Definition

Proper noun 1. A figure from Greek mythology: Helen of Troy is the daughter of Zeus and Leda, renowned as the most beautiful woman in the world. Her abduction by Paris, a prince of Troy, was the catalyst for the Trojan War.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The story of Helen of Troy is central to Homer's epic poem, the Iliad.
  • Many ancient texts describe Helen of Troy as "the face that launched a thousand ships."

Advanced Usage

• "Helen of Troy" as a symbol: The name is often used metaphorically to represent a person or thing of extraordinary beauty that causes great conflict or desire.
  • The actress was hailed as the modern Helen of Troy, whose presence seemed to cause rivalry wherever she went.

Variants and Related Words

• Helen (Proper noun): The common shortened form of the name.
  • In some versions of the myth, Helen returns to Sparta with Menelaus after the war.

Synonyms

• The Spartan Queen: Referring to her role as the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta.
• Daughter of Zeus: Highlighting her divine parentage.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "The face that launched a thousand ships": A famous idiom directly referencing Helen of Troy, meaning a person or event that causes a massive, consequential undertaking.
  • His inflammatory speech was the face that launched a thousand ships, leading the nation into conflict.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War