Critically comment on the duel between Paris and Menelaus NU Homer c - BCE presents many battles and duels in his epic The Iliad BCE The duel between Paris and Menelaus is very important It was meant to end the war but it shows both fate and trickery The Challenge The war begins because Paris takes Helen from Menelaus To avoid more blood both sides agree on a duel Paris first offers to fight in single combat Menelaus accepts the challenge with strong anger Both sides agree that the winner will keep Helen This shows hope for peace Weakness of Paris Paris proves weak in the duel with Menelaus Menelaus is stronger and nearly kills him Paris is saved only by the goddess Aphrodite She takes him away from danger This shows Paris as cowardly and dependent on divine help Failure of The Oath The Greeks and Trojans had sworn