Helen/Hellena
 The legends regarding Helen are extremely complicated and confusing. Most prevalent: Daughter of Zeus and Leda, who Zeus seduced while in the guise of a swan. Helen was one result of that union and has been described as having the stature and bearing of a goddess, the radiant complexion and sleekness of a swan, and the most beautiful, large blue eyes extant. She was abducted, at the age of twelve, by Theseus, who was enamored of her beauty even at that tender age. Castor and
Polydeuces, her brothers, followed to rescue her. As Castor was recognized as the world's best boxer and Polydeuces as the world's best wrestler, they had little trouble convincing the aging Theseus to relinquish his prize and allow her to return home. But her beauty was so great, and
so reknown, that soon her father's (King Tyndareus) castle was filled with brawling chieftains from everywhere, all contending for her hand. Tyndareus was afraid to pick a husband for her, for he knew all to well  the "losers" would declare war on his kingdom and lay it to waste. Odysseus, one of the suitors(!), came up with a logical plan, which Tyndareus decided to follow. All the suitors would join in swearing an oath to abide by Tyndareus' choice, keep peace among themselves, and unite in war against anyone who might try to steal Helen from her  husband. When they had all sworn this oath, Tyndareus, being no dummy, chose Menelaus, brother to Agamennon, the most powerful king in the territory, and then declared that Menelaus would succeed him (Tyndareus) as king. They lived happily (Menelaus and Helen) until Aphrodite appeared to Helen in a dream, and explained to her that she, Aphrodite, had promised Paris (in order to bribe him to award her the Golden Apple that was supposed to go to the most beautiful woman in the cosmos) that he could have Helen as his own. So Helen was prepared to be abducted by Paris, and indeed was not reluctant at the prospect of having a young and strong lover.This was the spark that set off The Trojan War.
 
 
 

Leda
Wife of Tyndareus, king of Sparta. In some myths Leda was seduced by Zeus, who appeared as a
swan (which can be seen, faintly, in the picture at left). She bore two eggs: from one issued Castor and Clytemnestra, from the other Pollux and Helen of Troy. Another version has Zeus pursuing
Nemesis who changes into a goose; whereupon he changes into a swan and couples with her. She then laid an egg (or two, the stories vary) which she gave to Leda to protect, and from which the above four are born.
 
 

Perse
Perse was one of the underworld moon Goddesses. She was the consort of Helios and bore Circe and Pasiphae. She was also called Neaira or the New One, the embodiment of the New Moon.
 

 

                                                  
 
 
 

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