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Myths and Legends: The Judgement of Paris
Peter Paul Rubens, 'The Judgement of Paris', about 1600. London, The National Gallery. In Greek mythology, Paris was the son of King Priam of Troy. At his birth, it was prophesied that he would bring ruin to the city, so he was abandoned in the forest to die. However, shepherds rescued him and raised him as their own son. When he was an adult, Paris was asked to decide which of three goddesses was the most beautiful: Venus, Goddess of Love; Juno, wife of Jupiter the ruler of the gods or Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom. Each offered him a bribe, but he chose Venus who had promised to reward him with the love of any woman he chose. Paris awarded her the prize of a golden apple, inscribed 'To the fairest'. The jealousy and anger of the other goddesses led to the prophesised fall of Troy, and is often shown in their expressions, gestures or posture. See Also
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