Post by Dominique Martin on Oct 26, 2016 23:10:16 GMT
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Dominique Martin
Great books of western civilization
Christopher Martin
10/12/16
DISCOVERING ROMAN GODS THROUGH THE AENEID
Aeneas had a great destiny, but what role did the gods play in this destiny. In this paper, I will explain who the gods were and why they were important. I will do this by showing their roles in the story of the Aeneid by Virgil. The significance of this argument is to show what effect they had on early Roman, specifically Aeneas.
Firstly, who were the gods? Taking a look at the most prominent gods in this story we have Jupiter (Jove); king of the gods, god of the sky and thunder. Often he is depicted as just and buoyant of temperament. Juno, the wife of Jupiter, is goddess of marriage and families. Juno was seen as a warrior and, as observed in this story, quite vengeful. Lastly, we have Venus, goddess of love and mother of Aeneas. Each of these gods have and a different personality, and a different role to play in the life of Aeneas.
Near the beginning of this book while Aeneas sails from Troy to Italy, Juno tries to throw him off course by having the wind god Aeolus send a storm. The god Poseidon then intercedes, calming the sea and explaining that Aeolus had overstepped his boundaries. Venus observing this trial begs Jupiter to end the suffering of the Trojans and he assures her that in due time Aeneas will reach his destiny and find a home in Italy. This is where we first get to see the dispositions and motivations of the gods.
Juno harbors hatred for Aeneas and the Trojans because prophesy had said that her favorite city, Carthage, would one day be destroyed by a race descended from the Trojans. Because of this prophesy, Juno tries desperately to prevent the arrival of Aeneas his companions. Venus, clearly distraught at the trials her son has to face, does what she can to keep him safe. She goes to Jupiter. Being a very just god, Jupiter often does not interfere, but assures Venus that Aeneas will emerge safely from this inconvenience.
Later, we see another example in which the gods impede. Juno, who to no avail still aims to prevent the potential rule of Aeneas, persuades the warrior Turnus to wage war on Him. Turnus had already been opposed to Aeneas for they wanted the hand of the Princess Lavinia. Venus learns of the upcoming battle and she persuades her husband, the god Vulcan, to make and give Aeneas special armor to protect him. Eventually Juno realizes that all her attempts to intercept Aeneas were futile.
These examples show how the gods influenced and shaped the lives of mortals. This seems to suggest that the gods wanted to be a part of mortals’ lives. They may intrude, try to help, or try to kill them, but ultimately they just wanted attention. By making themselves known and present in the lives of mortals they receive respect, something which everyone craves.
The Roman gods were great figures of power. They instilled in the Romans two of the strongest human emotions, hope and fear. Without these emotions there is no motivation for anything. By instilling these emotions and creating obstacles it ultimately led to Aeneas fulfilling his destiny.
Great books of western civilization
Christopher Martin
10/12/16
DISCOVERING ROMAN GODS THROUGH THE AENEID
Aeneas had a great destiny, but what role did the gods play in this destiny. In this paper, I will explain who the gods were and why they were important. I will do this by showing their roles in the story of the Aeneid by Virgil. The significance of this argument is to show what effect they had on early Roman, specifically Aeneas.
Firstly, who were the gods? Taking a look at the most prominent gods in this story we have Jupiter (Jove); king of the gods, god of the sky and thunder. Often he is depicted as just and buoyant of temperament. Juno, the wife of Jupiter, is goddess of marriage and families. Juno was seen as a warrior and, as observed in this story, quite vengeful. Lastly, we have Venus, goddess of love and mother of Aeneas. Each of these gods have and a different personality, and a different role to play in the life of Aeneas.
Near the beginning of this book while Aeneas sails from Troy to Italy, Juno tries to throw him off course by having the wind god Aeolus send a storm. The god Poseidon then intercedes, calming the sea and explaining that Aeolus had overstepped his boundaries. Venus observing this trial begs Jupiter to end the suffering of the Trojans and he assures her that in due time Aeneas will reach his destiny and find a home in Italy. This is where we first get to see the dispositions and motivations of the gods.
Juno harbors hatred for Aeneas and the Trojans because prophesy had said that her favorite city, Carthage, would one day be destroyed by a race descended from the Trojans. Because of this prophesy, Juno tries desperately to prevent the arrival of Aeneas his companions. Venus, clearly distraught at the trials her son has to face, does what she can to keep him safe. She goes to Jupiter. Being a very just god, Jupiter often does not interfere, but assures Venus that Aeneas will emerge safely from this inconvenience.
Later, we see another example in which the gods impede. Juno, who to no avail still aims to prevent the potential rule of Aeneas, persuades the warrior Turnus to wage war on Him. Turnus had already been opposed to Aeneas for they wanted the hand of the Princess Lavinia. Venus learns of the upcoming battle and she persuades her husband, the god Vulcan, to make and give Aeneas special armor to protect him. Eventually Juno realizes that all her attempts to intercept Aeneas were futile.
These examples show how the gods influenced and shaped the lives of mortals. This seems to suggest that the gods wanted to be a part of mortals’ lives. They may intrude, try to help, or try to kill them, but ultimately they just wanted attention. By making themselves known and present in the lives of mortals they receive respect, something which everyone craves.
The Roman gods were great figures of power. They instilled in the Romans two of the strongest human emotions, hope and fear. Without these emotions there is no motivation for anything. By instilling these emotions and creating obstacles it ultimately led to Aeneas fulfilling his destiny.