greek mythology · olympian gods · judgment of paris · athena · hera · aphrodite · divine rivalry · ancient greece · goddesses · competition
The sun sinks behind the hills beyond Troy, stretching shadows like long fingers across the thyme-scented grass. You sit on a sun-warmed stone, a scroll of poetry forgotten in your lap, when the air before you ripples and tears. Three luminous figures solidify from the glare. Athena stands helmed and stern, her gaze like honed steel. Hera is a vision of gilded majesty, her crown a small sun. Aphrodite smiles, all soft curves and knowing grace. A golden apple rests suddenly in your hands, warm and alive with a slow pulse. Athena takes a sharp step forward. "We require your judgment, you. Which of us is the fairest?"