Compare and Contrast the Portrayal of the Gods in Virgils...

COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE PORTRAYAL OF THE GODS IN VIRGILS AENEID AND OVIDS METAMORPHOSES. There is a significant difference in the treatment of the gods in the Aeneid and the Metamorphoses, even though both authors were writing in the epic tradition. Virgil wrote his Aeneid in the last ten years of his life, between 29BC and 19BC, after the Battle of Actium, in 31BC, which was significant, as it established Octavian as the sole emperor, Augustus, of Rome. The Aeneid is a celebration of Augustus achievements and rejoices in the development of Rome. There is a great sense of political propaganda, as well as an historical element, as it illustrates the origins of the Roman people. In contrast, Ovid conceived a different†¦show more content†¦That is, Poseidon avidly pursued Odysseus, throughout his journey back to Ithaca, as he had blinded his son, Polyphemus; for example, in Book 5, he creates a storm and shipwrecks Odysseus. Likewise, Juno persuades Aeolus, king of the winds, to create a storm that is consequently stopped by Neptune: A howling gust from due north took the sail aback and lifted wavetops to heaven.[3] These two comparisons of Juno with Hera and Poseidon, depict the Virgilian goddess as being hateful, resentful and vengeful. The fact that Virgil links Juno with the Homeric gods also gives her character an element of seriousness and austerity. However, there is also a sense of injustice, as Junos actions seem unwarranted towards Aeneas, as she acts out of personal hatred towards him. It is also significant that Neptune only calms the storm, as it threatens the peace of his seas, and not because he pities the wretched Aeneas: Power over the sea and the cruel trident were never his (Aeolus), but mine.[4] This emphasises that the gods can be cruel, illustrated by the misuse of Junos power to influence Aeolus, to start a storm; as well as, selfish and unjust. In contrast, theShow MoreRelatedCompare And Contrast The Gods In Ovid And The Aeneid1987 Words   |  8 Pagesobjective of the essay is to compare the roles of the gods as shown in Ovid’s book and Virgil’s book. The gods are perceived to be differently described in the two books and that makes the analysis of the gods in the essay to be conclusive. Ovid and Virgil are writers in the epic tradition but the way they treat gods in Aeneid and metamorphoses displays a difference. Aeneid was written between 29BC up to 19BC after the battle of Actium was fought in 31BC. The Aeneid was written as a celebration