The Greatest Love stories Of All-Time 2 Of 4

Do you remember reading Homer’s classic tale The Iliad in Lit class? There was a tragic and gripping love story in the tale centered around Paris and Helen. I know it is just a tale, but since we are exploring the greatest love stories of all time in this blog series, I thought it would be insightful to unpack the life lessons in the story. You may want to check out this podcast for some insights on how anger is unpacked in The Iliad.

First the back story. Paris is the epitome of the dashing prince and hero, full of bravery and passion. While Helen is the Queen Of Sparta by way of marriage to Menelaus. She is half human and half goddess as her father is Zeuss and her mother is Queen Leeda.

Helen is celebrated as the most beautiful woman in the world and has admirers near and far. Her suitors travel from great distances to win her love and ask for her hand in marriage. Before selecting  Menelaus as her husband, her suitors are bound to an oath. They are sworn to protect whoever Helen chooses as her husband as she was afraid that there would be bloodshed once she made her decision. Little did they know how deadly that promise would be in the long run.

Meanwhile Aphrodite promises Paris the most beautiful mortal women in the world, if he’ll choose her as the winner of a beauty contest. They travel to Troy and quickly Paris and Heen fall in love. Paris and his men fight their way through Spartan soldiers to abduct Helen.

Paris brings Helen to his home in Troy where his father is dazzled by Helen’s beauty, and recognizes Paris. However, Paris’  brother Hector immediately realizes the potentially catastrophic implications for Troy.  Paris’ decision to abduct Helen is the catalyst for the infamous Trojan Wars.

 The dashing Prince was consumed by his passion and desire to the extent of not considering the unintended consequences that might follow. At the very least, we can see through Paris’ actions how important it is to weigh our decisions thoughtfully. In Paris’ case prioritizing personal gratification over social obligations led to tragedy.

The Trojan Wars were set off by Melaneus' attempts to bring Helen back. Remember the oath Helen’s unsuccessful suitors took before she selected Menelaus? The Trojan War is where they would honor their promise to the death. The war lasted nine years.

The devastating Trojan War—illustrates a critical lesson on individual actions. Paris’s and Helen’s love ignites a conflict that leads to the loss of countless lives, both Trojan and Greek. The story shows how love can be a double edged sword. On one hand, Paris is energized and emboldened by his love for Helen. He shows incredible strength, fortitude and a single minded focus ultimately accomplishing his goal to bring Helen to his family and home.

Yet, it’s hard not to consider the fact that Helen was already married to Menelaus. The aforementioned was betrayed and humiliated by the lovers actions and sought to make things right. In the end, Paris was fatally wounded and Helen returned back to Sparta w/ her husband. 

Again, this is Greek mythology, but the story itself is seen as one of the greatest love stories of all time. I think mostly due to the lengths that both were willing to go in order to be together. Helen leaves her kingdom and societal standing as Queen Of Sparta. Paris fights through Spartan soldiers and sets off a series of events that would bring the demise of his beloved city.

What sacrifices have you made for love? Do you think it was worth it?

More ways to connect:

Get VIP Access Here

Check Out My Music

Check Out My Videos

Follow Me On Spotify

Check Out My Summer Bundle

Where Am I Playing?

More Thoughts..