Our insight into the legendary Trojan War, a saga of Greek forces besieging the ancient city of Troy in what is now modern-day Turkey, is primarily derived from various historical accounts, with Homer's Iliad, penned in the 8th century BC, standing as the quintessential source.
The Trojan War Summary
The tale commences with Paris, the youngest scion of Priam, the monarch of Troy. Enamored by the unparalleled beauty of Helen, who is already wedded to Menelaus, the king of Sparta, Paris elopes with her to Troy, sparking the conflict.
Upon learning of Helen's abduction, Menelaus mobilizes the coalition of Greek kings, including the cunning Odysseus, bound by their oath to assist one another. They enlist the indomitable and formidable Achilles, initiating a relentless ten-year siege against Troy, establishing their camp near its shores.
Internal strife surfaces within the Greek ranks, prompting Achilles to contemplate departure. However, spurred by the demise of his comrade Patroclus at the hands of Hector, the Trojan prince, Achilles resolves to prolong his stay to avenge the fallen.
Subsequently, the Trojans awaken to find the Greek fleet vanished, with an imposing wooden horse left at their gates. Deeming it a peace offering, they haul the colossal equine artifact into Troy, oblivious to the concealed Greek warriors within. Under the cover of night, the soldiers emerge, breaching the city's defenses, leading to its downfall.
Amidst the ensuing chaos, Achilles succumbs to a fatal blow to his heel, his sole vulnerability, sealing his fate. Helen reconciles with Menelaus and earns forgiveness. Gradually, the surviving warriors embark on their journeys homeward, with Odysseus enduring another decade-long odyssey.