Reason for The Trojan War:  Dramatic Reading

Roles:  Narrator, Eris, Paris, Aphrodite, Hera, Athena

Narrator:  We are at the marriage celebration of Thetis (thee-tis) (a Naried [nare-ee-id] who could change shapes) and Peleus (pell-ee-us)

Eris:   I am Eris. All were invited except me, The Goddess of Spite.  So, I got my revenge by bringing an apple inscribed “For the fairest.” 

[Place the apple amongst the guests saying,]  “This apple must be awarded to the most beautiful of the 3 goddesses:  Hera, Athena or Aphrodite.” 

Narrator:  All the gods feared disobeying Eris, the Goddess of Spite.  Who knew what consequence they would each receive if her command was not obeyed?

However, at this time let the three contestants in this beauty contest introduce themselves.

Aphrodite:  I am Aphrodite and I represent Lust.  I am irresistibly charming and can make sane men go mad.  I celebrate the mating of men and women.

Hera:  I am Hera, the sister and wife of Zeus. I get jealous easily and when I get jealous I get mean.  I have the ability to make anyone lose their mind.

Athena:  I am Athena.  Though I am a woman, I was born from Zeus’s head and have tremendous wisdom and might.  I am unbeatable in combat. 

Narrator:  No god was willing to take the responsibility of judging between these women.  Why do you think they were afraid?  It was because they feared the wrath of the two goddesses who wouldn’t be chosen. So Zeus, the head of all of the gods,  thought he had the solution to the fear of the gods.  He appointed Paris, a mortal, to make the decision!

Paris:  I am Paris, a mortal man who has been minding my flocks on Mt. Ida.  My father is the very wealthy king of Troy.  Zeus appeared before me with a request.  I understand that I cannot deny a request from the mightiest of all gods.  I will do all I can to obey Zeus.  Now, whom should I chose as the most beautiful.  Aphrodite the sex goddess, Hera the powerful or Athena the wise warrior?

Narrator:  Each goddess snuck up to Paris to try to influence him.

Hera:  If you chose me, the powerful Hera, dear Paris, I would make you ruler of all Asia.  You would have great power to rule with as you please.

Athena:  If you chose me, Athena the wise warrior goddess, wisdom and victory would belong to you in all battles.  You would be undefeatable!

Aphrodite:  My handsome Paris, if you see me, the lovely Aphrodite, as the most beautiful, I promise to you the love of the most beautiful woman in the world.  You will be satisfied with sexual pleasures from her beyond your wildest dreams.

Narrator:  Paris did not spend much time thinking his choices over.  He was overcome at once with his desire.

Paris:  I treasure love above all else.  Aphrodite, you are the most beautiful.

Aphrodite:  Yes, I am the most beautiful and most irresistible creature in the universe.  You have chosen well.  And for the honor you have bestowed upon me, I award you the love of the most beautiful mortal in the world, Helen.

Hera: Paris, how dare you fall under the spell of Aphrodite and not see true beauty!  You have been dazzled by lust, not your logic!  You are a weak mortal and shall never rule the Trojan Empire of your father.  You have turned your back on power.

Athena (said with disdain):  Paris, you have chosen foolishly and you will suffer.  Helen is already married and without me, the goddess of war, you will never be able to defend yourself against the wrath of her husband!!