17.2 Treatment of heroism and cultural values
4 min read•august 6, 2024
Homer and Virgil's epics showcase different heroic ideals. Greek heroes like Achilles and Odysseus pursue personal and excellence, while Roman heroes like prioritize duty and service to the state.
These contrasting values reflect the cultures that produced them. Greek epics celebrate individual achievement, while Roman epics emphasize collective good and civic virtue. Understanding these differences is key to grasping the nuances of epic poetry.
Heroic Ideals and Virtues
Greek Heroic Virtues
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- represents excellence, valor, and nobility in Greek culture, encompassing both physical prowess and moral virtue
- Achieved through courageous acts, skill in battle, and adherence to a code of
- Exemplified by heroes like Achilles and Odysseus who embody the ideal of arete in their actions and character
- signifies the glory and renown attained by heroes through their great deeds and achievements
- Earned through exceptional feats of strength, courage, and wit that are remembered and celebrated by others
- Ensures the hero's name and legacy endure long after their death (Achilles' choice to pursue kleos over a long life)
- refers to the sacred bond of hospitality between host and guest in Greek society
- Involves the reciprocal exchange of gifts, shelter, and protection
- Violation of xenia is a grave offense that incurs divine punishment (Odysseus and the suitors)
Roman Heroic Virtues
- embodies the Roman virtue of dutiful devotion and loyalty to one's family, country, and
- Requires fulfilling one's obligations and responsibilities with respect and reverence
- Demonstrated by heroes like Aeneas who prioritize their duty above personal desires (Aeneas leaving Dido to fulfill his destiny)
- encompasses the Roman ideals of manliness, courage, and moral excellence
- Displayed through bravery in battle, steadfastness in the face of adversity, and upholding one's principles
- Exemplified by heroes like Aeneas and Turnus who fight valiantly for their causes
Fate and Destiny
The Role of Fate in Epic Poetry
- Fatum represents the inexorable force of that shapes the lives of mortals and the course of events
- Ordained by the gods and beyond human control, fate determines the ultimate outcome of a hero's journey
- Heroes must accept and align themselves with their fated path, even when it involves great sacrifice or suffering (Aeneas' destiny to found Rome)
- Attempts to resist or defy fate often lead to tragic consequences (Dido's doomed love for Aeneas)
- The interplay between fate and free will is a central theme in both Homeric and Virgilian epics, as heroes navigate their destinies
Epic Hero Archetypes
The Homeric Hero
- Embodies the Greek heroic ideals of arete, kleos, and xenia
- Excels in battle prowess, physical strength, and martial skill (Achilles' prowess in combat)
- Driven by a desire for glory and immortal fame, often at the cost of a long life
- Adheres to a code of honor and loyalty to their comrades and allies
- Undergoes a journey or quest that tests their heroic qualities and forces them to confront their own mortality and limitations (Odysseus' long journey home)
- Ultimately achieves kleos through their deeds and becomes a legend celebrated in song and story
The Virgilian Hero
- Represents the Roman virtues of pietas, virtus, and devotion to duty
- Prioritizes fulfilling their destiny and obligations to family, country, and the gods above personal desires (Aeneas' mission to found Rome)
- Displays courage, resilience, and moral rectitude in the face of adversity
- Serves as a model of Roman values and a symbol of the empire's greatness
- Undergoes a transformative journey that shapes them into a leader and founder of a new civilization (Aeneas' journey from Troy to Italy)
- Embodies the ideal of the "pious hero" who submits to the will of fate and the gods, even when it demands great sacrifice
Cultural Values
Greek vs. Roman Ideals
- Greek heroic ideals emphasize individual glory, excellence, and the pursuit of kleos
- Heroes are celebrated for their exceptional abilities, courage, and achievements
- The Greek hero often stands apart from society as a singular figure of greatness (Achilles' withdrawal from battle)
- Roman heroic ideals prioritize duty, loyalty, and service to the state
- Heroes are expected to subordinate their individual desires to the greater good of Rome
- The Roman hero is deeply embedded in society and serves as a model of civic virtue (Aeneas' role as founder of the Roman people)
- While both cultures value courage, honor, and martial prowess, the Roman ideal places greater emphasis on , discipline, and the collective good
- Greek heroes are more individualistic and driven by personal glory
- Roman heroes are more duty-bound and focused on the success of the state
- reflects Virgil's attempt to reconcile Greek heroic ideals with Roman values, presenting Aeneas as a hero who embodies both arete and pietas
Key Terms to Review (19)
Aeneas: Aeneas is a Trojan hero and the central character of Virgil's 'Aeneid', representing the ideal Roman values of duty and piety. He is significant not only for his role in the narrative of the Trojan War but also as the mythological founder of Rome, embodying themes of sacrifice, destiny, and divine influence throughout his journey.
