Religion In The Aeneid
In many societies, ancient and modern, religion has played an important role in shaping people to pursue their destiny. In books two and four of The Aeneid by Virgil, the Trojans and Aeneas do exactly the same. Through the epic of book II, Aeneas goes on to explain the war between the Trojans and the Greeks. Book IV focuses on Queen Dido’s deep affection for Aeneas and the influence of God's word to Aeneas. However, Aeneas accepting the Gods’ command becomes problematic for Dido. With this intention, Virgil proves how in the Roman culture the Romans put God prior of themselves and what they believe.
In order to gain the Trojans trust, Virgil uses the Greeks to manipulate the Trojans into contemplating the horse is a gift from the gods. The …show more content…
Therefore, an effortless interaction with Jupiter causes Aeneas to want to flee the city. In book IV Virgil notes, “As the sharp admonition and command from heaven have shaken him awake, he now burned only to be gone, to leave that land of the sweet life behind” (Virgil 364-366). Aeneas taking the order to leave, shows how the Romans believe the relationship between mankind and the Gods to be significant. The Romans can not let affection get in between what the Gods want them to do. Equally important, in book IV Virgil writes, “With love of her, yet took the course heaven gave him and went back to the fleet” (Virgil 524-526). Having a deep love for Dido and taking off displays the impact the Gods have on the Romans who, correspondingly were willing to do what the Gods want them to. Not only did the Romans leave their beloved ones to pursue what the Gods speak, they also believe in prayer to draw their needs. After Aeneas leaves, regarding his feelings for Dido, Dido says, “ I hope and pray that on some grinding reef midway at sea you’ll drink your punishment” (Virgil 506-507). The remark that Dido makes proves the Romans believe in prayer to receive what they wish for. In book IV the Gods play an important role in helping Virgil prove how the Gods influence the …show more content…
In ancient times, Romans were strictly polytheists and later converted to monotheism. During ancient times a Roman emperor, Servius Tullius, built a temple for the goddess Diana, according to an article on Roman-Empire. Seeking the goddess is told to bring him well being, none the less, he follows the orders he receives in his dream and builds the Goddess a temple. The Gods and Goddess’ of the Romans came from being, “A blend of several religious influences. Many of these were introduced via the Greek colonies of southern Italy and others had their roots in the Etruscan or Latin tribes of the region (UNRV).” Having been influenced by other religions the Romans were not against the idea of becoming Christians. “By 392 AD, Emperor Theodosius I banned the practice of pagan religions in Rome altogether and Christianity was, without question, the official religion of the state (UNRV).” Present day the Roman religion does not exist. The Romans all converted their beliefs to Christianity soon after hesitating in the early fourth century
In order to gain the Trojans trust, Virgil uses the Greeks to manipulate the Trojans into contemplating the horse is a gift from the gods. The …show more content…
Therefore, an effortless interaction with Jupiter causes Aeneas to want to flee the city. In book IV Virgil notes, “As the sharp admonition and command from heaven have shaken him awake, he now burned only to be gone, to leave that land of the sweet life behind” (Virgil 364-366). Aeneas taking the order to leave, shows how the Romans believe the relationship between mankind and the Gods to be significant. The Romans can not let affection get in between what the Gods want them to do. Equally important, in book IV Virgil writes, “With love of her, yet took the course heaven gave him and went back to the fleet” (Virgil 524-526). Having a deep love for Dido and taking off displays the impact the Gods have on the Romans who, correspondingly were willing to do what the Gods want them to. Not only did the Romans leave their beloved ones to pursue what the Gods speak, they also believe in prayer to draw their needs. After Aeneas leaves, regarding his feelings for Dido, Dido says, “ I hope and pray that on some grinding reef midway at sea you’ll drink your punishment” (Virgil 506-507). The remark that Dido makes proves the Romans believe in prayer to receive what they wish for. In book IV the Gods play an important role in helping Virgil prove how the Gods influence the …show more content…
In ancient times, Romans were strictly polytheists and later converted to monotheism. During ancient times a Roman emperor, Servius Tullius, built a temple for the goddess Diana, according to an article on Roman-Empire. Seeking the goddess is told to bring him well being, none the less, he follows the orders he receives in his dream and builds the Goddess a temple. The Gods and Goddess’ of the Romans came from being, “A blend of several religious influences. Many of these were introduced via the Greek colonies of southern Italy and others had their roots in the Etruscan or Latin tribes of the region (UNRV).” Having been influenced by other religions the Romans were not against the idea of becoming Christians. “By 392 AD, Emperor Theodosius I banned the practice of pagan religions in Rome altogether and Christianity was, without question, the official religion of the state (UNRV).” Present day the Roman religion does not exist. The Romans all converted their beliefs to Christianity soon after hesitating in the early fourth century