Achilles and Aeneas
Introduction
Literature is characterized by various themes. This is evident in some of the famous literary works including the Iliad by Homer and Aeneid by Virgil. It is evident that these works are themed around the actions of heroes and their ambitions and quests in the society. In the aforementioned works, the motivation for warriors according to the cultural context of the authors is explored. From the texts, it is possible to determine the duty of the warriors to their community and to themselves. This makes it possible to determine what individuals are fighting for and on the motivation behind their choices. The heroes in the two texts appear to be preoccupied with glory. Both Achilles and Aeneas appear to be motivated to fight so that they create a legacy, which will immortalize their actions and names in the future generations. Therefore, it is evident that both works are themed about the glory of battle and the fate of the warriors due to their choices (Homer 19. 491-494). Both characters appear to choose glory over other factors including family and love. Despite both Aeneas and Achilles seeking glory in battle, the motives of Achilles are individualistic while Aeneas is fighting for the society.
The two heroes depict several similarities. For instance, both characters appeared to be related to the gods. In addition, both character had exception military skills and abilities, which surpassed normal humans. In addition, both characters chose the glory of battle over other influences including their loved ones (Homer 9. 499-505). However, the contrast between the two heroes is evident in their character with Achilles appearing to be individualistic when seeking glory while Aeneas has the interests of his community as the motivation for his consequent glory (Virgil 1.284-286, 300-301). In order to comprehend the motives and characters of the two heroes, it is crucial to explore their interpretation and motivation of war and glory.
When comparing the exploits of the aforementioned warriors, it is apparent that their versions of glory were divergent. For instance, the character of Achilles was consistent with Homer’s style. Similar to other Homer’s character, he has a flaw, which influences his actions significantly. It is evident that Achilles has all the characteristics to be a successful hero. However, his hubris appears to be a flaw, which prevents the character from achieving greatness as a warrior and hero. Achilles appears to have a strong desire for glory in battle. He appears to be preoccupied with ensuring that his name is immortalized in the folklore of Romans. The pride of Achilles makes him unpredictable, uncontrollable and individualistic. He appears to serve his own interests without any considerations for his community or his loved ones. He uses the war with the Trojans to attain glory. His selfishness is manifested when he prays against his army to fall against the onslaught of the Trojans. This is motivated by his disagreement with Agamemnon. His pride appears to motivate his selfish action, and he is not worried if fellow Greeks will die, in order for him to have his way (Homer 1.48-68). He only aids the Greeks when the situation suits him. It is to be expected that due to his military abilities he will be instrumental in the Despite the knowledge that Achilles was doomed to die in the battle, he is not deterred from his quest in order to make his name legendary among his community through the ages (Homer 19. 491-494). This shows the extent of his selfishness since he does not care about his loved ones who will be distraught by his death.
Achilles appears to be disrespectful of his opponents in war. He views the individuals as mere trophies for his campaign for glory. This is evident with how he treats hector his archrival after his defeat. Achilles drags the body of the slain rival despite the character’s status in the Trojan society “There was hector, dragged around troy’s walls. Three times, and therefore gold Achilles sold him. Now Aeneas heaved a mighty sigh from deep within him, seeing the spoils, the chariot and the course. His perception of glory is measured through the number of people he kills in his exploits (Virgil 24. 345-350)98. The cause of the wars is not pertinent to the character and he is only interested with slaughtering as many Trojans as possible. He is not keen in the plans of the commander or the wishes of his king but is preoccupied with becoming a roman legend. Achilles appears to feel powerful when he is merciless in slaughtering the opposing army. Therefore, his perception of power is associated with death and devastation. It is evident that Achilles perception of glory is associated to his individualistic ambitions, which are fueled by his selfish character. The individualism of the character leads to his early demise as per the dictates of his fate “If I voyage back to the fatherland I love, my pride, my glory dies” (Homer 9. 499-505).
The character of Achilles contrasts significantly with Aeneas whose character appears to be selfless and noble. For instance, Aeneas appeared to be motivated a sense of duty to the society (Virgil 1.519-524). Aeneas appears to act honorably as a professional soldier. He appears to have a cause, which is larger than his personal interests are and is willing to sacrifice his life in order to serve his community “There was hector, dragged around troy’s walls. Three times, and therefore gold Achilles sold him. Now Aeneas heaved a mighty sigh from deep within him, seeing the spoils, the chariot and the course” Despite the difficulties, which are experienced by Aeneas in battle, he unselfishly fights for his fallen land to facilitate future rebirth of the land. The character appears to have a different philosophy from that of Achilles. He displays the virtue of restraint a character that was acclaimed in the roman culture. His perception of power was to ensure that there was peace in his land and that there was freedom from the aggressions of war. From the ashes of the war, the character aimed to rebuild his land and restore the glory, which was once bestowed to the land. This was the motivation of his quest for glory. It is evident that his interests are not individualistic but incorporate the concerns of the society. He also does not relate power and glory with death, and this is evident in his decision to spare the life of Helen.
The fates of both the characters appear to be determined in the pursuit for glory. The philosophies of the heroes are a crucial factor to the fates they experienced in their respective quests. As aforementioned, the selfish nature of Achilles was the motivating factor for his pursuit for glory. This resulted in his fate, which was death at the expenses of fame and glory through the ages “Still you are doomed to die by force Achilles,” (Homer 19. 491-494). However, the principle of Aeneas resulted in a longer life and fame, not for fighting, but as a savior for the Trojan and the founder for the mighty empire, Rome.
Conclusion
Glory is a unifying theme for the Iliad and Aeneid. However, despite these similarities between the heroes in both works, there are numerous differences in their perception of glory. This perception appears to influence their fates in the society. The selfish nature of Achilles leads to an early death while Aeneas lives a longer life due to his pursuit for serving his community.
Works Cited
Homer. The Iliad.Print. 1718.
Virgil. Aeneid, Book Viii. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
Print.
