The battle of Troy started specifically because of the abduction of Helen. The fact that there was a battle over a woman shows how important it was for Menelaus to have Helen with him. Paris Taking Helen was a huge problem for Menelaus because Paris taking her meant he was taking Menelaus’s honor as well. We also see in the Iliad to what extent Menelaus and Paris will go to for the possession of Helen when Paris challenges Menelaus to a duel, “we’ll fight it out for Helen and all her wealth. And the one who proves a better man and wins, he’ll take the treasures fairly, lead the woman home” (III. 86-88). Helen is such a valuable possession and these men were willing to battle for her. Helen was the most beautiful woman in the Iliad and her beauty was one reason why it was so important for Menelaus and Paris to have her. Her possession gave them honor and gave them something to be proud of owning which is where arete is
The battle of Troy started specifically because of the abduction of Helen. The fact that there was a battle over a woman shows how important it was for Menelaus to have Helen with him. Paris Taking Helen was a huge problem for Menelaus because Paris taking her meant he was taking Menelaus’s honor as well. We also see in the Iliad to what extent Menelaus and Paris will go to for the possession of Helen when Paris challenges Menelaus to a duel, “we’ll fight it out for Helen and all her wealth. And the one who proves a better man and wins, he’ll take the treasures fairly, lead the woman home” (III. 86-88). Helen is such a valuable possession and these men were willing to battle for her. Helen was the most beautiful woman in the Iliad and her beauty was one reason why it was so important for Menelaus and Paris to have her. Her possession gave them honor and gave them something to be proud of owning which is where arete is