Paris (mythology)

• 1. Etymology And Name Origins

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  The name Paris appears in ancient texts as a figure of Luwian origin. A Hittite scribe recorded the name Parizitis, which scholars link to the Trojan prince. The word breaks into two parts: pari meaning foremost and zitis meaning man. This combination translates to "foremost, primary man". Herodotus later referred to this same figure as Alexander, which means defender of men. He offered no explanation for why the names differed. Modern linguists believe the Greek version is an approximate translation of the original Luwian meaning. The city of Paris in France derives its name from the Gallic tribe known as the Parisii. That connection has no relation to the mythological prince.

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• 2. Childhood And Divine Prophecy

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  Queen Hecuba dreamed she gave birth to a flaming torch just before her son was born. Seer Aesacus interpreted this vision as a sign that Troy would fall because of this child. He declared the newborn must die to save his homeland. King Priam refused to kill his own son despite the warning. Instead he ordered chief herdsman Agelaus to take the infant to Mount Ida and leave him there to perish. Agelaus could not bring himself to use a weapon on the baby. He placed the child on the mountain hoping nature would claim him. Nine days passed before Agelaus returned to check on the boy. He found the child alive and suckled by a she-bear. The herdsman carried the boy home in a backpack called a pēra. He told Priam the deed was done by showing him a dog's tongue. Years later young Paris proved his worth by routing cattle thieves who had stolen livestock. He restored the animals to their owner and earned the surname Alexander. At that time Oenone became his first lover. She was a nymph from Mount Ida skilled in prophecy and medicine.

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• 3. The Judgement Of The Goddesses

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  Zeus hosted a banquet on Mount Olympus for the marriage of Peleus and Thetis. Every deity attended except Eris, goddess of strife. She threw a golden apple inscribed with "For the most beautiful" into the party. Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite all claimed the prize. They asked Zeus to choose one but he refused to decide. Hermes escorted three goddesses to Mount Ida where they approached Paris as he herded cattle. Hera offered ownership of all Europe and Asia. Athena promised skill in battle and wisdom of greatest warriors. Aphrodite pledged love of Helen of Sparta. Paris chose Helen and thereby awarded the apple to Aphrodite. Some artistic depictions show the goddesses appearing unclad before the mortal. Paris felt frightened at their appearance until Hermes assured him it was Zeus will. His choice set events in motion that would destroy Troy.

• 4. Abduction And Trojan War

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  Helen was already married to King Menelaus when Paris seduced her into running away. In the Iliad Helen notes how she followed Paris to Troy. Apollodorus describes the pair taking valuables together. Some sources claim Paris raided Menelaus's house to steal Helen while others say he was first welcomed in. The Spartans expedition to retrieve Helen from Troy became the mythological basis for war. Helen was famous throughout Achaea and had many suitors of extraordinary ability. Her father Tyndareus made all suitors promise to defend her marriage to the man he chose. When Paris took her to Troy, Menelaus invoked this oath. Helen's other suitors represented most of Achaea strength wealth and military prowess. They were obliged to help bring her back. Thus whole Greece moved against Troy in force. The Trojan War began because of these oaths and the abduction.

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• 5. Combat And Fatal Wounding

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  Homer's Iliad casts Paris as unskilled and cowardly in battle. He readily admits his shortcomings while brother Hector scolds him after fleeing a duel with Menelaus. His preference for bow and arrow emphasizes this since it breaks code of honor shared by heroes. Early in epic Paris and Menelaus duel to end war without bloodshed. Menelaus easily defeats Paris though Aphrodite spirits him away before duel ends. Later Paris wounds Diomedes with an arrow through foot instead of fighting hand-to-hand. Diomedes disparages him calling him archer who is nothing without bow. Achilles dies later by arrow of Paris with Apollo's help. Hyginus states Apollo disguised himself as Paris. Philoctetes mortally wounds Paris during final stages of war. Helen begs Oenone to heal him but she refuses out of bitterness. Paris dies on mountainside or returns to Troy where he dies same day. When Oenone hears of funeral she runs to pyre and throws herself into fire.

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• 6. Literary Portrayals And Adaptations

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  Dante placed Paris among sinners punished for lust alongside Helen in second circle of Inferno. Jacques Offenbach wrote operetta La belle Hélène in 1864 featuring Paris as lead male role. Swedish film Sköna Helena adapted the operetta starring Max Hansen and Eva Dahlbeck in 1951. Film Helen of Troy from 1956 portrayed Paris as heroic character worshipping peace before taking arms. Rudolf Hagelstange published prose novel Spielball der Götter in 1959 making Paris main character. Warner Bentivegna played Paris in 1961 film Trojan Horse while Roberto Risso took role in The Fury of Achilles. Michael Tippett created opera King Priam focusing on Judgement of Paris aftermath in 1962. Jon English and David Mackay wrote musical Paris released in 2003 with Barry Humphries as Sinon. Orlando Bloom starred as Paris in 2004 Hollywood film Troy where character survives city's fall. That version portrays him as irresponsible prince putting romance before family and country.

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