The Trojan War: A New History

The armies approach each other, but as they draw near, one Trojan steps forward, and another on the Greek side. A third Trojan steps forward, and the remaining army sits down, attracting a volley of Greek arrows at the standing Trojan. Agamemnon calls a ceasefire as Hector wants a parley, proposing a battle between champions: Paris and Menelaus, the originators of the feud. Helen and the treasure would follow the victor. The Greeks agree, with the proviso that Priam publicly swears an oath to abide by the contract.

Hector pressures Paris to prioritize war over women. Paris wins the right to strike first but his spear breaks on Menelaus’s shield. Menelaus’s spear pierces Paris’s breastplate, but Paris dodges. Menelaus strikes Paris’s helmet with his sword, but the sword shatters. Athena, Paris’s patron goddess, whisks Paris to safety in Troy. Pandarus fires an arrow that wounds Menelaus slightly, and the war resumes. Menelaus is treated by a physician. The fighting is spirited, lasting a day, and Agamemnon is a strong general.

While the Trojans concede ground, the Greeks are weakening. Urged on by the gods, the two sides appear evenly matched.