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The Cost of Immortality
From Ancient Greece to J.K. Rowling
The Ancient Greek heroes who sought immortal fame didn’t live happily ever after and Harry Potter teaches us that immortality should never be used for personal gain. Where does that leave J.K. Rowling?
What the Greeks knew about immortality
Greek mythology recounts the stories of both gods and men: immortals and mortals. While all humans must accept their inevitable deaths, they may become immortal through fame; their deeds may be woven into myth, and in this way, they may live forever in the memories of future generations.
Several Greek heroes achieve immortality in this way, especially through great campaigns, such as the Trojan War and the quest for the Golden Fleece. However, as is the way with Greek tragedies, it doesn’t usually end well for the heroes.
One of the main heroes of the Trojan War was Achilles, the agile warrior. Through battle, he gains his immortality, but he also loses his closest companion, Patroclus, rumoured to be his lover. Maddened with grief, he seeks revenge and eventually is killed in battle. All in all, he gains immortality but loses his lover and himself.
Another great hero is Jason, who sets off on a quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece and regain his father’s…
