Iliad Book III English Translation | Summary | Major Figures | Notes | Iliad Study Guide
The two sides march towards each other. Paris (Alexandrus) comes forward to challenge the Greeks (NB: Homer refers to them mostly as Achaeans, and sometimes Argives or Danaans; Greek is our term). Menelaus springs forward to take the challenge. Paris shrinks back in fear, but Hector cajoles him, reminding him that he had carried off a lovely woman (Helen). Hector then addresses both sides to say Paris will fight Menelaus for Helen and her wealth. He says that whoever wins should take Helen and go home, with peace restored.
Menelaus asks that a covenant be drawn up with Priam swearing to abide by it.
Iris goes to Helen dressed as Laodice to tell her to watch the fighting over her. Helen rushes to the Scaean gate when the elders are seated with Priam and others too old to fight. Priam asks Helen to sit in front of him and then inquires as to the identity of the tall Greek. Helen tells him it is Agamemnon. He then asks about the broad-chested one, and Helen identifies him as Odysseus. the next man identified is Ajax and then Idomeneus.
The heralds approach Priam telling him his presence is required for the covenant. After a prayer, Priam says he will return to his city because he does not want to watch the fight.
Hector and Odysseus measure out the area in which Menelaus and Paris will fight, and cast lots to see who will throw the first spear. Paris wins and throws a spear that strikes but does not go through Menelaus' shield. On Menelaus' turn, his spear does go through his opponent's shield, but by swerving, Paris is safe. Menelaus grabs Paris by his oxhide helmet strap and drags him, until Aphrodite breaks it. Menelaus would have run Paris through with a spear, but Aphrodite snatches Paris away in a cloud of darkness and puts him in bed.
Aphrodite then goes after Helen. Dressed as an old woman -- a disguise that doesn't fool Helen -- Aphrodite sends Helen to Paris' bed. Helen rages at the goddess and says Menelaus has won so she is his again. Aphrodite gets angry and Helen complies. When Helen reaches Paris' room, she scolds him. Paris tells her not to and admits Menelaus was the victor. Despite it all, he tells Helen to lie with him, which she does.
Agamemnon comes to the Trojans and says that since Menelaus was victor, Helen should be returned and a fine paid.
