In 1184 BC, King Agamemnon unites the Greek kingdoms. Achilles, a mighty warrior, fights for Agamemnon but is sickened by his vicious leadership. Meanwhile, Prince Hector of Troy and his brother Paris forge a peace treaty with Menelaus, King of Sparta. Paris begins an affair with Menelaus's wife, Queen Helen, and he smuggles her aboard his homebound vessel. Angered, Menelaus meets Agamemnon, his elder brother, and asks him to help take Troy. Agamemnon agrees, as conquering Troy would give him control of the Aegean Sea. Agamemnon sends Odysseus, King of Ithaca, to persuade Achilles to join them. Conflicted, Achilles seeks guidance from his mother, Thetis, who tells him that if he remains in Larissa, he will live a peaceful life, while going to Troy will bring him eternal glory. Inspired by her words and the promise of lasting fame, Achilles chooses to join the war.
