The Fall of Troy

The story of the Trojan war. Rl.1. Homer sings to the Greeks of the exploits of the heroes of the Trojan war. Menelaus, King of Sparta, takes leave of his wife Helen, departing by chariot. Paris, son of Priamus, King of Troy, arrives as Ambassador and is received by Helen. Paris is greatly struck by her beauty. His advances are repelled by Helen, but the goddess Venus comes to his aid and they are wafted in a gigantic seashell to Troy. The news is carried to Menelaus by a servant, and to avenge the insult, the Greeks declare war on Troy. They lay seige to the city but are repulsed. Priamus and the populace rejoice (812). Rl.2. The Greeks feign return, leaving behind a wooden horse which is supposed to be dedicated to protect them on their return voyage. The Trojans decide to remove it into the city and demolish part of their defences to draw the sacred effigy into the city. A spy carries the news to the Greeks whose fleet is anchored at the mouth of the River Xantus. They quickly embark and make for Troy. That night, the Greek warriors hidden in the horse emerge and fire the city. The Greeks enter by the dismantled gate and fierce fighting ensues amidst the falling buildings. Paris and Helen seek to escape but are discovered by Menelaus and his men. Paris is killed by Menelaus in single combat and Helen is captured, to be removed in bonds to Sparta (935). —BFI