Pretty Girl + Bad Boy = Trojan War
1When wars are fought, it’s usually because of disputes over land ownership, religious differences, or money. One of the most famous wars in all of history, however, was fought over a gorgeous teenage girl named Helen of Troy.
2According to ancient Greek mythology, Helen was the beautiful daughter of Zeus, king of the gods. Her mother was a mortal queen—Queen Leda. Since Zeus was her father, Helen was a demigod, or half-goddess.
3When she was around 16, it was announced that it was time for Helen to wed. Hundreds of suitors came from all over Greece to win Helen’s hand in marriage. In those days, girls didn’t have any choice when it came to picking a husband, so Helen’s dad chose someone for her. He chose a rich man named Menelaus, who came from an important family in a place called Sparta. Helen and Menelaus were married immediately.
4Meanwhile, on Mount Ida, a handsome young man named Paris was playing with a golden apple. Three goddesses—Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite—appeared, and each begged for the apple, promising him gifts. Aphrodite’s bribe was the most appealing to Paris. She promised him that if he gave her the apple, he could marry the most beautiful woman in the world. Of course, that meant Helen—even though she was already married to Menelaus.
5Paris went to Sparta and visited Menelaus. He pretended to be an innocent guest but kidnapped Helen from the palace and took her to Troy in the middle of the night. When Menelaus learned of Paris’s brazen act, he was furious. He summoned armies from all over Greece to fight against Troy and win back his wife. The war they fought is known as the Trojan War, and it raged for over ten years—all because of one teenage girl.
“Pretty Girl + Bad Boy = Trojan War” by Mary Fons.
Which choice best summarizes the passage?
A
Helen, daughter of Zeus and Queen Leda, was extremely beautiful. She married Menelaus. A goddess promised Paris that he could marry the most beautiful girl in the world, so Paris kidnapped Helen. Menelaus declared war.
B
Helen, the daughter of Zeus and Queen Leda, was very beautiful. She was so beautiful, many men wanted her hand in marriage. Paris gave a gift to the goddess Aphrodite, and in return, she promised Paris that he could marry Helen.
C
While on Mount Ida, Paris was visited by three goddesses. They all promised him gifts if he would give them his golden apple. Aphrodite promised Paris the most beautiful girl in the world, and Paris liked her offer the best.
D
Paris went to Sparta and visited Menelaus. He pretended to be an innocent guest but kidnapped Helen from the palace, taking her to Troy in the middle of the night. When Menelaus learned of Paris’s brazen act, he was furious.
