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

For similar reasons, “The Odyssey” is very much a star-laden production, including in smaller roles Jon Bernthal as Sparta’s King Menelaus, Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and Zendaya as the goddess Athena.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026

The Oscar-winning actress playing Helen of Troy told Elle she’s heard some of the criticism, but doesn’t think it’s worth much thought.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

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

Helen of Troy Ltd., down $15.14 to $154.75.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2022

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