Final answer:
Helen of Troy's fate after the Trojan War is not definitively known and varies across different tales; she may have returned to her husband Menelaus or faced exile. Archaeological evidence from excavations of ancient Troy suggests a historical basis to these stories, linking them to the Bronze Age civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fate of Helen of Troy, the mythological figure from ancient Greek literature, is entwined with the stories shared in the works of Homer and other historical legends. According to various tales, after the fall of Troy, Helen was either exiled or returned to her original husband, Menelaus. The rich tapestry of mythology portrays her differently across texts, some claiming divine ancestry and others hinting at a more mortal trajectory, entangled with the rise and fall of ancient cities and kingdoms.
Archaeological digs, particularly by Heinrich Schliemann, have unearthed the possible site of ancient Troy, giving a hint of historical accuracy to Homer's epics that speak about legendary figures involved in the Trojan War. Findings from such excavations, despite not being definitive about the factual existence of individuals like Helen, provide substantial evidence that the epics may be grounded in the Bronze Age's reality, aligning with the oral traditions that preserved memories of these ancient times.
Historical and archaeological studies have revealed much about the ancient Bronze Age kingdoms, corresponding to monumental fortifications, similar to those described in the Iliad. Yet, the ultimate fate of Helen of Troy is shrouded in myth rather than historical certainty, emphasizing her significance in the cultural and literary heritage of human civilization.