Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
XXVII: The Trojan War explained
This chapter recounts the origins and key events of the Trojan War, beginning with the Judgment of Paris and the abduction of Helen.
What happens
This chapter recounts the origins and key events of the Trojan War, beginning with the Judgment of Paris and the abduction of Helen. It details the Greek armament, the quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon, the withdrawal of Achilles, the death of Patroclus, the forging of new armor for Achilles by Vulcan, and the final confrontation between Achilles and Hector.
Themes in this chapter
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Agamemnon's refusal to release Chryseis brings Apollo's plague; Achilles' pride leads to Patroclus's death, showing how human arrogance invites divine punishment.
Fate and Free Will
The war's outcome is fated (Troy must fall), yet characters like Achilles and Hector make choices that shape events, illustrating the tension between destiny and personal agency.
Love and Transformation
Paris's love for Helen (or Venus's promise) triggers the war; Thetis's love for Achilles drives her to obtain divine armor, transforming his ability to fight.
Characters to notice
- Achilles
Central Greek hero; quarrels with Agamemnon, withdraws from battle, returns after Patroclus's death, and confronts Hector.
- Agamemnon
Commander-in-chief of the Greek forces; his quarrel with Achilles over Chryseis and Briseis drives the plot.
- Hector
Noblest Trojan prince; defends Troy, kills Patroclus, and faces Achilles in single combat.
- Paris
Trojan prince who abducts Helen, sparking the war; judges the beauty contest among goddesses.
- Ulysses
Greek hero known for sagacity; recruits reluctant chiefs including Achilles and feigns madness to avoid the war.
- Thetis
Sea-nymph mother of Achilles; secures divine armor from Vulcan for her son.
- Jupiter
King of the gods; remains somewhat impartial but grants success to Trojans at Thetis's request.
- Venus
Goddess who favors the Trojans; promises Helen to Paris and aids his escape.
Key passages
“number no one dares to die?” In soul I swept the indignity away: Old frailties then recurred: but lofty thought In act embodied my deliverance wrought.’”
The speaker overcomes shame and resolves to act nobly, though old weaknesses return; yet high-minded resolve leads to redemption.
Reflects Achilles' internal struggle after Patroclus's death.
“The war continued without decisive results for nine years. Then an event occurred which seemed likely to be fatal to the cause of the Greeks, and that was a quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon.”
After nine years of stalemate, a dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon threatens the Greek campaign.
Sets up the central conflict of the Iliad.
“Achilles submitted, but forthwith declared that he would take no further part in the war.”
Achilles gives up Briseis but announces he will withdraw from the fighting.
Key moment of Achilles' withdrawal.
“He fabricated a splendid suit of armor for Achilles, first a shield adorned with elaborate devices, then a helmet crested with gold, then a corselet and greaves of impenetrable temper, all perfectly adapted to his form, and of consummate workmanship.”
Vulcan forges a magnificent set of armor for Achilles, including a decorated shield, gold-crested helmet, and impenetrable body armor, all perfectly fitted.
Describes the divine armor that enables Achilles' return.
