Q: Is The Aeneid an epic in the same way The Odyssey is? If it contains an elegiac quality that The Odyssey doesn’t, how does this affect your perception or understanding of the work?
A: There are many differences between The Aeneid and The Odyssey, however, there are prominent similarities in both epics. Both epics are told by the heroes themselves by using flashbacks. In The Aeneid, Aeneas’ journey is continuously hindered by Juno, the Queen of Gods. Much like The Aeneid, In the Odyssey, Odysseus’ journey is constantly troubled by Poseidon, the God of the Sea. In both epics, the heroes are aided unconditionally by one person. In The Aeneid, Aeneas is aided by Venus, his mother; In The Odyssey, Odysseus is aided by Athena, the goddess of Wisdom. Both epics contains elegiac quality. As both heroes tell their stories, they express emotions of sorrow as they mourn over their comrades that have fallen.
They were numerous similarities, I agree. Both stories definitely contain a lot of intervention by the gods! Another one I noticed is that both Odysseus and Aeneas journey into the underworld. Odysseus goes to see Tiresias and Aeneas goes to see his father. Both men receive information that is vital to the rest of their journey.
Hi,
You did a great job comparing the two. I like how you observed similarities between the important pieces in both The Aeneid and The Odyssey such as the stories being told by main characters through flashbacks and the hardships they face thanks to Gods while being helped by women. Also, pointing out both Odyssey’s and Aeneas’ care for their men is on point as it is very important for both stories. Great job.
Best,
Uros