Final answer:
The return of the two brothers to Troy signifies the tragic unfolding of their fates, highlighted in stories and artifacts like the Etruscan vase and the legends surrounding the fall of Thebes and Troy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the two brothers from the story of Troy return, it implies the end of their fateful journey and the fulfillment of their destinies. Achilles and Ajax, as depicted on the Etruscan vase, portray a moment of respite from battle, with undertones of their imminent tragic fates. The game of dice between them, showing Achilles with the higher roll, is a metaphor for the destiny that awaits them after the battle is over.
The reference to Antigone reflects upon the aftermath of the Greek brothers' story, where one brother is honored while the other is denied a proper burial, leading to familial and political tension in Thebes. This resonance with the Trojan story underscores themes of fate, heroism, and the temporary nature of glory and power, as emphasized by the reflection of Scipio on the ruins of once-mighty cities. The tragic outcome of these brothers' journeys serves as a reminder of the unpredictable whims of fortune and the inescapable nature of fate.