Helen at Hector's Funeral
Helen's final appearance in the Iliad is in Book 24, at Hector's funeral, where she is distinct from the other mourning women, Andromache, Hector's wife, and Hecuba, his mother, in two ways. (1) Helen praises Hector as a family man where they concentrate on his military prowess. (2) Unlike the other Trojan women, Helen will not be taken as a slave. She will be reunited with Menelaus as his wife. This scene is the first and last time she is included with other Trojan women in a public event. She has achieved a measure of acceptance just as the society to which she aspired is about to be destroyed.
As she spoke, Hecuba wept. She stirred them on [760]
to endless lamentation. Helen was the third
to lead those women in their wailing:
"Hector—of all my husband's brothers,
you're by far the dearest to my heart.
My husband's godlike Alexander, 940
who brought me here to Troy. I wish I'd died
before that happened! This is the twentieth year
since I went away and left my native land,
but I've never heard a nasty word from you
or an abusive speech. In fact, if anyone
ever spoke rudely to me in the house—
one of your brothers or sisters, some brother's
well-dressed wife, or your mother—for your father [770]
always was so kind, as if he were my own—
you'd speak out, persuading them to stop, 950
using your gentleness, your soothing words.
Now I weep for you and for my wretched self,
so sick at heart, for there's no one else
in spacious Troy who's kind to me and friendly.
They all look at me and shudder with disgust."
Helen spoke in tears. The huge crowd joined in their lament.
(Book XXIV)
Roisman says the changes in behavior of Helen do not reflect personal growth, but the graduated unveiling of her personality in all its richness."
First Appearance of Helen | Second | 3d, 4th, and 5th | Final Appearance
In addition to an insightful look at Homer's Helen, the article contains a bibliography worth examining.
Source: "Helen in the Iliad; Causa Belli and Victim of War: From Silent Weaver to Public Speaker," AJPh 127 (2006) 1-36, Hanna M. Roisman.
