The Aeneid The Roman Epic

Virgil– The Roman Homer Regarded by the Romans as their greatest poet Began The Aeneid in 29 BCE Worked on it till his death in 19 BCE Requested that it be burned Published by Emperor Augustus despite Virgil’s wishes (Homer’s works were composed between 750 and 650 B.C.E.)

Virgil v. Homer: Similarities: Differences: Both begin “in media res” (in the middle of things) Invoke help in telling the story Include “Homeric” similes and epithets Differences: Homer’s epic was an oral one, created for illiterate people Virgil wrote his epic Could pay attention to his choice of words and structure

The Odyssey of Aeneas Romans used a Trojan hero, an enemy of the Greeks, as the creator of their civilization—Aeneas This version of Roman history emphasized the idea that the gods had always meant for Romans to rule the world.  Aeneas’ journey parallels that of Odysseus’ Each begins at the end of the Trojan War Both had to overcome obstacles placed in their paths by deities Found romance along the way Both traveled to the Underworld in search of guidance

So, what’s the difference? Odysseus weathered challenges to get home to his wife and son. Aeneas had no home; his quest was to establish a new home for himself and his fellow Trojans.

The Virgilian Hero Pawn of the gods, like Greeks Fate revealed through visits from deceased relatives (shades) Usually has one or more divine beings on his side and against him (Venus, Apollo, Neptune)

Aeneas Demigod: Son of a deity and a mortal Anchises and Venus

Aeneas Aeneas was one of few Trojans who escaped Troy alive. Aeneas was destined to found a new race of people– protected in war by Poseidon. He led 20 shiploads of Trojans in search of a new home.

Roman Values: Pietas vs. Furor Virgil separates these two traits into two characters to illustrate the conflict between them and how they both exist within any human. *Not mutually exclusive furor: to be ruled by passions and selfishness following excitement and emotion; the precedence of the individual over the group pietas: dutifulness, doing what was right for the family, the community, the civilization, and the gods.

DIVINE CHARACTERS Jupiter (Zeus), the most powerful god, who appears almost neutral as he has the task of carrying out the degrees of Fate. Juno (Hera), queen of the gods, who hates the Trojans and constantly thwarts their efforts to carry out their mission. Venus (Aphrodite), goddess of love and beauty, mother of Aeneas and his chief protector against Juno’s ill will. Minerva (Athena), goddess of wisdom, crafts and war, who favored Ulysses and helped the Greeks destroy Troy. Neptune (Poseidon), god of the sea, friendly to Aeneas. Aeolus, god of the wind