Daughter of Leda Helen Of Troy Greek Mythology

Helen is the daughter of Leda and Zeus in Greek mythology. She is popularly known as Helen of Troy. Her other siblings are Castor, Polydeuces and Clytemnestra. King Menelaus of Sparta was her husband. Helen in Greek means torch. Helen is known for her beauty and is known as The Beautiful. Other daughters of Leda from Tyndareus include Timandra, Phoebe, and Philonoe.

It is believed that Zeus in the guise of a swan was being chased by an eagle. He sought refugee from Leda. The swan became attracted to Leda and raped her at night. Their mating resulted in Leda producing two eggs. One of which resulted in the birth of daughter of Leda-Helen. The Cyclic epics give a different version to the birth of Helen.

daughter of Leda is presumably the daughter of Zeus and Nemesis. They mated as goose and Nemesis produced an egg. This egg was given to Leda by a shepherd and from this Helen was born. To mark her birth Zeus created the constellation Cygnus in the sky. It is shaped like a swan.

Helen was abducted at a very young age by Theseus and Pirithous. They had vowed to wed the daughters of Zeus. Helen was later rescued by her brothers. There are some mythological accounts which believe Helen could have been as young as four or ten years of age. There are some other accounts where this daughter of Leda is believed to have mothered Iphigeneia with Theseus.

There were many suitors for Helen when she reached marriageable age. Numerous kings, princes and wizards came seeking the hands of this daughter of Leda. Some sent there emissaries with many valuable gifts etc. Her list of contenders include some very famous names of Greek mythology like Ajax the Great, Menelaus, Odysseus, Elephenor, Patroclus, Idomeneus, Menestheus etc. Only Odysseus came to ask for Helens hand without any gifts.

Helens father was in dilemma over whom to choose and whom to reject. He feared that rejection might lead to quarrels and battles. Odysseus came up with an idea. He said that before the decision is made all prospective grooms should pledge that they would unanimously support the chosen groom if any body declares a war against him. This strategy was successful. Daughter of Leda-Helen was married to Menelaus. Menelaus went on to become the king of Sparta as Both of Helens brothers were dead by then.

Helens beauty was known far and wide. Paris a Trojan prince came to Sparta to marry Helen. There are some records which sat that Helen-daughter of Leda went with him willingly while some say she was abducted. Menelaus wanted his wife back and asked all the suitors to fulfill their promise of supporting him. This led to the beginning of the historic Trojan War. Menelaus wanted to kill his unfaithful wife but was bewitched with her beauty. It is believed that Helen returned to Sparta and continued living with her husband. Leda