The Trojan War: A New History

Odysseus, the son of Laertes, is a master of deception. He and Menelaus ride in two chariots as part of a Greek delegation to the Trojan city. Menelaus is furious at Paris’s double offence, which is against the laws of marriage and hospitality. They approach the home of Antenor, bearing gifts. Antenor does not want to lose his sons in war, so supports the Greeks’ demand that Helen and the Spartan treasures be returned. The fiery Trojan Antimachus is of the opposing opinion, having been bribed by Paris. Despite threats, the two important delegates are not murdered but safely restored to the Greek encampment. Returning Helen would be admitting to a mistake and could instigate a coup. Once appeased, the Greeks might also ask for more. Instead, Troy prepares for war.

According to Homer, Poseidon aids the Greeks in the ninth year of the Trojan War. Hector finds himself taunted by the Greeks for always fighting near the protective bastion of Troy. The Greeks cannot besiege the city because they are outnumbered. Hector’s wife, Andromache, notes that on three occasions, the Greeks nearly take the Trojan walls, led by two Greek generals (both called Ajax).