In Greek mythology, Menelaus was Helen’s husband when Paris took her to Troy. Menelaus was king of Sparta and the younger brother of Agamemnon, who later led the Greek expedition against Troy.
Helen’s departure with Paris—or her abduction, depending on the ancient version—gave Menelaus the immediate personal reason to seek her return. The Greek rulers had previously sworn to defend Helen’s marriage, a promise associated with the suitors who had competed for her hand.
Menelaus and Agamemnon recruited those former suitors and their forces. This oath helped explain why so many Greek kingdoms joined the campaign, although the exact lists and details vary among sources.
Menelaus eventually fought Paris in single combat during the war. He overpowered the Trojan prince, but Aphrodite rescued Paris before Menelaus could kill him. After Troy fell, Menelaus and Helen returned to Sparta, though later myths describe their journey home as long and difficult.