#example: that one Cypria fragment that has Zeus and Nemesis as the parents of Helen so she's straight up a goddess herself (?!?!)

[red-moon-at-night]

The impeccable drama of a Judgment of Paris interpretation that chooses to have Aphrodite disguised in the appearance of Helen and say "Grant me your apple cast from gold ... Take me as your reward" is so SO incredibly good what a galaxy-brained idea

AND THEN all of the tension and conflict created between Paris and Helen through him constantly referring to her as "Sweet Aphrodite" and "goddess"... Like it starts off very endearing for Helen in Perfect Stranger ("He called out a name meant for me") but quickly turns sour in Paris In Court and Any Fool Could See - Paris has precisely 0 brain cells and is quite possibly the densest lead role I've ever come across. His naivete and optimism is actually quite scary (especially at the beginning of Any Fool Could See) and the constant kneeling and devotion towards Helen is just *chefs kiss*

Helen becomes less of a person and more of a symbol of love (to Paris) and war (to everyone else). The line delivery of "I become the object / Of such bitterness / And fear" in Hell Or High Water tugs at my heartstrings. Sheila Parker's performance throughout the musical absolutely elevates Helen's character, her vocals are AMAZING honestly.

There's layers to it I'm not going to be able to put into words or do justice right now but that's okay. TL;DR: "One goddess / One human counterpart". It's such a fun twist on that myth!!