A Comparison of Virgil’s “Aeneid” with Homer’s Epic Poems

Andrew Stutts


            The Aeneid” was written by one of Rome's greatest poets named Publius Vergilius Maro or Virgil as he is commonly known.   The “Aeneid” is a magnificent ancient Roman national epic, and one of the most valuable pieces of literature ever written.  It takes a look at leadership and investigates the conflict between duty and desire.  Furthermore, “The Aeneid” expresses both Virgil’s tribute to Homer and his effort to go beyond the Homeric model and craft his own legendary epic.  Moreover, there are many similarities between Homer’s epic poems, “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”, and Virgil’s “Aeneid”.  Despite various similarities between Virgil’s “Aeneid” and Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”, there are fundamental differences in how the two epics represent issues such as the Trojan War and its participants.  Therefore, the intent of this paper is to compare and contrast Homer’s epic poems with Virgil’s “Aeneid”, concentrating on the distinctly  unique set of Roman cultural values and warrior ethos that set them apart from the Greeks.

            When comparing and contrasting Homer’s work with Virgil’s, it is essential to not only know who Virgil was but to analyze his motivation for writing “The Aeneid” as well. Virgil lived from 70-19 B.C.E.  He grew up and lived in a time of civil war and political upheaval.  Virgil was an introverted and unassuming poet who did not engage in politics or public life.  However, his poetic brilliance soon won him fame and caught the attention of the Roman Empire’s new leader Augustus Caesar.   (Davis 1174-1175)

Augustus Caesar entrusted Virgil with the commission to write a national epic, with the intent on creating for Rome what the “Iliad” and “The Odyssey” was for Greece.  Virgil was the only Roman poet willing to take on this overwhelming task.  Virgil started this project in about 29 B.C.E but died before he could complete it.  He had requested that it be destroyed before he died.  However, August Caesar ordered it completed and Varius Rufus ensured it was finished.  (Davis 1174- 1181)

Homer’s epic work had a direct and unequivocal impact on Virgil, one Rome’s finest poets ever.  Virgil not only used the Homeric style of writing to write the Aeneid, he used a Trojan hero mentioned by Homer as his leading character.  This hero as legend and tradition held fled the defeated and sacked Troy and eventually established Rome after a long arduous journey.  Furthermore, it is obvious that he drew heavily on material from both Homer’s “Iliad” and “The Odyssey” to create “The Aeneid”. 

            It not surprising that Virgil would use Homer’s “Iliad” and “The Odyssey” as both his model and inspiration when creating “The Aeneid”.  First of all, the Greek and Roman cultures were very comparable.  They shared various similar characteristics in their art, architecture, religion, and military.  Furthermore, Romans had a deep appreciation for Greek culture and sought to emulate its finest qualities.  The influence Greek culture had on the Roman culture increased with the expansion of the Roman Empire.  Additionally, due to the subjugation of the Greeks by the Romans, much of their literature is alike.  Probably the most influential piece of Greek literature was Homer’s epic poems “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”.  These epic poems by Homer had an enormous influence on Roman poets, especially Virgil.   

In fact, the influence that Homer’s epic poems, “The Iliad” and ‘The Odyssey,” exerted upon Virgil’s “Aeneid” is evident.  Virgil’s “Aeneid” has corresponding fundamentals in the design of its plot.  This can be seen in the following introductions of both “The Odyssey” and “The Aeneid”: “Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of that man skilled in all ways of contending, the wanderer, harried for years on end, after he plundered the stronghold of the proud height of Troy.” (Davis 421)  (Rosati) “My song is arms and a man, the first of Troy to come to Italy and Lavinian shores, a fated fugitive, harried on land and sea by heaven’s huge might and Juno’s endless hate, pummeled by wars, till he could found the City.”  (Davis 1181)  (Rosati)  It is effortless to see the resemblance in the introductions of these two poems but the similarities do not end there. (Rosati)

There are several more prominent similarities between “Virgil’s Aeneid” and the “Odyssey” worth mentioning.   Both “Virgil’s Aeneid” and the “Odyssey” begin with its main characters leaving Troy toward the conclusion of the Trojan War in search of home.  In “The Odyssey” the triumphant and victorious Odysseus departs the defeated city of Troy for his home in Ithaca.  In “The Aeneid”, Aeneas flees the beaten and ransacked city of Troy with his family in search of a new home.  (Rosati)

