Greek MythsFamous Myths

The Trojan Horse

A clever deception leads to the fall of Troy after a ten-year siege.

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Illustration for The Trojan Horse - a famous myths Greek Myths story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Experience the legendary tale of The Trojan Horse, where Greek ingenuity and a wooden gift brought the fall of Troy. A classic myth of war and deception.

After ten years of grueling siege, the Greeks appeared to admit defeat. Following a brilliant plan by Odysseus, they constructed a massive wooden horse and left it outside the gates of Troy, while their fleet sailed out of sight. A Greek named Sinon convinced the Trojans that the horse was an offering to Athena, intended to bring her favor to Troy. Despite the warnings of the priest Laocoön and the prophetess Cassandra, the Trojans pulled the horse into their city to celebrate their victory. That night, as the city slept in drunken celebration, Odysseus and a band of elite warriors emerged from the hollow belly of the horse. They opened the gates for the returning Greek army, leading to the total destruction of Troy.

The Moral

Be cautious of unexpected gifts from enemies, as strategy and deception can often succeed where brute force fails.

“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.”

Fun Fact

The phrase 'Beware of Greeks bearing gifts' is a translation of the Latin line 'Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes' from Virgil's Aeneid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Trojan Horse?

The moral is to be wary of enemies bearing gifts and to remain vigilant even in victory. It teaches that intellectual strategy can be more effective than physical strength alone.

Who came up with the idea for the Trojan Horse?

Odysseus, the king of Ithaca known for his cunning and wit, conceived the plan. He realized that the walls of Troy could only be breached through deception rather than direct assault.

Did the Trojan Horse actually exist in history?

While the Trojan War may have historical roots, there is no archaeological evidence of the wooden horse. Most historians believe it is a literary device or a metaphor for a siege engine.

Who warned the Trojans not to take the horse inside?

The priest Laocoön and the prophetess Cassandra both warned against the gift. Laocoön famously stated he feared the Greeks even when they brought gifts, but his warnings were ignored.

How did the Greeks get inside the city of Troy?

A small group of elite soldiers hid inside the hollow wooden horse. Once the Trojans brought the horse inside their gates, the soldiers crept out at night and opened the city gates for the rest of the Greek army.

Why did the Trojans believe the horse was a gift?

The Greeks left behind a soldier named Sinon, who pretended to have been abandoned. He told a convincing lie that the horse was a sacred offering to the gods that would make Troy impregnable.