Paris and Menaleus, Trojan and Greek, Fools or Not?

Paris, Son of Prias, is described in the Illiad as an unskilled and cowardly warrior. This is mentioned in Book 3 of The Illiad, that when Paris sees Menaleus, Paris sinks back into the line. Hector which is (Paris' battle hardened brother) criticizes him for being a womanizer, and stealing Helen from Agamemnon in the first place.

*A Brief Introduction of the Beginning of the Trojan War*

The Trojan War was started, when Zeus sends a dream to Agamemnon instructing him to attack Troy in full force, In this dream Agamemnon is led to believed that he has the full support of the Gods. Agamemnon inspires his troops, saying that they greatly outnumber the Trojans.

*The Duel of the Fool and the Noble*

At Dawn, the two armies arise and march toward the marshland where in the lines of Homer describes

"wild fowl or cranes and the dust is like "mist on the mountaintops" Book 3, line 10

Finally, Paris says that Hector's criticism to him are fair and just, and requests a duel with Menaleus

Hector announces, a duel between Menaleus and Paris. Menaleus accepts the challenge, but requires priam's oath. Then, Priam leaves the wall of the city to meet Odysseus. Agamemnon swears that if Menaleus loses the Greeks will sail home, but if Paris loses, the Trojans must return Helen and give up all her treasures.

After the oaths have been taken, Priam goes back to the city as he does not wish to watch the duel.

Then Hector and Odyssues then throw lots to see who throws the first spear, the Greek armies pray to Zeus hoping, he would favor Greece. However it turns out to be that Paris gets to throw the spear. He throws but fails to injure Menaleus, Menaleus then in return throws a spear at Paris, but fails to hit him. Paris retaliates by slashing Menaleus' mail but this fails to injure him. Then Menaleus, draws his sword but it shatters under Paris' helmet. Angered, Menaleus grabs Paris by crest and begins to drag him away. Suddenly Aphrodite comes to Paris' rescue and returns him to the walls of Troy.

"Answering the Question"

When it comes to answering the Question who is the Fool or the Noble in the case of Menaleus and Paris according to me, it is very obvious if not implied that Paris is the Fool, and Menaleus is the more Noble.

But for those who wish to contradict my statement, I do not blame you, as it is a human nature.

But, you may ask why? Of all the people that is can be named a Noble, why choose the barbaric war mongrel king of Sparta, when you can pick the gorgeous and well mannered Paris?

Well, in terms of Nobility and Fools, looks don't matter, it is what the people do in their lives, that they base their Nobility upon.

Anyway, Paris under my opinion is the fool (as stated again) why? Because he did not honor the agreement of the Trojans and Greeks. The agreement was, that the two duel in a fair manner. However, just about as Menaleus was about to strike a fatal blow, Aphrodite saves Paris, in which it is labeled as unjust and treachery as the Trojans did not Honor their end of the bargain, resulting in the deaths of many lives in the two armies. Paris is also a fool for starting the Trojan War, and putting his country at risk just because of some woman, (which is also the cause of the war itself) putting his interests first before the interests of his country and people.

Menaleus, the king of Sparta, is more noble for serving his country and fighting for Greece which is something that Paris has failed to do. He is also more noble, because he loved his wife Helen. Which is something that the latter failed to do. Menaleus also swore to Priam's oath meaning he respects and answers to the conditions of the winner after the said duel is done.

Given this and all of the other incidence, cited in the Illiad I can pretty much say that Meneleus honored his words, which is something that Paris failed to do. Meaning that the fool in the story is none other than, Paris for letting his personal wants first before his very country and homeland. And there is nothing more foolish or dishonorable than what the latter has done.....

Cyanide and Happiness Comic of the Day