Helen

Also known as: Tyndarid darling · Family: The Trojans · Role: queen · First appears: Book II · Part 1

At Troy, Helen was described as the child of Zeus and the wife of Menelaus. Paris courted and took her from Menelaus’s home; in Menelaus’s account, she was carried off while he was away. Polydamas urged the Trojans to return Helen and her wealth and offer further treasure to save Troy, while Paris remained her husband. After Paris died, Helen lamented the loss and feared rejection by Trojans and Danaans.

When the Argives sacked Troy, Menelaus was checked by Aphrodite from killing Helen and, heeding his brother’s counsel, spared her. He led her out of the burning city and back to his side. Helen pleaded with him to forgive her; Menelaus agreed to put past grievances aside, and they renewed their loving union.