The Story of Paris
Paris was a son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. Before he was born, Hecuba dreamed that she gave birth to a flaming torch, and the seers said the child would bring ruin to the city. The baby was left on Mount Ida to die, but he survived and was raised by shepherds.
Growing up on the mountain, Paris became a skilled herdsman and earned the name Alexander, defender of men, for protecting the flocks from thieves. He married the mountain nymph Oenone, who had the gift of healing. Later he came to Troy to compete in games, beat his own brothers, and was recognized as Priam's lost son.
At the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, Eris, the goddess of strife, threw a golden apple among the guests marked for the fairest. Hera, Athena and Aphrodite all claimed it, and Zeus sent them to Paris to decide. Hera offered him power, Athena offered victory and wisdom, and Aphrodite offered him the most beautiful woman in the world, so Paris gave the apple to Aphrodite.
Aphrodite's prize was Helen, the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. Paris sailed to Sparta and was welcomed as a guest, and when Menelaus left on a journey, he carried Helen and a great treasure back to Troy. In some tellings, the Helen who went to Troy was only a phantom, while the real Helen waited out the war in Egypt.
During the war, Paris fought mainly as an archer, and his brother Hector often scolded him for avoiding the front lines. When he faced Menelaus in a duel to settle the war, he was losing badly until Aphrodite snatched him away. Even Helen came to scorn him for his weakness.
Paris did win lasting fame for one deed. With Apollo guiding his arrow, he shot and killed Achilles, the greatest of the Greek warriors. In the later and best known tradition, the arrow struck Achilles in his heel, his one weak spot.
Paris was later wounded by Philoctetes, who used the bow and arrows of Heracles. He went to Oenone, the wife he had abandoned, and begged her to heal him, but she refused, and he died of his wound. Overcome with grief, Oenone took her own life, and the Judgment of Paris went on to become one of the most painted scenes in Western art.
Famous Myths About Paris
Abandoned on Mount Ida
Before Paris was born, his mother Hecuba dreamed she gave birth to a flaming torch, a sign that the child would destroy Troy. The baby was left on Mount Ida to die, but he survived and was raised by shepherds.
The Judgment of Paris
Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite each claimed a golden apple meant for the fairest, and Zeus sent them to Paris to decide. Each offered a bribe, and Paris chose Aphrodite, who promised him the most beautiful woman in the world.
The Abduction of Helen
Aphrodite's prize was Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. While a guest at Menelaus's palace, Paris carried Helen off to Troy, launching the thousand ships of the Trojan War.
Saved by Aphrodite
Paris agreed to fight Menelaus in single combat to end the war but was quickly overpowered. Aphrodite wrapped him in a mist and carried him back to his room in Troy, to the disgust of his brother Hector.
The Death of Achilles
Though often mocked as more lover than warrior, Paris brought down the greatest Greek hero. With Apollo guiding his aim, he shot Achilles in the heel, and he was later killed himself by an arrow from Philoctetes.
Paris's Family Tree
Parents of Paris
Partners of Paris
Children of Paris
Frequently Asked Questions About Paris
Who was Paris in Greek mythology?
Paris was a prince of Troy whose abduction of Helen, wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, started the Trojan War.
Who were Paris's parents?
Paris was the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. Before his birth, Hecuba dreamed she gave birth to a burning torch, so the baby was left on Mount Ida, where a shepherd raised him.
What was the Judgment of Paris?
Zeus chose Paris to decide which of the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite deserved a golden apple marked 'for the fairest.' Paris chose Aphrodite, who promised him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen.
Did Paris kill Achilles?
Yes. Paris shot Achilles with an arrow that the god Apollo guided to its mark, and in the best known version it struck his heel.
How did Paris die?
Paris was shot by the archer Philoctetes with the poisoned arrows of Heracles and died of the wound before Troy fell.
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