Helen of Troy: The Face that Launched One Thousand Ships One of the most complex and intriguing figures in Greek mythology. Helen was the daughter of Leda and Zeus, sister of Klytemnestra, Kastor and Pollux and wife of Menelaos. Before her marriage she was abducted by Theseus her abduction by Paris caused the Trojan War. In the Iliad, 3 she is depicted watching the Greek army from the walls of Troy, identifying the leaders for Priam, later in the same book, when Aphrodite wants her to go to Paris she both recognises the goddess despite her disguise and tries to resist her commands, as few other mortals dare to do.