For the face that launched a thousand ships, are you willing to take the risk?

“Do you want me to tell you something really subversive?  Love is everything it’s cracked up to be.  That’s why people are so cynical about it. . . .  It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.  And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.”
                           - Erica Jong

Paris and Helen, lovers that brought down the golden gates of Troy. The reason for the death of thousands of soldiers. The reason for the downfall of Troy. Is this how Homer envisioned love? A love with great consequence?

If you were Paris, would you pursue loving Helen? If you were Paris, would you bring Helen to Troy even if it may cause so much distress in your land?  Money, land, and power, are you willing to sacrifice all of these to the one you love?


For me, love is a gamble. You can't win if you have nothing to risk. But  how much are you willing to risk?

If I were Paris and they would not attack Troy if I will not bring Helen with me, I would not risk innocent lives just to satisfy my happiness. I am willing to suffer. But I would not let anyone treat her like a toy. Displaying her naked body in front of many people just to satisfy his fellow kings? This kind of thing makes me angry. If it weren't for my comrades, (if I were really Paris) I would attack King Menelaus even if I know it will bring my death

But in the real Iliad, they will attack Troy even if I haven't eloped with her. I would rather fight, than to  lose everything without a battle. I will protect her even if it will cost my life. I will not let anyone disrespect her. Women are priceless and irreplaceable. They should be treated with utmost care and respect. They should be love not toyed around. Helen's love will not come to waste. I will give her the love that she deserves because that is what the real essence of love requires of me. And it requires me to to give my best to the person I love.  I will love her as long as I live, and even after that.