classical mythology

classical mythology

Project description
Debate Two Prompt:

Achilleus knows of a prophecy regarding his life and his ultimate fate:

For my mother Thetis of the silver feet tells me I carry two sorts of destiny toward the day of my death. Either, if I stay here and fight beside the city of the Trojans, my return home is gone, but my glory shall be everlasting; but if I return home to the beloved land of my fathers, the excellence of my glory is gone, but there will be a long life left for me, and my end in death will not come to me quickly (9, 410)

Achilleus, as a warrior, chooses the path that leads toward a short life and glorious death. Is this a wise choice? If you knew of a similar prophecy governing your own life, which path would you choose? Why?

‘For’ argument: ‘Everlasting glory’ is more desirable than a ‘long life’

‘Against’ argument: A ‘long life’ is more desirable than ‘everlasting glory’