Helen Kantakouzene, often seen as a historical figure rather than a legend, is remembered as the last empress of Trebizond. She was the second wife of David Megalokonnis, with whom she had five children, including sons Basil, Manuel, George, and a daughter, Anna, who married an Ottoman official. The family tree reflects their significant ties in a region impacted by the turbulent historical events of the time.

The fall of Trebizond to Mehmed II on August 15, 1461, marked a tragic turning point for Helen and her family. Following this event, the entire family was reportedly wiped out by Ottoman forces, leaving Helen with the stark realization of her heavy burden. Her life story is an embodiment of the struggles and the inherent responsibilities that come with her royal lineage, painted vividly against the backdrop of historical occurrences.

This narrative of Helen Kantakouzene has been immortalized in various cultural expressions, including a German poem written in 1855 that explores her legacy. As a symbol of resilience and loss, Helen serves as an important figure in the collective memory, especially in the context of the Pontus region's historical narrative, representing both cultural pride and the tragic impacts of conquest and power.