During their travels, Odysseus and Aeneas both encountered extremely difficult circumstances.  During their voyage, they both underwent and overcame great difficulties.  They were forced to contend with extremely arduous conditions and situations.  Each were delayed on their journeys and at times heading in the wrong direction.  Furthermore, Odysseus and Aeneas each incurred the anger and disdain of at least one of the gods. The two heroes were each helped and hindered by the gods, in addition to other people and entities.  They both were delayed on their journeys by amorous encounters with enchanting females.  Odysseus and Aeneas each conversed with habitants of the underworld to gain knowledge and inspiration for their cause.  (Rosati)

For example, Odysseus suffered through sea storms created by Poseidon and Aeneas was challenged by the strong opposing winds created by Aeolus, the wind-god.   Juno had directed Aeolus to be in opposition to Aeneas because she despised him.  Juno felt malice toward Aeneas only because he was a Trojan and she hated all Trojans.  Poseidon was angry at Odysseus for his arrogance and inflicting a blinding injury upon his Cyclops son, Polyphemus.  What is ironic is that Poseidon was hostile towards Odysseus but Aeolus aided him, whereas Aeolus was hostile toward Aeneas and helped by Poseidon.  (Rosati)

In “The Odyssey”, Odysseus met a powerful witch or sorceress named Kirke who could change men into animals.   The god Hermes informed Odysseus how to avoid being transformed into a beast.  However, Odysseus was so enchanted by Kirke that he temporarily lost his motivation and drive to return home to Ithaca.  In fact, Odysseus prolonged his return home to Ithaca and stayed with her for five years.  Afterwards, Odysseus stumbled upon a nymph named Calypso.  He was forced to stay with Calypso on her island another seven long years.  Odysseus was forced to stay because he did not have a ship and Calypso would not give her help or approval to leave.  That is until Zeus intervened and sent Hermes to order Calypso to not only release Odysseus but to aid him in his departure. (Rosati)

In Virgil’s “Aeneid”, Aeneas finds himself in a comparable circumstance when lands in the newly founded Kingdom of Carthage.   Here Aeneas finds himself in the entrancing companionship and loving arms of Queen Dido.  However, Jupiter is disconcerted regarding Dido obstructing Aeneas from fulfilling the destiny that the gods put in order for him.   Consequently, Cupid is sent by Jupiter to tell Dido to prepare Aeneas for his departure.   (Rosati)

Although there are numerous similarities among Homer’s epic poems, namely “The Odyssey” and Virgil’s “Aeneid” there are some significant differences.  First, the motivation of the two heroes, Odysseus and Aeneas, was different.  Odysseus wanted to return home to his kingdom.  Aeneas desperately wanted to settle and build a new kingdom and home for not only himself but also his people.  Moreover, there are even more fundamental differences in the two epics.  Obviously the views concerning the Trojan War are different in the two epics.  In addition to the opposing views of the war, there are differences in how the two epics view the participants in the war.  Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” praises and expounds the heroic virtues of the Greek warriors throughout its pages.  However, “Virgil’s Aeneid” portrays the Greek warrior and their ethics in a less than honorable light.  This is especially true concerning the Greek hero Odysseus. The “Odyssey” constantly lauds the guile and duplicity of Odysseus.  However, in Virgil’s “Aeneid” they constantly refer to him as cruel Ulysses, the Latin version of Odysseus name. It is clear that Odysseus’s cunning, deceitful, and treacherous nature was not viewed as honorable, heroic or praiseworthy in Virgil’s “Aeneid”.

