Is Beauty Unique Only to Our Time? Part 2…

When we return to the mythological journey of beauty from last week, we left off with Athena promising Paris that she would make him the wisest man in the world if he named her the most beautiful.

Those who remember the story know that Paris’s decision will eventually lead to the Trojan War and draw figures such as Achilles and Agamemnon into the tale.

Paris politely passes over the second bribe as well, insisting that he will be fair. Yet when Aphrodite’s turn comes, our proud and impartial young judge begins to lose his composure.

Aphrodite approaches him and speaks of Helen of Sparta — a woman as beautiful and passionate as herself. She suggests that Helen would leave everything behind for Paris if she were to see him.

Paris, who does not yet know Helen, asks Aphrodite to describe her. From that moment on, the path of myth begins to turn toward desire, beauty, persuasion and fate.

For the full article, please visit voxaesthetic.com.