Paris. The son of Priam, King of Troy, and Hecuba; he was also called Alexander. The tradition is that at the marriage of Peleus and Thetis the goddess of discord, who had not been invited, showed her displeasure by throwing into the assembly of the gods, who were at the nuptials, a golden apple on which were the words: "Let it be given to the fairest." The apple was claimed by Hera (Juno), Aphrodite (Venus), and Athena (Minerva). Zeus (Jupiter), ordered Hermes (Mercury), to take the goddesses to Mount Ida, and to intrust the decision of the dispute to the shepherd Paris. The goddesses accordingly appeared before him. Hera promised him the sovereignty of Asia, Athena renown in war, and Aphrodite the fairest of women for his wife. Paris decided in favor of Aphrodite, and gave her the golden apple. This judgment called forth in Hera and Athena fierce hatred against Troy. Under the protection of Aphrodite, Paris now sailed to Greece, and was hospitably received in the palace of Menelaus at Sparta. Here he succeeded in carrying off Helen, the wife of Menelaus, who was the most beautiful woman in the world. Hence arose the Trojan War. Paris fought with Menelaus before the walls of Troy, and was defeated, but was carried off by Aphrodite. He is said to have killed Achilles, either by one of his arrows or by treachery.

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