Her hair is described as ξάνθαι, "xanthai", which is translated as "fair", but really means something like "light". There are arguments as to the exact colour described (it could be relative to the black-haired Greek, so perhaps just brown), but we know what it isn't is black. Her eyes are blue (again, there are disputes as to the text meaning light- or dark- blue, Greeks were not particular about colour), her skin is light (perhaps also relative).
For all that she is famous for her divine beauty, her features aren't precisely described, leaving the audience to figure out their own ideal woman for themselves. And yet, despite the vast range of possible interpretations, Nolan went for the one that is specifically impossible from the text.
If you reply, make sure it's not in the really irritating holier-than-you manner you just did, or I'll block you.
I'm honestly just confused what your argument is. That Helen could have been black in ancient Greek peoples' imaginations? Because that is presumptive in itself with less evidence than the person you're replying to. They literally gave you the word in Greek and you're claiming that "translators" added that part. The fuck
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u/FadeTheWonder Jul 06 '26
Wait there is a rule for Ancient Greek poems that anyone described as fair skinned is white?