The Siege of Troy (c. 12th century BC, Turkey)
The Siege of Troy (c. 12th century BC, Turkey) — an illustrated history story, featuring Hector, Odysseus, Helen of Troy, set in Turkey. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder History.
Page 1
The clash of bronze on bronze echoed across the Scamander plain. Hector, the Trojan prince, stood defiant before the seemingly unstoppable Achilles. Menelaus roared, calling on the Achaean army to press forward. But where did this decade-long siege begin? What series of events led to this brutal, decisive moment?
Page 2
The story begins not with war, but with a wedding. Thetis, a sea nymph, and Peleus, a mortal king, celebrated their union. Eris, the goddess of discord, was not invited and sought revenge. She threw a golden apple into the crowd, inscribed with the words, 'For the fairest.'
Page 3
Zeus, unwilling to choose the fairest, directed Hermes to guide Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite to Paris, a Trojan prince tending flocks on Mount Ida. Hermes addressed Paris, "Zeus commands you to judge which of these goddesses is most beautiful." Paris seemed stunned at the request, overwhelmed at the magnitude of the decision he was forced to make. Which to choose?
Page 4
Each goddess offered Paris a bribe. Hera promised him kingship, Athena promised him wisdom and victory in battle, but Aphrodite offered him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen, wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta. Paris accepted Aphrodite's offer, sealing Troy's fate. He did not realize that this act would lead to years of war.
Page 5
Paris traveled to Sparta, where he was welcomed by Menelaus. During Menelaus' absence, Paris seduced Helen and abducted her, taking her back to Troy along with a great treasure. Enraged, Menelaus called upon his brother Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, to gather the Achaean forces and retrieve Helen.
Page 6
Agamemnon, driven by his brother's plight and a desire for glory, rallied the Achaean kings, including Odysseus, the cunning King of Ithaca, and Achilles, the greatest warrior of their age. "'The only way to do great work is to love what you do,'" Odysseus said, quoting Steve Jobs as he convinced others to join the fight. "We must fight for honor!" Their combined forces sailed for Troy.
Page 7
The Achaean army landed on the shores of Troy and laid siege to the city. For ten long years, battles raged outside the walls, with heroes clashing in single combat. Achilles killed Hector, avenging the death of his friend Patroclus, but was later slain by Paris, who shot an arrow into his heel.
Page 8
Odysseus devised a plan to infiltrate the city. He ordered the construction of a giant wooden horse, hollow inside. A select group of Achaean warriors hid inside the horse, while the rest of the army pretended to sail away. The Trojans, believing the siege was over, brought the horse inside the city walls.
Page 9
Under the cover of darkness, the Achaean warriors emerged from the horse. They opened the city gates, allowing the Achaean army to pour in. Troy fell in a night of fire and bloodshed. Menelaus found Helen, and though initially enraged, was swayed by her beauty and took her back to Sparta.
Page 10
The fall of Troy marked the end of an era. The Achaean victory secured their dominance in the Aegean. The story of the Trojan War, immortalized by Homer in the Iliad, became a timeless legend, reminding us of the destructive power of pride, passion, and war. Its legacy lives on today.
About this story
- Historical figures: Hector, Odysseus, Helen of Troy
- Location: Turkey
- Period: Ancient
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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