Characters of Homer’s The Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid: A Model of Leadership Anthemed in the Literature of the Ancient World Essay

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Updated: Dec 19th, 2023

How Aeneas as a “political” hero differs from Odysseus, for good and for bad

Odysseus along with Aeneas is known all over the world as one of the most outstanding models of leadership anthemed in the literature of the ancient world. These two heroes represent the idealistic vision of the state by Homer and Virgil. As these literary heroes represent related times and cultures there exist numerous similarities between them; however, there also exist certain differences mainly explained by the differences in political models of the state existing in Greece and the Roman Empire. Generally, evaluating the main of them, it appears that Odysseus can be seen as wiser and more reasonable as compared to Aeneas, whereas Aeneas is more progressive in his outlook which would make him a better ruler nowadays when the ever-changing situation in the world requires Aeneas’ impulsiveness and vigor.

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Speaking about the differences between Virgil’s Aeneas and Homer’s Odysseus, it should be stated that there exist both positive and negative ones. First of all, as to the positive differences, Aeneas can be seen as a more energetic, vigorous, and impulsive ruler. Such qualities are good for situations that are constantly changing and, thus, require urgent decisions. In addition, Aeneas is more resolute and fateful as compared to Odysseus. Next, with regards to the negative points related to Aeneas as compared to Odysseus, it should be stated that Odysseus is a more wise and reasonable ruler. This makes it possible for Odysseus to present better solutions for the long-lasting projects in state management.

In conclusion, the ancient heroes Aeneas and Odysseus can be mentioned among the most famous rulers elegized in ancient literature. Both of these literary characters possess a row of the most important qualities which makes it possible for them to be a great example for the ruler of any existing state.

Which of the two poems seems more relevant to the modern world?

Both Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid can be acclaimed as outstanding pieces of ancient literature establishing their eternal outlook on the developments in the world. Each of these poems presents the vision of its creature on state and state-related matters. Evaluating the content of these excellent pieces of ancient literature, it seems that Virgil’s Aeneid is more relevant to the modern world as it describes the system of values and world-perception which are closer to the ideas elegized nowadays.

Speaking about the values of Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid in our modern reality, the following important points are to be addressed: the world vision presented in both of them, their view on democratic values, and the other values they propagate. Evaluating all of these points, it appears that Virgil’s Aeneid is more relevant for modern reality on the reason of its progressiveness and appreciation of democratic ideas.

All in all, both Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid present their valuable heritage for the generations to come. They offer a row of important ideas concerning the vision of true heroism, state and family-related matters, the perception of real friendship and companionship, and so on. In their poems, both of these masters of literature presented their outlook based on their world vision. It appears that Virgil’s vision based on the world perception common in the Roman Empire along with its progressiveness and democratization is more relevant for the modern reality.

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"Characters of Homer’s The Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid: A Model of Leadership Anthemed in the Literature of the Ancient World." IvyPanda, 19 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/characters-of-homers-iliad-and-virgils-aeneid/.

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IvyPanda. (2023) 'Characters of Homer’s The Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid: A Model of Leadership Anthemed in the Literature of the Ancient World'. 19 December.

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IvyPanda. 2023. "Characters of Homer’s The Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid: A Model of Leadership Anthemed in the Literature of the Ancient World." December 19, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/characters-of-homers-iliad-and-virgils-aeneid/.

1. IvyPanda. "Characters of Homer’s The Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid: A Model of Leadership Anthemed in the Literature of the Ancient World." December 19, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/characters-of-homers-iliad-and-virgils-aeneid/.


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IvyPanda. "Characters of Homer’s The Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid: A Model of Leadership Anthemed in the Literature of the Ancient World." December 19, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/characters-of-homers-iliad-and-virgils-aeneid/.

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