Who was the Trojan prince who abducted Helen?

Who was the Trojan prince who abducted Helen? The answer is Paris. Also called Alexander, Paris was a son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy and the younger brother of Hector. His relationship with Helen became the mythological spark for the Trojan War.

Before taking Helen to Troy, Paris judged a contest between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Aphrodite promised him the love of the world’s most beautiful woman, Helen of Sparta, and Paris awarded her the prize. Helen was already married to Menelaus, so Paris’ departure with her provoked the Greek expedition against Troy.

“Abducted” is the traditional quiz wording, but ancient accounts differ about Helen’s willingness. Some describe Paris carrying her away, while Homer and other sources suggest that she went with him, influenced by love or Aphrodite’s power. Paris is also remembered for killing Achilles with an arrow, often aided by Apollo.