How Old Is Paris in the Iliad?

In Homer’s Iliad, Paris is depicted as a young man, typically portrayed as being in his late teens to early twenties. The epic itself does not explicitly state his age, but various interpretations of the text and background stories suggest that he is relatively young compared to other characters. Paris, also known as Alexander, is the son of King Priam of Troy and is often associated with both the youthful vigor of a warrior and the naivety that comes with his decisions, particularly in relation to Helen of Sparta.

His youth is significant in the narrative as it highlights his impulsive nature and the consequences of his actions, which ultimately lead to the Trojan War. The characters around him, such as Hector, his older brother, often serve as a contrast to his behavior, emphasizing the themes of maturity and responsibility. Thus, while we cannot pinpoint an exact age, Paris is generally understood to be in a developmental stage of young adulthood throughout the epic.

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