Aeneas and Achilles as Contrasting Heroes, Essay Example

Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid, are two great legendary epics encompassing the formative years of Greek and Roman mythology. Both the writings pursue heroism, war, glory and love, amidst the influence and authority of supernatural powers.  However, there is a wide time margin between the formative and literary integrity of both the compositions. Since Rome has borrowed heavily from the Greek pantheon and mythos, Virgil is seen to prevent the influence of Homer in his content. Though he portrays the characters in a more contemporary and developed environment, his literature shows the same themes and prodigal influences. Both seem to blame fate as the extraneous power and the deciding factor in their lives,  both are vivid in glorious descriptions of war…both are epitomized and influenced by  fate and destiny, determined by supernatural influence…both have “ blessed protagonists”, Achilles and Aenes, armed with bravery and chivalry.

Achilles and Aenes… their triumph, their glory and their incarnation as the super heroes of Greek and Roman mythology, leads to an entire set of diverse cultural intertwines and eclipses both the brutal bloody battles and also the human characteristics of the supernatural and magical powers of the Gods. In both the literature, the characters are ‘chosen’ by the Gods and are favored in different phases of their lives; both have a predestined fate and death; both have a certain mission or accomplishment in their lives and both are sons of Gods. Thus there was a symbolic relationship and direct interaction between the Gods and the mortals.

An in depth analysis of the epics suggests a strong contrast between the characters of the protagonists. The situation, circumstance and the physical valor are almost the same but what differ in great extent are the intellect and the mental framework of the two heroes. Homer and Vigil, both representing a different era and society, has varied ideological and philosophical distinction. Homer presented the Greek way of life while Virgil canvassed the Roman society.

Aeneas was the son of Anchises and Venus, and he was the leader of the Dardanian allies of Troy, during the Trojan War. After the downfall of Troy, he gathered a team of loyal Trojan refuges and formed a Roman culture in Italy. He was a brave man and fought bitter battles with his valor. Though he had a predetermined life just like Achilles, but their fate was discretely indisposed. Achilles was to die in the battle while Aeneas was to be the founder of the greatest city in the world. He first learns about the mission of his life from a dream…where the voice of Gods explained, “the great make ready great walls”. [1](Ae 62).

Achilles was the son of Peleus and the Nereid Thetis. He was the mighty Greek warrior who was the main leader in the Trojan War. Achilles was more of a fierce fighter and a cruel enemy and his mission was to fight and conquer bloody wars. Thus Aenes was more constructive and civilized in terms of the arrogant Achilles. The character sketch of the two shows a variety of contrast. Achilles is hostile, stubborn, violent and ruthless…his anger and wild agility was irrevocable. He is also portrayed as a merciless man, with a great ability to kill the enemy mercilessly in the battlefield. Agamemnon highlights on these qualities of Achilles and says, “”Rivalry, war, fighting – these are the breath of life to you”. [2](II 8-9). Achilles killed without contempt, and faces battle as, “murder in his heart”. His attack and battle meant huge massacre, “water was reddened with their blood”.[2] (II 364). Moreover he had little respect for the men who fought with him…in spite of Hector pleading him, “not to throw my body to the dogs by the Greek  ships” he tied him to his chariot and dragged his whole body along the dust and mud. [2](II 389)

Aneas, on the other hand, is more sober and placid. He is a warrior, a benevolent Roman with characteristics of chastity, love, restraint and discipline. He was a true leader, and did not abandon his forces. Instead he led them to pursue a new culture and a new home. He was also a warrior, but he never displayed his power and emotions in cruel and arbitrary fashion. He was not blood thirsty like Achilles and was not so violent. When Troy falls apart, Aneas is hurt and disappointed, “In my mind a fire is burning; anger spurs me to avenge my fallen land, to exact the debt of crime.” However, he controls his urge to “satisfy the ashes of his people” and continues on his journey for better pastures. [1](Ae 48-50). He was imbibed with the Roman virtues of forgiveness and restraint.

Homer has laid special and concentrated emphasis on Achilles and his high spirits. He was shown to be proud, egoistic, and selfish with, “”heart as hard as iron” [2](Il 390). When “fair cheeked” Briseis was forcibly taken from his captivity, he went mad with anger. He prayed to his mother to defeat his own army, and feels no guilt for sacrificing the lives of his fellowmen. He could kill and destroy his own people in vengeance and anger. The Gods and his mother try to coax him and sooth his hurt sentiments, but all in vain. His emotions were frisky, blind and childish.

Vigil had laid special emphasis to the culture and the people of Rome rather than pruning on Aenes. He creates Aenes as a man who can conquer his emotions and is selfless. Moreover, he circumscribed to the pressure of God and enlightens his life with their ideologies. He accepts their guidance and has a nature of being proto-Stoic, who struggled with the variable missions in his life…he resembles an Epicurean philosopher who is in constant search of truth…and a great mercenary who created and nurtured a totally new breed of culture. Thus undoubtedly both Achilles and Aenes are heroes of their times.

Reference

[1]Virgil, (1981) The Aeneid

[2] Homer, (1884) The Iliad