Helen of Troy is a figure from ancient Greek mythology, often described as the most beautiful woman in the world. She was the daughter of Zeus and Leda and was married to Menelaus, the king of Sparta. Her abduction by Paris, a prince of Troy, sparked the Trojan War, a legendary conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans. In literature, Helen is often portrayed as a symbol of beauty and desire, but her story also raises themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of war. The events surrounding her life are famously recounted in works like Homer's Iliad and The Odyssey.