The ‘Aeneid’ is an epic poem written by Virgil (born in 70 BC) somewhere between 29 BC up to the time of his death in 19 BC, during the time of Augustus’ reign, and was originally written in Latin. It chronicles the trials and tribulations faced by Aeneas and his fellow Trojans as they begin their journey towards their destiny, Rome. In the Aeneid, Aeneas demonstrates leadership and/or heroic qualities as he embarks on a journey to fulfil the destiny the gods set out for him. Virgil also shows readers Aeneas’ constant transition from being a ‘barbaric’ Homeric hero, to a wise and thoughtful Roman hero that acts on pietas, rather than on furor.
To be a good Roman leader, one must be able to balance the elements of pietas and furor. Pietas was …show more content…
When he had married Dido, Aeneas became distracted and lived in “wasteful leisure”. However, as soon as Mercury reminds him, Aeneas obeys immediately and prepares to leave for Rome. He carries on, despite Dido’s pleas for him to stay; he is not easily dissuaded. When he explains his destiny to Dido, he harshly points out his intention to leave after his ships have been repaired on the day that they had met, and never planned on staying. If given the choice, he would rather stay in Troy, or, at the very least, rebuild the destroyed city. Virgil emphasizes Aeneas’ personal sacrifice to leave Carthage and their queen just so he can carry on and fulfil his fate, thus he is being a good leader because he is aware of the plan the gods have for him. In Book Six, he is acting in a state of pietas when he visits the Underworld to reunite with his dead father Anchises. By descending into the Underworld, Aeneas demonstrates heroism through courageousness. He visits Anchises to get an understanding of the legacy that he will leave after he establishes Rome, such as the “golden” reign of Augustus Caesar, who will “extend our dominion”. This allows him to be fully conscious of the gods’ will. “Aeneas the True” will eventually grow to become true to his duties as a leader to his state, followers and his family, as well as being truly devoted to his duty
To be a good Roman leader, one must be able to balance the elements of pietas and furor. Pietas was …show more content…
When he had married Dido, Aeneas became distracted and lived in “wasteful leisure”. However, as soon as Mercury reminds him, Aeneas obeys immediately and prepares to leave for Rome. He carries on, despite Dido’s pleas for him to stay; he is not easily dissuaded. When he explains his destiny to Dido, he harshly points out his intention to leave after his ships have been repaired on the day that they had met, and never planned on staying. If given the choice, he would rather stay in Troy, or, at the very least, rebuild the destroyed city. Virgil emphasizes Aeneas’ personal sacrifice to leave Carthage and their queen just so he can carry on and fulfil his fate, thus he is being a good leader because he is aware of the plan the gods have for him. In Book Six, he is acting in a state of pietas when he visits the Underworld to reunite with his dead father Anchises. By descending into the Underworld, Aeneas demonstrates heroism through courageousness. He visits Anchises to get an understanding of the legacy that he will leave after he establishes Rome, such as the “golden” reign of Augustus Caesar, who will “extend our dominion”. This allows him to be fully conscious of the gods’ will. “Aeneas the True” will eventually grow to become true to his duties as a leader to his state, followers and his family, as well as being truly devoted to his duty