Book III

The armies advance, with the Trojans shouting and the Greeks marching silently through the dust.

Paris challenges the Greeks, but upon seeing Menelaus, he retreats in fear into the Trojan ranks.

Hector scolds Paris for his cowardice, reminding him of the ruin he has brought upon Troy.

Paris proposes a single combat against Menelaus to end the war, which Hector and Agamemnon facilitate.

Hector announces the duel, and Menelaus accepts, outlining the sacrifices required to seal the pact.

As the armies prepare for the truce, the goddess Iris visits Helen to tell her of the duel.

Helen goes to the city walls, where Trojan elders marvel at her beauty and Priam asks her to identify a Greek hero.

Helen identifies the great warrior as Agamemnon, her former brother-in-law, and Priam praises his might.

Helen identifies Odysseus, and the elder Antenor recalls his impressive diplomatic visit and powerful speech.

Helen identifies Ajax and Idomeneus but laments the absence of her brothers, unaware they are dead.

Heralds summon King Priam to the battlefield to seal the truce before the duel commences.

Agamemnon swears an oath to the gods, the victims are sacrificed, and both armies pray.

Priam departs, the lists are prepared, the lot falls to Paris, and the two champions arm themselves.

Paris and Menelaus fight; Paris's spear fails, while Menelaus's spear hits and his sword shatters.

Venus saves Paris from Menelaus, transports him to his bedroom, and then goes to fetch Helen.

Helen angrily refuses to go to Paris, but Venus threatens her into obedience.

Helen goes to Paris, scolds him for his cowardice, but he persuades her to join him in bed.

While Paris and Helen are in bed, Agamemnon declares Menelaus the victor and demands the Trojans fulfill their oath.