One can also see the difference in values and priorities of the Roman culture compared to the Greek culture in these two epics. Although the Greeks and Romans societies have similarities in their values and priorities, there are some significant differences.  The Greeks seem to value individual heroic deeds and valor, even when they serve a selfish purpose.  When reading ancient Greek literature, especially the Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”, it would appear that the Greek culture believes it to be noble to seek glory and fame and any cost.  However, the Romans place more value on the deeds that benefit the common good of the state. It is easy to see in Virgil’s "Aeneid" that the most honored heroic acts were those of sacrificing individual needs for the duty to the state. (Goubert)

In Virgil’s “Aeneid” heroic values are displayed that are characteristic of the ancient Roman culture and warrior ethos.  These values cherished by the Romans are quite different than those espoused by the Greeks.  They include very distinctive ethics concerning ones duty to family, country and gods.  The difference between Roman and Greek values become quite apparent when comparing and contrasting Homer’s “Iliad” and “The Odyssey” with Virgil’s “Aeneid”.  (Goubert)

The core values of the Romans examined and scrutinized in Virgil’s “Aeneid” were gravitas, dignitas, and pietas.  Gravitas or gravity is a sense of the importance of the matter at hand, responsibility and earnestness.  Dignitas or dignity is a sense of self-worth and personal pride.   Pietas is usually translated as “duty” or “devotion,” and it simultaneously suggest duty to the gods and duty to family.  (Absolute Astronomy.com)   Pietas was probably the most important of the Roman values.  In contrast, impious furor, deception, and the pursuit of individual glory were thought of as unworthy traits or pursuits.  Impious furor was one of the most undesired emotions and the dictionary gives the following definition: “Impious: im-pi-ous (impē əs) adjective not pious; specif., 1. Lacking reverence for God 2. Lacking respect or dutifulness, as toward a parent Furor: Fu-ror (fyo̵orôr′, -ər) noun 1. Fury; rage; frenzy  2. a. a great, widespread outburst of admiration or enthusiasm; craze; rage b. a state of excitement or confusion; commotion or uproar.”  (Your Dictionary.com)
'Gravitas' is a quality of substance or depth of personality.Gravitas is one of the several Roman virtues expected Man to possess, along with pietas , Dignitas , and Justice ....

In Virgil’s “Aeneid” two very conflicting principles or emotions, furor and Pietas, are exhibited, examined and scrutinized.  Aeneas ultimately demonstrated Pietas and the distinctive traits of a Roman ruler.  This served to illustrate the unique qualities of a Roman ruler and set Aeneas apart from passionate characters in both Homer's epic poetry and Virgil’s “Aeneid” itself.  (Goubert) 

Dido is a fascinating character because she was a flawed human being that hastily went back and forth between the polar opposite emotions of pietas and impious furor.  Initially in the “Aeneid,” she exhibited the preferred qualities and traits of a sagacious ruler.  Dido was progressive and adept in government.  She created laws and allocated work among her people fairly and judiciously.  Also, she demonstrated her reverence by consecrating a grand temple to Juno.  Furthermore, in Virgil’s “Aeneid”, Dido showed her generosity by treating Aeneas's comrades courteously and with kindness.  (Goubert) 

Initially in Virgil’s ‘Aeneid”, Dido’s leadership and devotion to pietas provided an ideal model for Aeneas or any other would be ruler to emulate.   Furthermore, Carthage’s prosperity exemplified how every one benefits when devotion to duty is the number one concern or the concept of pietas is upheld.  In “The Aeneid” Virgil is also attempting to demonstrate the benefits of a competent and an uncompromisingly selfless ruler.  (Goubert) 

Despite her initial skillfulness as a ruler, Dido was broken down by her love for Aeneas and deteriorated into an ineffective leader.   Dido gave in to impious furor and reflected the opposite of the ideal Roman ruler, who maintains pietas.   Dido was overcome by her impious furor and thus went from being the ideal ruler to becoming the example of the defective ruler.  The downfall of Dido was a result of her lack of discipline and her desires.   This completely diminished the behavior she exhibited as a good leader.  Furthermore, it brought her city and people into shambles.  In the “Aeneid” Virgil used the character Dido to emphasis how individual desires are incompatible with a leader’s responsibility to govern competently. (Goubert) 

