Refractions of Homer's Helen in Archaic Lyric

Homer in general, and Helen in particular, were of great interest to the lyric poets. This paper examines ways in which major fragments of Alcaeus, Ibycus and Sappho select and combine aspects of the Iliadic Helen in order to pursue various poetic agendas, providing diverse perspectives on the complex issues of Helen's choice, agency, beauty and eroticism. Since Helen, like Pandora, is a kalon kakon, it proves impossible to praise or blame her unambiguously.