Book 3

What I found interesting was the characterization of Paris in book 3. He is regarded as one of the bravest Trojan warriors but as soon as he sees Menelaus, he cowards. Ironic how he has enough courage to steal another man's wife but when it came down to fighting that very man, Aphrodite had to step in and rescue him. They both agreed that whoever won the fight would keep Helen. But Paris is very sneaky as Aphrodite rescues him in the midst of battle just as Menelaus is about to finish him off and escorts Paris to his marriage bed with Helen. There was no honor in his actions and makes Paris look like a sneaky, coward which makes me question his power and authority. In Iliad 3.40-42, Hektor tells Paris that he wishes he was dead because the shame and humiliation brought upon by him gives the whole army a bad name. Nobody really seems to like or even respect Paris. And quite frankly, he doesn't really give them a reason to.