TH 45: Ilion 7: Play of the Gods

Zeus was watching the great city of Troy and its people which was on the verge of destruction. Ordinary people unaware of the threat are busy in their normal life. Then he comes to his heavenly abode and watches the moods of gods. All the gods responsible for the different attributes discuss about the destiny of man on earth and their part to play. Poseidon, Apollo, Aphrodite, Athena, Hera, Eris – all these gods spoke their part. But Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, is going to be affected most as the whole war was being fought for Paris and Helen. So even the gods have taken the decision to bring down Troy, Aphrodite must work for love and beauty. It shows the unique nature of love. Indeed she declares war of love against all other gods including Zeus because if love is lost, then there is no hope for man. Then Apollo, the god of wisdom, says that though the destruction is inevitable, he will work in men to go beyond limitations and inspire them to go further. Sri Aurobindo has very beautifully described roles of the gods and their contribution to the destiny of men.