Arete: Arete refers to the concept of excellence or virtue, particularly in the context of achieving one's highest potential and embodying moral and heroic qualities. This term is often connected to the idea of fulfilling one's purpose in life, whether it be through physical prowess, wisdom, or ethical behavior, and is crucial in understanding the ideals of ancient Greek culture.
Epic Hero: An epic hero is a central character in epic poetry who embodies the values and ideals of their culture, often possessing superhuman abilities and facing monumental challenges. These heroes typically embark on a significant journey, displaying courage, honor, and determination while navigating trials that test their strength and virtue, reflecting cultural values and societal norms.
Epic simile: An epic simile is an extended comparison that typically relates a heroic or extraordinary event to everyday experiences or objects, often elaborating on details and using vivid imagery. This technique enhances the narrative by creating a more profound connection between the grand events of the epic and the audience's understanding.
Fate: Fate refers to the predetermined course of events that is believed to govern human lives and destinies, often depicted as an unchangeable force in epic literature. In the context of ancient Greek and Roman epics, fate intertwines with concepts of divine influence, personal choice, and heroic deeds, shaping the characters' journeys and the overarching narratives.
Founding of rome: The founding of Rome refers to the legendary event that marks the establishment of the city of Rome in 753 BCE, traditionally attributed to the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. This event is steeped in myth and symbolizes the birth of a civilization that would become one of the greatest empires in history, embodying key themes of heroism and cultural values such as duty, sacrifice, and the idea of a destined greatness.
Glory: Glory is a concept that embodies fame, honor, and prestige, often achieved through remarkable deeds, especially in the context of warfare and heroic actions. It represents not just individual achievement but also the collective memory of a culture's values and ideals. In the stories of epic poetry, characters seek glory as a way to ensure their legacy and cement their place in history, reflecting the values and aspirations of their societies.
Gods: In epic poetry, gods are divine beings who exert significant influence over human affairs, often embodying various aspects of nature, morality, and human emotions. These deities interact with mortals in complex ways, shaping destinies and reflecting cultural values through their actions and relationships. The portrayal of gods in these works is crucial for understanding character motivations and societal norms.
Honor: Honor refers to a deeply held value that encompasses personal integrity, reputation, and social standing, especially in the context of heroic actions and deeds. In the narratives of epic poetry, characters often pursue honor as a primary motivation, leading to their actions and interactions. Honor is not only about personal pride but also influences relationships and societal expectations, as characters seek to uphold their names and legacy.
In medias res: In medias res is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the midst of things,' and it refers to a narrative technique where a story begins in the middle of the action rather than at the beginning. This approach engages the audience right away, allowing for immediate immersion into the plot and characters, which is a characteristic feature of epic poetry and influences its structure and storytelling style.
Kleos: Kleos is a Greek term that translates to 'glory' or 'fame,' particularly the kind that is earned through heroic deeds and accomplishments. In ancient Greek culture, achieving kleos was often tied to one's reputation and the stories told about their exploits, reinforcing the idea that glory is intertwined with legacy and how one is remembered after death.
Pietas: Pietas is a Roman concept that embodies duty, loyalty, and devotion, particularly to family, country, and the gods. This value highlights the importance of fulfilling one's obligations and responsibilities, making it a cornerstone of Roman identity and culture.
Piety: Piety refers to the devotion and reverence one shows towards the gods, which is a central theme in epic poetry, particularly in the works of Homer and Virgil. This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with divine forces, and it often dictates the behavior and fate of mortal characters, influencing their actions and the outcomes of their journeys.
Prophecy: Prophecy refers to a foretelling or prediction of future events, often delivered through a divine message or oracle. In the context of epic poetry, prophecies serve as crucial narrative devices that influence the characters' decisions and highlight themes of fate and divine will.
The Aeneid: The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil, which tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he journeys to find a new homeland after the fall of Troy. This work is significant as it reflects the values and ideals of ancient Rome while establishing a mythological foundation for the city's origins and destiny.
The Iliad: The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, focusing on the events of the Trojan War, particularly the wrath of Achilles. It captures themes of heroism, fate, and the impact of divine intervention in human affairs, making it a foundational text in the study of epic poetry and ancient Greek culture.
Tragic flaw: A tragic flaw is a character trait or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero. This concept is central to the understanding of how individual choices interact with larger forces like fate and divine will, often illuminating the human condition and cultural values. It serves as a key narrative device that showcases the inner struggles of heroes, making them relatable yet flawed, while also emphasizing how their actions resonate with broader themes of destiny and moral responsibility.
Virtus: Virtus is a Latin term often translated as 'virtue' or 'excellence,' embodying qualities such as courage, honor, and moral integrity, particularly in the context of Roman culture. This concept is central to understanding the values and ideals of Roman society, especially as they relate to character, leadership, and duty.
Xenia: Xenia refers to the ancient Greek concept of hospitality and the generous treatment of guests, emphasizing respect and kindness between hosts and visitors. This principle not only fosters social bonds but also reflects the values of honor and reputation in Greek culture, connecting deeply with themes of hospitality, loyalty, and moral obligations.