What Happened After the Trojan War?
The Trojan War, a legendary conflict in ancient Greek mythology, may have taken place around the late Bronze Age, although its historical accuracy is debatable. Regardless, its impact on Western literature, art, and culture remains unparalleled. As the curtains close on the epic showdown between Greeks and Trojans, a question echoing through the ages: What happened after the Trojan War?
The Fall of Troy
Immediately after the city walls of Troy crumbled to the ground, chaos enveloped the city. Panicked and fleeing citizens succumbed to the victorious armies, seeking refuge from the wrath of Achilles’ sling and Hector’s shield wall. As the city smoldered, King Priam’s son, Helenus, foresaw doom and vanished into the temple of Zeus. Meanwhile, Paris, the archenemy, and his wife, Oenone, fell headfirst off the citadel’s precipice.
The Mysterious Fate of Odysseus’
Odyssey
Before setting sail from Troy, Odysseus, King of Ithaca, predicted a lengthy and perilous journey to reclaim his royal throne, Iliad Book 11. Thus, "The Odyssey" picks up, as Odysseus, Homer‘s Iliad mastermind, embarks upon an extraordinary 10-year-long voyage home, confronting incredible trials and testing his cleverness and resilience. Only upon return to his loved ones will he restore unity and calm to Ithaca, finally avowing the fates that guide the Odyssey.
Greco-Trojan Post-War Developments
The victory, won at the end of **”The Iliad”**, seems fleeting when viewed from today’s lens. Many unanswered questions regarding the post-Trojan War scenario:
- The destruction: Was the downfall of Troy solely attributed to the collective might of Agamemnon’s heroes or influenced by internal machinations and the city’s **Divine Rightfulness**?
- Victim’s consequences: Did Agamemnon and **Achilles** ensure justice and restore honor among the war casualties or would **Atrocities**, such as Patroclus’ burial practices, and the death, become defining characteristics of Post-War Iliadic era?
**Rift Among Heroes and Kings**
Gaps formed among the ranks of Greeks, widening once **”The Iliad”** concludes: Achilles** still nursing grudge towards Agamemnon for Hector’s killing.
Courtesy call by Athena** and swift judgment**
Agamemnon** then seeks refuge upon returning from the War but** Menelaus’s wife Helen**, an icon of strife, trouble ensue.
The struggle of Achilles, whose armor once radiated honor like **Eros** or** Hymen**: As time elapsed, would it gradually dissipate (?)? Was **Menelaus’s wife**,(?), forever scarred (sickening fate** of both Trojans and Achaeans
• _`Trojans, no peace until we lay aside all rancor Rome’s mighty son Athena._”
“Then all will lay hold of her **Majestic Zeus**, all their thoughts bound in unity!”
Trojan-
