Helen of Troy

Cultural  

1. In classical mythology, the most beautiful woman in the world, a daughter of Zeus by Leda. Her abduction by Paris led to the Trojan War (see also Trojan War). Helen's was “the face that launched a thousand ships”: the entire Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back. (See Judgment of Paris.)

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Example Sentences

Actress Lupita Nyong'o has told people who have criticised her casting as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey to remember that "this is a mythological story".

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Supporters of Nyong’o’s casting note that Helen of Troy is not a historical figure bound to a single visual interpretation, but a literary and symbolic character whose meaning has shifted across cultures and eras.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

During her sit-down, the star reflected on her 2004 movie "Troy" where she played Helen of Troy opposite Brad Pitt.

From Fox News • Mar. 15, 2022

Helen of Troy Ltd., up $12.83 to $230.87.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2021

She sheathed Katoptris, wondering how Helen of Troy had stayed sane during the Trojan War, if this blade had been her only source of news.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan