Helen of Troy is arguably our most enduring cultural icon. She is also one of the most polarizing and least understood, with an unsurpassed ability to create controversy. Her nature, however, remains elusive. This essay examines Helen’s history in literature within the context of Indo-European religion and Bronze Age history and by applying a multidisciplinary approach, suggests there may be parallel traditions about Helen which could account for the view she epitomizes the kalon kakon (beautiful evil). The essay’s purpose is less to present conclusions than to stimulate discussion of different ways to explore Helen’s ambiguous character. Keep reading…