule, victory and marriage with Helen, and he chooses Aphrodite. After Menelaus receives him as a guest in Sparta, he leaves with Helen. In Iliad Book 3 he accepts a duel that might end the war, but Aphrodite removes him when Menelaus gains the advantage. His story involves desire, guest-friendship, royal responsibility and divine intervention.
Key facts
Choice and promises
Paris chooses Aphrodite’s promise of Helen over Hera’s kingship and Athena’s victory.
The duel that fails to end the war
Menelaus gains the advantage in single combat, but Aphrodite removes Paris and the truce later collapses.
Relationships
- Paris Chooses Aphroditechooses Aphrodite
Paris chooses Aphrodite.
- Aphroditepromises Helen
Aphrodite promises Paris the hand of Helen.
- Helenleaves Sparta with
After receiving Menelaus’ hospitality, Paris departs by ship with Helen.
- Troybrings Helen to
After storm and eastern Mediterranean travel, Paris reaches Troy.
- Aphroditeprotects
Aphrodite supports her promise and removes Paris from danger in the duel.
- Trojan Warhelps cause
After Paris leaves Sparta with Helen, Menelaus seeks a coalition.
- Menelausduels
Paris and Menelaus fight a single combat intended to settle the war.
- Priamfather of
Paris is a son of Priam.
- Hectorbrothers
Hector and Paris are brothers of Troy’s royal house.
- Achilleskills with Apollo
Pseudo-Apollodorus says Paris and Apollo shoot Achilles in the ankle at the Scaean gate.
- Apollohelps kill Achilles
Pseudo-Apollodorus names Apollo with Paris as an agent of Achilles’ death.
Story appearances
- The Trojan WarPrince who turns divine promises into mortal war
Chooses Aphrodite and leaves Sparta with Helen; the duel fails to end the war, and Pseudo-Apollodorus names him with Apollo in Achilles’ death.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.
- Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca, Epitome, E.3.1–2: causes of the war, Paris' choice among the goddesses and their three offers
- Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca, Epitome, E.3.3–5: Paris’ hospitality, Helen’s departure and the Egyptian phantom variant
- Homer, Iliad, Book 3: Helen at the wall, Menelaus' duel and Aphrodite's intervention