Aphrodite Greek Goddess

The civilization of Greece was known for numerous things from their architecture, to their paintings, and all the way to poetry. The people of Greece worshipped hundreds of Gods and Goddesses from Athena, the Goddess of War, to Poseidon, the God of the sea... One famous figure who was worshipped by mortals was Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. With beauty like no other she stole the hearts of men and Gods. Her voice was like honey and no man could resist her. But Aphrodite, along with all the other Gods and Goddesses, meddled in the lives of humans believing to have caused the overthrow of Troy. She was also signified by many objects to symbolize her affection and exquisiteness. Furthermore, her birth, or beginning, was told in two entirely opposite …show more content…
She was alleged to have caused the Trojan War. It all started when, “the hero Peleus was married to the sea nymph Thetis, all of the gods were invited to the ceremony- all but one that is” (mythweb.com). The only one not invited to the wedding was Eris, who was the daughter of Zeus because she was, “the daughter of discord and bound to cause trouble” (angelfire.com). Since she was not invited, Eris placed a gold apple on a table at the wedding and marked it “for the fairest”. Immediately after being spotted Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite argued who it was directed at. The goddesses demanded Zeus decide who deserved the apple but instead of him getting caught in the middle of the goddesses rage he directed them to Paris, a shepherd. When Paris was an infant it was foretold he would cause the downfall of Troy. So his parents hid him with shepherds. This was to help avoid the foretold prophesy. All of the goddesses bribed Paris with elegant treasures. Athena, the goddess of war, promised, “to help him lead Troy in victory in a war against the Greeks that he foresaw” (angelfire.com). Hera, the goddess of war, “promised to make him the king of all Europe and Asia and bring him much wealth and great power” (angelfire.com). Lastly, Aphrodite, “promised to give Paris the most beautiful woman in the world” (angelfire.com). Paris gave the apple, named the Apple of Discord, to Aphrodite because the woman sounded more appealing than the riches and fame. When asked what lady he favored, he said he chose Helen of Sparta, who was the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. Paris arrived at Sparta and was allowed to stay as long as he wished. At the time, Troy and Sparta were on peaceful terms. When Menelaus left to attend a meeting, Paris and Helen fell in love. Paris begged Helen to come back with him to Troy and live with him. So Helen left with Paris and traveled back to his home. After Menelaus returned, he furious