1. The Trojan War Or “To get Helen Back”

2. The Cause of the War Short Version – Wife of a King is kidnapped. War is waged to get her back Short Version – Wife of a King is kidnapped. War is waged to get her back Longer version – Longer version – –Once upon a time …  The goddess of discord (with a title like that, how can you NOT cause trouble) wasn’t invited to a wedding. She decided to cause some trouble.

3. Paris’ Choice Paris was a young prince of TROY. His dad was told that one day he would cause the destruction of the kingdom. His dad sent him far way. Paris was a young prince of TROY. His dad was told that one day he would cause the destruction of the kingdom. His dad sent him far way. Teris, the goddess of discord, was upset that she was not invited to a wedding. Teris, the goddess of discord, was upset that she was not invited to a wedding. –Really,who can blame Thetis and Pellius for not inviting someone known as the “goddess of Discord”?

4. Paris’ Choice Continued Eris tosses a golden apple inscribed with “Belonging to the fairest” at the feet of three goddesses, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Each, of course assumes it is hers. Eris tosses a golden apple inscribed with “Belonging to the fairest” at the feet of three goddesses, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Each, of course assumes it is hers. Zeus is too wise to get involved in the fight and decides that Paris, a fine young judge of women, can be the one to decide. Zeus is too wise to get involved in the fight and decides that Paris, a fine young judge of women, can be the one to decide.

5. Bribes are “fairest” game Three Goddesses try to bribe him to be the one he chooses. Hera promised him Europe and Asia Athena promised that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks Aphrodite promised him the most beautiful woman in all the world

6. Paul Ruben’s Judgment of Paris

7. And the winner is … Because he is young, foolish, and destined to cause trouble, he chooses Because he is young, foolish, and destined to cause trouble, he chooses Aphrodite – who give him the most beautiful woman in the world. Her name is Helen – she is from Sparta, a city-state in Greece - Sparta is known for its army. Helen just happens to be already married He husband just happens to be the king of Sparta

8. Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!!!!! Helen’s husband is Menelaus – the king of Sparta. He wants his wife back. The Greeks want to take over Troy anyway, so ALL of the Greeks agree to help him. Helen’s husband is Menelaus – the king of Sparta. He wants his wife back. The Greeks want to take over Troy anyway, so ALL of the Greeks agree to help him. Troy is protected by an amazing wall around the city that no army has ever been able to penetrate. Troy is protected by an amazing wall around the city that no army has ever been able to penetrate.

9. Just how long is this going to take? The battle for Troy/Helen lasts for 10 years! Thousands die on each side. The battle for Troy/Helen lasts for 10 years! Thousands die on each side. Heroes are plentiful on each side. Heroes are plentiful on each side. –Achilles – best Greek warrior –Hector – best Trojan warrior

10. Let’s Call it a Draw Even after 10 years, there is no clear winner. Perhaps the Greeks will have to go home without their prize, unless... Even after 10 years, there is no clear winner. Perhaps the Greeks will have to go home without their prize, unless... Isn’t that Odysseus guy supposed to be clever? Can’t he come up with something?

11. Odysseus’ Plan Odyssey comes up with a plan to make it look as if the Greeks have given up. Odyssey comes up with a plan to make it look as if the Greeks have given up. They will build a giant hollow horse (a symbol of Troy) and leave it outside the walls of the city. They will build a giant hollow horse (a symbol of Troy) and leave it outside the walls of the city. A group of men will hide inside and when the time is right, they will climb out, open the gates. The Greeks will rush in and Troy will fall. A group of men will hide inside and when the time is right, they will climb out, open the gates. The Greeks will rush in and Troy will fall.

12. Surprisingly Enough... The plan worked! Greeks, away from home for 10 years, will all be able to return home to their wives and children. The plan worked! Greeks, away from home for 10 years, will all be able to return home to their wives and children. Few wanted to get home as much as Odysseus. He heads for home with his men and provisions. This is where our story STARTS!