Write a summary of the story of the Trojan War in your own words. Also, write your opinion on the major cause of the war and how it could have been avoided.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The Trojan War, a legendary conflict from Greek mythology, was fought between the city of Troy and the Achaeans (Greeks). The war began after Paris, the prince of Troy, abducted Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. Helen’s abduction sparked outrage, and Menelaus called upon his brother Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, to help recover her. Many Greek leaders, bound by a mutual oath of allegiance, joined forces to sail to Troy, leading to a ten-year siege.
The most famous aspect of the war was the Greek use of a cunning strategy—the Trojan Horse. After years of unsuccessful attempts to breach Troy’s walls, the Greeks constructed a massive wooden horse, hiding soldiers inside. The Trojans, believing the Greeks had finally given up, brought the horse inside the city walls as a symbol of peace. That night, the hidden Greek soldiers emerged, opened the gates, and allowed the Greek army to enter and destroy Troy.
In my opinion, the major cause of the Trojan War was the kidnapping of Helen. Although the gods played a significant role in the events leading to the war, the human actions were crucial. The beauty of Helen, which led to Paris’s decision, was a spark that ignited a conflict that could have been avoided with diplomacy or compromise. The war could have been prevented if Paris had returned Helen or if a peaceful resolution had been reached, perhaps through negotiation or arbitration. Instead, the actions driven by pride, revenge, and honor led to a prolonged and devastating war. Additionally, the involvement of the gods further complicated the situation, making it more about divine will than practical resolution.