Why were the princes of Greece bound to help Menelaus get Helen back from Troy? Why were they eager to help?

The princes of Greece were bound to help Menelaus retrieve Helen from Troy due to an oath that they all took prior to her marriage. When Helen, the daughter of Zeus, was to be married, her numerous suitors—including many powerful princes and kings of Greece—were forced to swear an oath to defend the chosen husband against any wrongdoers. Menelaus, who was eventually chosen to be Helen's husband, became the beneficiary of this oath. When Helen was taken by Paris, a Trojan prince, Menelaus invoked this oath, calling upon all the other suitors to honor their promise and aid him in retrieving her. The princes were not only bound by their word but were also motivated by a sense of honor and loyalty to their fellow suitor and king. Moreover, supporting Menelaus would reinforce their own status and power within the Greek world—an important consideration given the political and social landscapes of the time. The alliance created by this shared commitment led to the formation of a large Greek force that ultimately set sail for Troy, marking the beginning of the Trojan War. Aside from the honor and loyalty, many of the princes were also eager to help due to the prospect of glory and adventure involved in the campaign against Troy, a city known for its wealth and strategic importance. Additionally, there was a strong sense of camaraderie among the Greek leaders, and they were likely motivated by the potential gains in terms of land, riches, and prestige from participating in such a renowned conflict.