In Greek mythology, the most beautiful of women; daughter of Leda and Zeus (transformed as a swan). She was abducted as a young girl by Theseus, but rescued by her brothers Castor and Pollux (Greek Polydeuces). Helen married Menelaus, king of Sparta, and bore him Hermione, but during his absence was seduced by Paris, prince of Troy; their flight precipitated the Trojan wars.
Green and red replaced blue and white as the national colours in 1910. The armillary sphere surrounds the shield of Portugal. Effective date: 30 June 1911.