* She is a victim of circumstance: Helen is abducted by Paris, a Trojan prince, and taken away against her will. While she eventually chooses to stay with him, it's important to remember the coercion involved in her initial abduction.
* She is portrayed as beautiful and intelligent: The poem emphasizes Helen's beauty and intelligence, describing her as a woman who is admired by both gods and mortals. This is not a typical portrayal of a wicked temptress.
* She expresses remorse for her actions: Helen expresses regret for the suffering she caused and acknowledges the devastation that resulted from her elopement. In fact, she actively works to reconcile with her brother, Menelaus, and seeks to restore peace between Troy and Greece.
* She is not a villain in the story: While Helen's actions are a catalyst for the Trojan War, her character is not inherently wicked. She is depicted as a complex woman who is both loved and admired.
However, it's true that Helen's actions have consequences that align with the traditional temptress archetype:
* Her beauty leads to war and bloodshed: Helen's beauty sparks the Trojan War, resulting in the death of countless men. This connects to the traditional idea of a temptress leading men astray.
* She is associated with the Trojan Horse, a symbol of deceit and betrayal: Helen's presence in Troy, even if it was against her will, is linked to the Trojan Horse, a symbol of deception that led to Troy's downfall. This association further reinforces the temptress archetype.
Conclusion:
While Helen's actions and their consequences align with the traditional image of a temptress, it's important to remember that she is not portrayed as a purely evil character in the *Odyssey*. Homer presents her as a woman who is both admired and pitied, demonstrating that even those who cause great harm can be victims of circumstance and capable of remorse.