The Enigma of Paris Post-Trojan War: Returning or Exiled?

One of the intriguing questions regarding the Trojan War is the fate of Paris. Would he have returned to Troy, or perhaps been exiled from it? This article delves into the possibilities and sets the record straight on what actually occurred.

A Summary of the Myth

Paris, a Trojan prince, took Helen, the wife of Menelaus, the king of Sparta, causing a eventIduated Greek coalition to launch a ten-year-long war against Troy. According to Homer’s Iliad, Menelaus sought personal revenge and was the primary antagonist. This article examines key events and fates post-war.

Paris's Death During the Sack of Troy

Given the outcome of the war, where Troy was sacked, Paris had nowhere to return or be exiled from, making the prospect of either scenario moot. Historical accounts vary on how he died, but both narratives indicate his mortality. The first account posits that Paris, who had previously killed the legendary Greek warrior Achilles, was mortally wounded by an arrow from Hercules. The second account, according to Ptolemy Hephaestion, suggests that Paris was killed by Menelaus himself, spurred by the theft of Helen.

The Legacy of Paris: A Monumental Love and Betrayal

Paris's story is one of profound love and betrayal. He was a key figure in the Trojan War, avenging his brother Hector but ultimately reaping his own demise. This article explores how his actions, driven by love for a beautiful woman and the betrayal of virtue, led to his downfall.

An Inert Story: What If Paris Survived?

However, let's ponder the hypothetical scenario. If Paris had somehow survived the fall of Troy, where might he have gone? Many scholars suggest he would have sought refuge with his second cousin Aeneas, who famously escaped the destruction of Troy. This could have been a new chapter in Paris's life, with a chance to start over in a new land.

Philoctetes and the Fall of Troy

The story of Philoctetes, who possessed Heracles's bow and poisoned arrows, adds another layer to the narrative. He was abandoned on the island of Lemnos due to an injury. When the Achaeans realized the significance of Heracles's weapons, they retrieved him. With his help, Paris was shot and killed. This marks the end of Paris's involvement in the war, highlighting the dramatic and tragic turns events took.

The Final Hours and Damnation

According to tradition, Paris's final moments were tumultuous. Oenone, a nymph and his former wife, was angry at him for abandoning her or accidentally killing their son. Despite her ability to heal, she refused to help him, leading to his death. This adds a tragic and personal dimension to Paris's story, ending his tragic journey in a heartbreaking manner.

AFTER: The Post-War Impact

After Paris's death, Helen was married to his brother Deiphobus, a senior Trojan commander. However, due to the fall of Troy, Helen returned to Menelaus, completing a full circle of her involvement in the war.

The story of Paris is a tale of love, betrayal, and the consequences of such actions. His fate may have been disputed, but his presence and impact on the Trojan War were undeniable. Understanding the myths and legends around his life provides a deeper insight into the complexity of ancient storytelling.