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• 1 2025-06-25T20:06:55-04:00 Scene from "Troy" by Wolfgang Petersen, contributed by Charles Wang (2025) 3 plain 2025-06-25T20:14:23-04:00
  
  Achilles, the greatest warrior during the Trojan War, is talking to Briseis. Briseis was captured during the Greeks’ first attack on Troy, and given to Achilles as a prize. Achilles claims to have seen the gods and asks Briseis why she blindly prays to them, asserting that the “romance is one-sided.” He then teaches her something she’s never learned about the gods:

   “The gods envy us . . . they envy us because we’re mortal . . . because any moment might be our last . . . everything is more beautiful because we’re doomed . . . you will never be lovelier than you are now . . . we will never be here again.” 

  When I was younger, I was terribly afraid of the idea of death. I vividly remember crying when first realizing that humans inevitably die, wishing for some miracle that makes me immortal. This clip helped me reframe that fear and appreciate the extra beauty in life that stems from its impermanence, which Achilles suggests is a gift that even the gods envy. I think this is a resource for those dealing with loss because it can alleviate a little pain by emphasizing death as a natural part of life. Moreover, the line “. . . any moment might be our last . . . everything is more beautiful because we’re doomed . . .” emphasizes that unexpected or senseless death does not erase the significance and beauty of anyone’s life. 
  
  This may not be the most appropriate source for someone dealing with a very recent loss. However, given time, it can serve as a powerful reminder to honor the loss and the life of the person who passed and spur a sense of commemoration.