Who Wins the Trojan War?
The Trojan War, as depicted in Homer’s epic poem the Iliad, was a legendary conflict between the city-states of Troy and Greece. The war, which lasted for 10 years, was sparked by the abduction of Helen, the queen of Sparta, by Paris, a prince of Troy. But who ultimately emerges victorious? Let’s delve into the story and find out.
The Beginning of the War
The Trojan War begins with the arrival of Menelaus, King of Sparta, to Troy, seeking the return of his wife Helen, who has been taken by Paris. Menelaus is accompanied by a league of Greek city-states, including Athens, Argos, and Mycenae, led by King Agamemnon, the brother of Menelaus. The Trojans, led by King Priam and his sons Hector, Paris, and Deiphobus, refuse to return Helen and prepare for battle.
The Course of the War
The war rages for 10 years, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Greeks, who are led by Achilles, the greatest warrior of all time, and Odysseus, the master strategist, launch several invasions of Troy but fail to breach the city walls. The Trojans, on the other hand, are led by the brave Hector, who multiple times repels the Greek attacks.
The Critical Moments
The war becomes increasingly brutal and devastating for both sides. Here are a few critical moments that swing the tide of the conflict:
• The Tragic Death of Patroclus: Achilles’ loyal companion, Patroclus, is killed by Hector, leading to Achilles’ rage and a renewed campaign against Troy.
• The Ruse of Odysseus: Odysseus devises the plan to infiltrate the city by disguising his men as Trojan warriors inside a giant wooden horse, known as the Trojan Horse.
• The Final Battle: The Greeks pretend to retreat, leaving the Trojans to gloat over their victory, only to return with a massive army and attack at dawn, led by Achilles, the greatest warrior of all time.
The Endgame
The Trojans, realizing too late their mistake, are unable to resist the combined might of the Greeks. The city walls are breached, and the warriors of Troy are slaughtered by the Greeks. King Priam is killed by Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. Hector, the greatest warrior of Troy, is killed by Achilles.
The Aftermath**
After the fall of Troy, the Greeks begin to butcher the survivors, with a few exceptions. **Priam’s sons, Deiphobus and Aeneas**, are ransomed and escape capture. **Andromache**, Hector’s wife, is taken captive by Odysseus.
• **The Plunder and Destruction**: The Greeks destroy the city of Troy, pillaging its treasures and committing atrocities against the Trojan prisoners.
• **The Fall of the Heroes**: Several of the greatest heroes of the war, including Hector, Achilles, and Troy’s King Priam, are killed.
The Legacy of the War**
The Trojan War marks the end of an era in Greek mythology. **The Iliad and The Odyssey**, written by Homer, become the dominant literary works of the time.
• **The Influence of the War**: The Troy legend inspires numerous artistic expressions, including plays, songs, and literature, including Shakespeare’s **Troilus and Cressida**.
• **Cultural Significance**: The Trojan War symbolizes humanity’s capacity for violence and destruction, while also revealing the complexities of human psychology.
**Who Wins the Trojan War?**
To answer the question directly:
**The Greeks Win the Trojan War**
With **Achilles**, Odysseus, Menelaus**, and others leading the charge, the Greeks ultimately emerge victorious from the 10-year battle. The city of Troy is destroyed, and King Priam’s family falls. The war serves as a testament to human greatness, but also as a reminder of the devastating costs of conflict.
Here’s a summary table to put the war into perspective:
| **War Party** | **War Efforts** | **Notable Leaders** | **Aftermath** |
| — | — | — | — |
| **Troy** | Defensive walls, bravery, sacrifice | **King Priam**, **Hector**, **Paris** | Destruction, death, despair |
| **Greece** | Strategic planning, heroism, ruses | **King Agamemnon**, **Achilles**, **Odysseus** | Victory, devastation, plunder |
The legacy of the Trojan War transcends time, offering an eternal reminder of humanity’s capacity for greatness, strength, and resilience. While the war may have claimed countless lives, it stands as a testament to our unwavering pursuit of glory and the indelible mark we leave upon the world.
