Dear Athena, I have a baby boy, a beautiful baby boy. I didn’t know that it was possible for another being to inspire so much joy, so much love, so much hope. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. But there is a catch: I am immortal, and he is not. So as well as all that love and joy, I am also filled with fear and dread. I know already that there is a day coming that will tear him away from me. How can I bear it?
I had so many reservations about marriage to a mortal, but this didn’t even occur to me.
To make matters more complicated, there is a prophecy about my son. He will either die young and be remembered as one of the greatest heroes who ever lived, or he can live out a long, undistinguished life and be lost to history. From my experience of young mortal men, I can guess which of those options will be the most appealing…
Is there any way that I can keep him safe? A loophole, a lucky charm, a bodyguard? My time with my precious child is already too brief, how can I ensure that I get as much as possible? –styx_and_stones
Athena says: Honestly, I’m surprised that this isn’t a problem that comes up more often. I mean, think about it, this must be a really common issue among the gods. Maybe someone should get a support group going.
I know that, particularly in light of the prophecy, it must be hard to avoid thinking about the future, but you are going to have to try if you and your son are to have any hope of enjoying a happy life.
This must be a really common issue among the gods
An awareness of mortality is something that humans have to deal with everyday, and now that you have been confronted with this very human awareness, you are going to have to do something else very human: put it to the back of your mind. Return yourself to the present and encourage your son to get the most out of every minute he is granted. You don’t want to find yourself filled with regret years from now, wishing that you had enjoyed the duration of your son’s life rather than fearing its end.
There are, of course, things that you can do to put your mind at rest for a while, which should enable you to live in the moment more easily. However, before I get into those, I have a question which – if I may say so – ties in very neatly with that idea. Can your son truly experience life to the full if he is protected from it? After all, what is human existence without risk? Mistakes must be made and learnt from, hearts must be broken and mended, injuries must be sustained and healed. While I understand your urge to protect your child at all costs, I would caution you against denying him his vulnerability.
Can your son truly experience life to the full if he is protected from it?
Now, with that word of warning behind us, let us turn to the matter of your son’s protection. Are you aware of the power of the river Styx? Bathing your son in its waters could shield him from wounds of the flesh, very useful if he is indeed going to become a successful hero. Do be careful about leaving any weak spots if you decide to go down that route.
My next suggestion also happens to be my personal favourite. Teach him how to defend himself. Send him off Chiron and equip him with the best education an aspiring hero could wish for. How can he fulfil his destiny without first learning to wield a sword?
Another option is to hide him away. Put him out of sight and mind of all those who might wish to have the greatest hero who ever lived on their side. The issue with this is, of course, that it falls slightly into the ‘preventing him from experiencing life’ category. It also denies him a choice over his destiny. And in the end, it is his choice. You can, and indeed should, supply him with all the facts, make him aware of all the options, but whether he chooses a life that is long or legendary is down to him.
So do what you must to ensure his safety, but above all revel in the life you have created. You are a mother now, and worry will be second nature, but don’t allow it to prevent you from loving every second you spend with your son.
Dear Athena 