Helen of Troy, a.k.a. Fair or Beautiful Helen, is one of the most recongizable figures in global literature.

But even though all texts agree that Helen is a woman of unsurpassed beauty, which was the reason for the most bloody war in ancient Greek mythology, nobody can describe her accurately.

A few features about her physical form are given by Homer, saying that she has white hands and beautiful hair. Not too helpfull really. We do not know if she is tall and blond or medium and redhair. If her eyes are brown and her front teeth big. Not even her age aproximatelly.

This is bizarre considering that the rest of the Heliad characters have a small description, some details which help us to form an image. For example Ajax the Great is a huge person wielding an equally huge sheild. Nestor is an old man, so he must have white hair and beard. Menelaus is blond with wide shoulders. Only Helen is «shapeless».

In my opinion the best answer to it, is given by the modern Greek Philosopher Dimitris Liantinis when he claims that Homer did it on purpose.

You see, if he had shaped Helen in a specific way, having a big bust let’s say, those who do not like busty women would not consider her that beautiful. But now, that each and every one can use his/her personal criteria and mold her as he/she wishes, Helen will remain Fair in eternity.

The relevant video is unfortunately in Greek, but if you find someone to translate it for you, is definitely worths your time watching it.