Hector is cognizant of the prophecy that Troy will fall when the Greek warriors raid the Temple of Athena in Troy. In Book 6 of the poem, he warns his father, King Priam, of this impending doom and urges him to return the sacred statue of Athena to the Greeks in an attempt to appease the goddess and potentially avert disaster. However, his pleas go unheeded, and the fall of Troy remains imminent.
Hector's acceptance of his fate is particularly evident in his farewell to his wife, Andromache, and their young son, Astyanax. This heart-wrenching scene portrays Hector's profound love and concern for his family, but also his stoic recognition that he may never see them again. Notably, Hector predicts his own death by Achilles' hand and anticipates the suffering that awaits Andromache and the Trojan women after Troy's fall.
Hector's awareness of his fate is coupled with a deep sense of duty and loyalty to his city and its people. Despite his personal desires, he remains steadfast in his commitment to defend Troy and preserve its honor, even if it means sacrificing his own life. This unwavering sense of duty drives Hector to perform heroic deeds on the battlefield, earning the admiration of both the Trojans and the Greeks.
In conclusion, Hector possesses a profound understanding of his fate and the fate of Troy. While this knowledge fills him with sorrow and trepidation, he confronts his destiny with courage, honor, and a selfless devotion to his homeland and loved ones. Hector's character stands as a tragic hero in Greek literature, embodying both the greatness and vulnerability of the human spirit in the face of an inescapable destiny.