How Paris Black Got His Name
Paris told me about
the background in which the idea of the name ‘Paris’ originated from. From that background, I did some research.
Are you familiar with any Greek Mythology? If not, not to worry…I checked the story out. Before I give you the story,
I thought I’d lend you a few tidbits first.
- Have you seen the movie Troy? It was released
in May 2004 about the Greek tales by Homer “The Iliad” – story of Helen of Troy played by Diane Kruger,
Prince Paris played by Orlando Bloom and Achilles played by Brad Pitt. The story dates back to 1193 BC when Paris steals Helen
from her husband, which started a war. Look for it…Troy.1
- Disney’s Depiction: Hercules 2: The Trojan
War. The story of Paris as the villain, captures Helen. Hercules joins the Greek army leading to war. It has not yet
been released.2
- The Myth started the very first known beauty contest.
Paris was chosen to judge the most beautiful among three. Zeus (the King) asked Paris to be the judge among Zeus’ wife,
and two daughters.3
- One of the articles written about Paris Black is
titled with this myth in mind: Paris Black: Poised Once Again At The Gates of Troy.4
PARIS OF TROY/ HELEN AND PARIS/ THE TROJAN WAR
Paris (Alexander) was son to Priam (King of Troy) and wife Hecuba. One of Priam’s daughters, Cassandra, predicted
that Paris should be killed at birth or he would destroy the city of Troy. Paris was taken out to be killed, but was rescued
by sheppards. He grew up away from the city near Mount Ida. He returned to Troy to compete in the athletic games.
All gods were invited to the marriage of Peleus and Thetis, except Eris.
She came anyway with a golden apple “for the fairest”. Hera (Zeus’ wife), Aphrodite and Athena (Zeus’
daughters) claimed for the apple. The appeal to be judged fell on Paris (who was still living outside of Troy). They each
promised him a prize in picking her. Hera offered power, Athena –military glory and wisdom. Aphrodite offered the most
beautiful woman in the world as his wife and so he chose-- Aphrodite.
Helen married Menelaus, the King of Sparta and her twin sister Clytaemnestra married his brother Agamemnom, King of Argus and leader of Greece. Paris returned to the royal family, traveled to
Sparta as a Trojan ambassador when Menelaus was away. Paris and Helen fell in love, left Sparta with the city’s treasures,
returning to Troy. Spartans were sent in pursuit of the couple yet never caught them. They learned of their whereabouts, and
sent delegation to Troy demanding for Helen and the treasure. The Trojans refused, the Spartans appealed to the oath, which
was forced upon them by her father (Helen’s beauty was much too famous that her father only agreed to her marrying after
all Greek warrior leaders made a promise to collectively avenge any insult made upon her). Greeks then invaded Troy.
(Some stories claim that Helen never went to Troy, but was carried off
to Egypt by Hermes. Paris took her double). Paris and Menelaus fought a duel. Aphrodite saved Paris just before Menelaus was
about to kill him. In the tenth year of the war, Paris and Apollo killed Achilles with an arrow pierced in the heel. Philoctetes
killed Paris with an arrow shot from the bow of Hercules.
The sacred Statue of Athena was stolen (was supposed to give the Trojans the strength to continue the
war, but the city didn’t fall). The Greeks strategically made a plan of a wooden horse filled with hidden armed soldiers,
left in front of Troy. The Trojans tore down the wall, dragged the horse into the city and celebrated with what they had thought
to be victory. At night, Greek soldiers came out of the horse, opened the gates and signaled the army. The city was completely
in ruins. Helen was returned to Menelaus. 5
