How does the story of Laocoon and his sons play a part in the Trojan's decision about what to do with the horse?

The story of Laocoon and his sons is a key element in the narrative surrounding the Trojan Horse in the context of the Trojan War, particularly as depicted in literature such as Virgil's "Aeneid." In this tale, Laocoon was a Trojan priest of Apollo who warned his fellow Trojans not to trust the Greeks or the wooden horse they had left at the gates of Troy. Laocoon famously exclaimed, "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes," which translates to "I fear the Greeks, even when they bring gifts." His ominous warning was due to his suspicion that the horse was a deceptive ploy and would lead to the destruction of Troy. However, Laocoon's warning was tragically cut short. As he spoke, he and his two sons were attacked by giant serpents sent by the gods, which ultimately killed them. This horrifying event served to further convince the Trojans that Laocoon was wrong and that he was punished for his dire warnings, thus reinforcing the notion that the horse was a gift rather than a threat. In the aftermath of this incident, the Trojans, swayed by feelings of fear, superstition, and ultimately, disbelief in Laocoon's message, decided to bring the horse into the city as a trophy of victory over the Greeks. This choice ultimately led to their downfall, as the Greeks hidden inside the horse emerged at night and opened the gates for the remaining Greek forces, culminating in the fall of Troy. Thus, Laocoon's story highlights the themes of misinterpretation, the consequences of ignoring warnings, and the tragic dimensions of fate within the broader narrative of the Trojan War. It illustrates the critical moment when the Trojans dismissed caution in favor of their desire for victory and closure, which directly led to their destruction.