In Virgil’s “Aeneid” Aeneas also struggled with his own issues concerning impious furor.  He loved Dido and desired greatly to be with her.  However, they could not be together.  If they remained together Dido could not effectively rule her people and Aeneas could not continue his quest to find a new homeland for his people.  Despite his love for Dido and his desire to sooth her sorrow; he made the difficult decision to abandon Dido. His decision forged his character and will to fulfill his destiny.  In Virgil’s “Aeneid”, this is where the character Aeneas moves away from the typical maverick type characters in the Greek and Homeric epics.  Aeneas chooses not to be ruled by his passion.  Instead, he took the path of the self sacrificing hero, who holds the duty of pietas to his family, country and gods above all.  Furthermore, he did not waiver from his duty and demonstrates the ultimate expression of pietas.  In Virgil’s “Aeneid,” Aeneas expressed the utmost in Roman virtues.  (Goubert) 

In Virgil’s “Aeneid” Aeneas’s struggle with and victory over impious furor was perfectly demonstrated when the story had a flashback to Troy. During this portion of the epic Aeneas’s sole motivation was his desire to seek a glorious death in battle. In Virgil’s “Aeneid”, Aeneas recounts how fury and rage kept him going on and how it seemed like the noblest thing to do was to die in battle.  However, it is evident that the intent of this part of Virgil’s “Aeneid” was to show the selfishness and futility of Aeneas wish to die gloriously.   Fortunately for Aeneas and the future Roman Empire, he is aided by the divine intervention of his mother.  Aeneas then came to realize that the preservation of his family and country are matters that are more important than individual glory.   (Goubert)  

This also brings up several other fascinating points concerning the way Virgil depicted the use of violence and the reality of war.  In Virgil’s “Aeneid”, war is not an opportunity for personal glory.  This was exhibited by Creusa’s plea “if you have reason to put hope in arms, your first duty is to guard this house.”  (Goubert)  Aeneas realized that he must preserve pietas and suddenly in battle he redirected all his heroic efforts to the preservation of his gods and family. Seeking war for no other reason than personal glory was not apart of the Roman warrior ethos.  Romans justified their operations of invasion and occupation as procedures to ensure self defense.  In Virgil’s “Aeneid”, war is shown by Virgil to be the last resort, and understanding to apply force when necessary was another important life lesson that Aeneas had be taught.  (Goubert)  

The Aeneid” was written by perhaps the greatest poet known to Roman history. His name was Publius Vergilius Maro but he is most often referred to as just Virgil.   The “Aeneid” is an ancient Roman national epic on the grandest scale.  Furthermore, it is one of the most noteworthy and influential work of literature ever written.  “The Aeneid” analyzes leadership and examines the discordance involving duty and desire.  Virgil’s “Aeneid” gives homage to Homer but it still manages to go beyond the Homeric model and become its own legendary epic.  There are many striking connections between Homer’s epic poems, “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,” and Virgil’s “Aeneid”.  However, despite these assortments of parallels among Virgil’s “Aeneid” and Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”, there are essential distinctions concerning how the two epics portray the topics of the Trojan War and its antagonist.  Finally, the focus of this paper was a comparison and contrast Homer’s epic poems with Virgil’s “Aeneid”, centering on the distinctive set of values and warrior ethics of the Roman culture that differed from the Greeks.


Works Cited

“The Aeneid." The Bedford Anthology of World Literature The Ancient World, Beginnings-100 C.E. Eds. Paul Davis, Gay Harrison, David M. Johnson, Patricia C. Smith, John F. Crawford, and THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins, 2004. 1174-1264.

“The Iliad and The Odyssey." The Bedford Anthology of World Literature The Ancient World, Beginnings-100 C.E. Eds. Paul Davis, Gay Harrison, David M. Johnson, Patricia C. Smith, John F. Crawford, and THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins, 2004. 277-768.

Goubert, Marius . "Virgil's Aeneid: Furor and PietasDuty, Passion and War in Rome's Epic Masterpiece ." Suite101.com (Oct. 17 2008): 20 Sep. 2009 <http://worldliteratures.suite101.com/article.cfm/virgils_aeneid_furor_and_pietas>.

Absolute Astronomy.com. 2009. 20 Sep. 2009 <http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Pietas#encyclopedia>.

Your Dictionary.com. 2005. Your Dictionary.com. 20 Sep. 2009 <http://www.yourdictionary.com/impious>.

Rosati, Francesco . "An Odyssey of Comparisons." Examiner.com 16 Sep. 2009. Entertainment. 20 Sep. 2009 <http://www.examiner.com/x-23951-English-Literature-Examiner>.

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