Reflection One (Books 1-4) 9/11/12

 I am so glad that I have befriended Laodike.  She has told me that the fighting has ceased!  But, she also told me that Paris has proposed that he and Menelaus will fight till death for me!  The survivor will be my true husband and the fighting will be over.  This news has brought up many emotions in me.  As Laodike leaves, I am longing for my homeland, husband, and my family.  I cannot believe that I once was the queen of Sparta and now a figure of war. 

As I walk in my shimmering garments across the tower, I feel like a hated goddess.  Priam calls out to me and asks me to sit beside him.  He tells me that the gods are to blame for this war, not me.  We look and talk about my people and Menelaus.  He also talks about how tremendous Agamemnon appears.  I thought this to be odd, that Priam was so interested in him.  I try to turn attention unto Priam by telling him that he how tremendous he is.  I also confide with him my feelings of regret.  Priam listens to my troubles but then becomes curious about Odysseus and Ajax.  As I look at all of these familiar faces and talk about them, I notice that I do not see my brothers, Castor and Polydeuces.  I feel saddened and believe that they have refused to fight for such a disgraceful sister.

I am caught up in my thoughts when I realize what is going on.  The rules are being told by a familiar voice, my husband Menelaus.  He is praying to the gods, especially Zeus, and making sacrifices to them.   Soon after I saw both men I care about getting suited up for death.  I could not bear to watch them battle so I retreated to the high tower.  I could hear loud noises coming from the crowd, which scared me.  Luckily the Trojan women were there to calm me down. 

While in the high tower, a strange woman came to me.  She told me that Paris had called for me to come home to him.  She also said that he looked as if he had been dancing and not fighting.  As I gazed on this strange beautiful woman, she looked familiar.  She is the goddess Aphrodite!  I was very upset with her and told her to take Paris as her own.  I raised my voice and told her I was not going to be shameful and sleep in his bed.  Then Aphrodite raised her voice as well and told me how much she loves me, but is also disappointed with me.  I was frightened by her power and obediently followed her to Paris’ bedroom.   

Once I saw his face, I became angered!  I told him that I wish he would have died by my strong husband.  Paris once boasted about his strength, but in reality he is a coward!  He should fight Menelaus again to see who the real victor is.  After my speech, Paris persuaded me to lie with him.  He will be the destruction of me.