This paper
looks at how one of the most controversial characters in Greek mythology is that of Helen which has been discussed
over and over again by various
authors. According to some authors, Helen is an inspirational female, transcending the strict boundaries imposed on Greek women. On the other hand, some authors think of her as a deceitful and shameful woman which was primarily the cause of death of thousands of Trojan and Greek soldiers. It
looks at how these differences can be observed in the lyric poetry, art and in epic tradition and how writers such as Homer and Alkaios share the negative views about Helen, while authors like Sappho portray her as an innocent being.