The Greeks

“Beware of Greeks

bearing gifts!”

Menelaus

While Menelaus was still a boy, his father, the King of Mycenae, was killed. He and his brother, Agamemnon, were exiled, but when they came of age, they came back and claimed the throne. Menelaus became the husband of Helen. Helen did actually love her husband but Aphrodite’s meddling caused issues.

HelenSome say she was an unwilling pawn; others, a vicious vixen.

Helen Continued

Helen’s mother was Leda and her father was Tyndareus, King of Sparta. Technically, however, her father is legend to be Zeus who came to Leda in the shape of a swan. Clytemnestra is Helen’s sister. Hermione is her daughter with Menelaus.

Odysseus

His cleverness allowed many successes in the war.

Agamemnon

Since his brother was King of Sparta, he rightfully took the Kingship of Mycenae.

-Married to Clytemnestra, He and Achilles would have many, many

issues in the war.

The Quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles

It’s always about a girl. Chryseis—a priestess of Apollo Briseis

Achilles

That pesky heel; a fierce pride

Patroclus

The squire of Achilles. When Achilles refused to fight because he was sulking over Briseis, Patroclus took his place and wore his armor. He was killed by Hector and Achilles was angry and devastated. He vowed vengeance.

Achilles Angers the gods

He disrespected the body of his foe.

Ajax

He was a warrior second only to Achilles in prowess. He commanded 12 ships and was such a dedicated fighter that his contingent of warriors always stood out on the battlefield. He fought a one on one battle with Hector, but night fell and they exchanged gifts and departed. He saved the life of Odysseus. He brought back the body of Achilles, but he fell from grace concerning Achilles’ armor.

Diomedes

Greek King and warrior at the siege of Troy. He was a great athlete and among the fifty

warriors inside the wooden horse. Took over when Achilles was unavailable. Went on a search for Heracles’ bow with

Odysseus. One of the few Greeks to have a safe and

speedy journey home.