According to ancient mythology, the Greek gods did play a crucial and deliberate role in starting the Trojan War. The origins of this legend can be traced back not to something that was human like politics or territorial ambition, but to a divine quarrel that took place at a wedding. A typically dramatic start in Greek mythology.
It all begins at the wedding of Peleus, a mortal hero, and Thetis, who would you believe, is a sea-nymph. Remember this is Greek Mythology, therefore all the gods and goddesses were invited, except one, Eris, the goddess of discord. It seems that as she was outraged at being snubbed, she took her revenge by throwing a golden apple into the crowd of divine guests. On the apple was inscribed “To the fairest,” which of course instantly sparked a fierce argument among three of the most powerful goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite.
Each one claimed the apple was meant for her, and none of them would back down. Therefore, as he wasn’t that stupid, the King of the Gods, Zeus, decided he couldn’t judge the matter himself so instead passed the responsibility to a mere mortal: Paris, a prince of Troy renowned for his fairness but, perhaps, more importantly, his looks.
Now this is where things became interesting. Inevitably, each goddess attempted to bribe Paris in order to win the apple. Hera offered him power and dominion over kingdoms. Athena promised wisdom and unmatched skill in battle. Aphrodite, however, was a bit cleverer as she offered something that would really tempt a young man, she promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world: Helen of Sparta.
Of course, being a mortal man he was swayed by desire, so inevitably Paris chose Aphrodite and awarded her the golden apple.
Now comes the fun bit as Aphrodite kept her promise and helped Paris seduce or, in some versions, to abduct Helen. You see, there was a problem and that problem was that Helen was married to King Menelaus of Sparta!
Menelaus was furious when Paris took Helen back to Troy. He immediately called upon the other Greek kings and warriors, who had once sworn an oath to defend Helen’s marriage, to join him in getting her back. A vast Greek army was formed, led by Agamemnon, Menelaus’ brother, it sailed across the Aegean Sea to besiege the city of Troy. This was the beginning of the Trojan War.
This is a classic Greek mythology: rich with symbolism, divine interference, and flawed human choices. You see in those days, the ancient Greeks believed that the gods were deeply involved in human affairs. They believed that there were divine forces behind every major event, especially something as epic and destructive as a ten-year war.
The gods didn’t merely light the spark that led to the war, they continued to fan the flames throughout the war. This was, of course, Hera and Athena, who were furious at Paris for rejecting them, so they supported the Greeks. While Aphrodite stood by the Trojans. Then the other gods took sides, with Apollo aiding the Trojans, while Poseidon seemed to back the Greeks. Then there was Zeus himself, who despite trying to remain neutral, seemed to subtly influence events.
The gods intervened repeatedly during the war, not just through grand gestures but by manipulating the emotions, decisions, and even dreams of the mortal warriors. They empowered some, deceived others, and often acted out of personal pride or petty vendettas. In the ancient Greek worldview, the gods were powerful but flawed beings who mirrored the passions and imperfections of humanity.
The entire chain of events, from the golden apple to the Judgment of Paris and the abduction of Helen, was driven by divine rivalry, manipulation, and interference. While human decisions certainly played a role, the war itself was orchestrated by the gods, who used mortals as their pawns.
In the eyes of the ancient Greeks, the Trojan War wasn’t just a human conflict. It was a divine drama—set in motion by the gods, fought by mortals, and remembered as one of the greatest stories ever told.
The question asked was did the Greek Gods start the Trojan War, what do you think?
This is why our sister site Educational Musicals published our musical The Trojan Horse – The Fall Of Troy, in this story the gods lead with Zeus, the King of the Gods, joined by Hera, Zeus’ Queen and two of Zeus’ daughters, Aphrodite, the God of Love and Athena, the God of wisdom, they all were instrumental in annoying Spite, Goddess of Strife and Discord. Then according to mythology, Spite, then puts them all under a spell.
In the musical the Greek gods drive our explanation of this well-known story, The Trojan Horse. Of course, we have taken theatrical license to make into a musical your children will enjoy with a story they will remember.
Please click The Trojan Horse – The Fall Of Troy which will take you to two pages of script and two songs from the show, which you can then download and start rehearsing immediately.
Let’s make History Fun!
Ten questions to ask:
- Who are the main gods involved in Greek mythology’s portrayal of the Trojan Wars?
- What role does Zeus play in the mythological narrative of the Trojan Wars?
- How are Hera and Aphrodite depicted in the context of the Trojan Wars?
- Which goddess is responsible for causing discord among the gods in the story?
- What is the significance of Athena’s role in the Trojan Wars?
- How does Greek mythology explain the influence of gods on mortal affairs during the Trojan Wars?
- Can you describe the plot of “The Trojan Horse – The Fall Of Troy” musical?
- How does Spite affect the course of events in the mythological narrative?
- What magical powers do the gods possess in Greek mythology?
- Why do you think the Greeks believed that the gods played a role in the outcome of human events during the Trojan Wars?
Go to these sites for more information about the Trojan Wars:
© Tony Dalton