Black Ships Before Troy characters

Appears from the start

A Trojan prince raised away from the royal household after a prophecy warned that he would bring ruin to Troy. As a young shepherd he is required to judge which of three goddesses is most beautiful, and his choice sets the war in motion.

Also known as Thetis of the Silver Feet

Appears from the start

A sea goddess whose wedding to the mortal Peleus draws the gods together. The celebration becomes the setting for the dispute over the golden apple. She is also the mother of Achilles and knows that his glory will come at a terrible cost.

Appears from the start

The goddess of discord, excluded from the wedding feast of Peleus and Thetis. She retaliates by throwing among the guests a golden apple intended for the most beautiful goddess, provoking a contest that Paris must decide.

Appears from the start

Goddess of love and one of the three immortals who claim the golden apple. She promises Paris the most beautiful woman in the world if he chooses her, offering the reward that most appeals to him.

First appears in chapter 2

A daughter of Zeus famed throughout Greece for her beauty and married to Menelaus of Sparta. Her many former suitors have sworn to defend her marriage, making her departure with Paris a cause that can unite the Greek kings in war.

First appears in chapter 2

King of Sparta and Helen's husband. When Paris carries Helen away to Troy, Menelaus calls upon the oath once made by her suitors and joins his brother Agamemnon in gathering an army to recover her.

First appears in chapter 3

King of Mycenae, brother of Menelaus, and high commander of the Greek host. Proud and accustomed to obedience, he can unite many rival kings but repeatedly puts his own authority and honor ahead of harmony in the army.

First appears in chapter 3

The greatest young warrior among the Greeks, son of Peleus and Thetis. Achilles is almost impossible to defeat in battle and passionately concerned with honor. He comes to Troy knowing that a short life there may win him lasting fame.

First appears in chapter 3

King of Ithaca, a reluctant member of the Greek expedition and its most resourceful strategist. Odysseus relies on patience, disguise, persuasion, and inventive plans where other leaders reach first for strength.

First appears in chapter 4

The foremost prince and defender of Troy, eldest son of Priam and Hecuba. Hector is a formidable fighter, devoted husband and father, and dutiful commander who carries the city's hopes despite knowing the gods may not preserve it.

First appears in chapter 4

The aged king of Troy and father of Hector and Paris. Priam loves his family and city, yet his decision to protect Paris and Helen binds Troy to the consequences of Paris's actions.

First appears in chapter 5

Hector's wife and the mother of their small son. Andromache sees clearly what Hector's duty as Troy's champion may cost their family and begs him to value his life as well as his honor.

First appears in chapter 6

Achilles' beloved companion, gentler in manner than the warrior he follows. Patroclus shares Achilles' camp and loyalty, and becomes increasingly distressed when Achilles' quarrel keeps him from defending the hard-pressed Greeks.

First appears in chapter 7

A daughter of Priam gifted with true prophecy but cursed never to be believed. Cassandra sees danger hanging over Paris and Troy, yet her family dismisses the warnings she cannot prove.

First appears in chapter 9

A Trojan prince related to Priam's house and a capable defender of the city. He commands his own men among Troy's allies and fights under Hector's leadership.