Helen of Troy is probably the most famous female of Greek mythology, even more famous than some of the goddesses of Mount Olympus. Central to the events of the Trojan War, Helen is often portrayed as a heroine, a demi-god, a loyal wife, or a conniving woman; a portrayal often dependent upon the source being read.

In most sources Helen is named as the daughter of Leda and Zeus. Zeus having laid with the wife of King Tyndareus when in the form of a swan. Helen is often said to have been born from an egg as a result. From the coupling, and Leda’s coupling with her husband on the same night, were produced four children. Helen and Pollux were named as children of Zeus, whilst Pollux’s twin, Castor and Clytemnestra were named as children of Tyndareus.

Helen’s life was far from easy despite being the daughter of Zeus, and early on in her life Theseus, the King of Athens, abducted her. Theseus and Pirithous had decided that they were deserving of female children of Zeus. Theseus left Helen with his mother Aethra whilst he and Pirithous travelled to the underworld in search of Persephone. Pollux and Castor at the same time led an army to rescue their sister, an easy accomplishment with the King of Athens absent.

Some sources claim that Iphigenia (normally the daughter of Agamemnon and Cytemnestra) was born to Helen and Theseus, although most sources claim that at the time Helen was between seven and ten years of age.

Years later though Helen came of age, and Tyndareus announced her availability for marriage. By then her beauty was known across ancient Greece and from all kingdoms eligible heroes and noblemen came. As many as forty- five eligible suitors came forth; these men became known as the Suitors of Helen, and included the likes of Odysseus, Menelaus and Ajax.

Eventually Menelaus, a Spartan king was chosen to be the husband of Helen, Helen herself choosing. To stop infighting though, each suitor took the Oath of Tyndareus; an oath to protect the husband from aggression. Subsequently Helen and Menelaus spent several years as a relatively happily married couple, and had children together, including a daughter, Hermione.

Eventually though a Spartan prince, Paris son of King Priam, came to Sparta in search of Helen. Paris had been promised the most beautiful of women by the goddess Aphrodite, when the Prince had named her as the most beautiful of goddesses. Traditionally it is said that Paris abducted Helen, although some sources do claim that Helen willingly left Sparta for Troy.

Menelaus sought to recover his wife though, and so called forth all of the Suitors of Helen to aide him in his quest. A Greek fleet was assembled by the most famous of Greek heroes, and eventually the ships arrived at Troy. Helen indeed had the face that launched a thousand ships.

Firstly King Priam was asked to give up Helen, but upon his refusal a ten year war commenced.

The depiction of Helen during the Trojan War is not always the most flattering. Some sources tell of her marriage to Paris and subsequent children, whilst also telling of how she was in love with the Trojan champion, Hector, mourning his death. During the fighting Helen is also said to have pointed out to the Trojans individual Greek heroes. When the Wooden Horse was inside the walls of Troy though, Helen did not give up the occupants to the Trojans, despite trying to trick the Greeks into acknowledging their presence.

Helen is also said to have hidden the sword of Depihobus during the sacking of Troy; Deiphobus, brother to Paris, and Helen having been married after the death of Paris. With the victory of the Achaean forces it is not entirely clear whether Menelaus meant to rescue Helen or kill her for being unfaithful to him, although in the end Menelaus did not kill her, and the couple are said to have returned to Sparta together.

Stories about Helen start to diverge at this point. Helen may have spent happy years in Sparta with Menelaus, or she might have died shortly after her return.

Some sources also claim that after Menelaus’ death Helen was forced out of Sparta by her own son, Nicostratus, and took refuge on Rhodes. On Rhodes was her friend Polyxo. Polyxo though was the widow of Tlepolemus, and blaming Helen for the death of her husband at Troy, forced Helen to hang herself.

The various stories told about Helen also question where she went upon her death; some claiming an ascent to Mount Olympus to be with her father, others suggesting eternity spent in the Elysian Fields with Menelaus.

The character of Helen is questionable, and is dependent upon the view of each sources’ author. Helen though was the most famous of women of ancient Greece, and it is a fame that lives on into the modern day.