Long before the events that sparked the Trojan War, when Priam and Hecuba born Paris, Paris was fated to be the downfall of Troy. In an attempt to avoid that disaster by sending off Paris, the royal couple unwittingly sealed their fate, for it was Paris’ shepherd-hood that placed him in the position of giving the golden apple. Although Priam and Hecuba most likely understood the confines of fate, they did not lie submissively by allowing the future downfall of their city-state to remain in the place he was fated to destroy. They logically knew that they could not prevent the prophecy from fulfilling, but at least they could enact some part of control by shipping Paris off. With all this background knowledge, Hector waged war on his foolish brother’s behalf and defended Troy with all his might. Andromache implores Hector to stay home and enjoy the remaining life of the city with family, but Hector would not have it. He insists that, yes, “the day will come for sacred Troy must die,” but he rather seize the moment and flight with the utmost courage to defend his nation and to claim glory. Moreover, he reiterates that “no one alive has ever escaped [fate]” since we are born with it, and Hector knows he must fight against the fated death of Troy. In his dying breaths, Hector does not beg Achilles’ for mercy like a spineless coward but rather reminds Achilles that his own fate will catch him soon
Long before the events that sparked the Trojan War, when Priam and Hecuba born Paris, Paris was fated to be the downfall of Troy. In an attempt to avoid that disaster by sending off Paris, the royal couple unwittingly sealed their fate, for it was Paris’ shepherd-hood that placed him in the position of giving the golden apple. Although Priam and Hecuba most likely understood the confines of fate, they did not lie submissively by allowing the future downfall of their city-state to remain in the place he was fated to destroy. They logically knew that they could not prevent the prophecy from fulfilling, but at least they could enact some part of control by shipping Paris off. With all this background knowledge, Hector waged war on his foolish brother’s behalf and defended Troy with all his might. Andromache implores Hector to stay home and enjoy the remaining life of the city with family, but Hector would not have it. He insists that, yes, “the day will come for sacred Troy must die,” but he rather seize the moment and flight with the utmost courage to defend his nation and to claim glory. Moreover, he reiterates that “no one alive has ever escaped [fate]” since we are born with it, and Hector knows he must fight against the fated death of Troy. In his dying breaths, Hector does not beg Achilles’ for mercy like a spineless coward but rather reminds Achilles that his own fate will catch him soon