Events leading to The Trojan War

Apple of DiscordThe marriage between Peleus and Thetis, a sea-

goddess. Peleus and Thetis had not invited Eris, the

goddess of discord.Apple of Discord The apple belonged to, Eris said, whomever was

the fairest.

Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite each reached for the apple.

Zeus proclaimed that Paris, prince of Troy and thought to be the most beautiful man alive, would act as the judge.

Hera promised him power, Athena promised him wealth, and Aphrodite promised the most beautiful woman in the world.

Paris chose Aphrodite, and she promised him that Helen, wife of Menelaus, would be his wife.

Menelaus then called upon all of Helen's old suitors, as all of the suitors had made an oath long ago that they would all back Helen's husband to defend her honor.

Achilles, though not one of the previous suitors, was sought after because the seer Calchas had stated that Troy would not be taken unless Achilles would fight.

Trojan WarThe first nine years of the war consisted of both

war in Troy and war against the neighboring regions.

The Greeks are winning most of the war until Achilles is insulted.

After being insulted, Achilles withdraws from battle.

With the Greek forces on the verge of absolute destruction, Patroclus leads the Myrmidons into battle wearing Achilles' armor, though Achilles remains at his camp. Patroclus succeeds in pushing the Trojans back from the beaches, but is killed by Hector before he can lead a proper assault on the city of Troy.

Enraged over the death of Patroclus, Achilles ends his refusal to fight and takes the field killing many men in his rage but always seeking out Hector. Achilles even engages in battle with the river god Scamander

Zeus even intervenes and has many gods hold him back.

Finally Athena goes to Hector in the form of his favorite brother, Deiphobus, and convinces him to meet Achilles for battle.

Achilles kills him and drags his body with his chariot around the city of Troy for everyone to see.

Eventually Paris kills Achilles by shooting him through the heel with an arrow.

Still seeking to gain entrance into Troy, clever Odysseus (some say with the aid of Athena) ordered a large wooden horse to be built. Its insides were to be hollow so that soldiers could hide within it.

After exiting the Trojan Horse, the Greeks sack Troy.

The war is over after ten years.The Odyssey details the return home for one of

the Greek leaders, Odysseus.