Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Many tales might be clear, and yet not true.

The story of Helen that has her sailing off to Troy with seducer Paris, leaving behind her husband and home, is clear; but is it true? In Helen, Euripides provides an alternative version of Helen’s tale, one that was suggested by Herodotus some thirty years earlier. Helen never went to Troy. Instead, after rivalry among gods over Paris, Hermes whisks her off to Egypt while a phantom takes Helen’s shape to accompany Paris to Troy. While Troy falls, Helen remains in Egypt, faithfully awaiting the arrival of her lawful husband Menelaus, under especial protection of king Proteus. Proteus dies - and this is where the play begins.

The back cover of my collection of Euripides� plays describes Helen as a comedy, which I find strange. Sure, there are moments of lightheartedness, and Euripides parodies himself in several places; but the overall impression one receives, which is solidified in the beginning of the play, is one tragedy. While the play does end on a rather happy note (depending, to be fair, on your sympathies), Helen’s early despair is symptomatic:

Strong griefs ask strong lamenting. Who shall be
Pattern and partner to my crying soul?
What tearful song can match the toll
Of deep pain paid by silent misery?

I adore these lines, and this play so far is my favorite by Euripides.