Greek Gods In The Aeneid

Of all the world mythologies, the folklore of Rome is one of the few that are instantly recognizable. It has described its establishment, background, and heroes. It also explored many of the unknown phenomenons at the time period. Roman mythology has played a significant role in the nation’s history and traditions, popular culture, literature, morals, and scientific beliefs.

Roman mythology served as a major part of the Roman people’s daily lives. They believed that the gods were involved in the events that happened everyday. Each god and goddess represented physical objects and places. They were very similar to the deities of Greek mythology. For example, fishermen and sailors prayed to the god Neptune, the god of the oceans, for safety during

One of these was the epic tale Aeneid by the poet Virgil. It was inspired by the story of Aeneas, a Trojan prince who fled from his homeland. He was fated by the gods to establish a “new Troy” by the gods. After sauntering around the Mediterranean, he stopped and settled in Italy. He married the daughter of a local Latin king and his son Ascanius founded the city Alba Longa. It also explained the gods’ and goddess’ involvement in Roman history in detail (GaleGroup). Another poet who wrote based on the mythology was Ovid. According to an article, “Ovid wrote several important works that preserved and expanded on the foundational tenets of Roman mythology” (GaleGroup). One of his most famous works was Metamorphoses. It covered hundred of Roman fables, from the creation of the world to the eminence of Roman official and war general Julius Caesar. In addition to Metamorphoses, he wrote another poem called Fasti. It explicated the reasoning behind the festivals and ceremonies of certain gods and goddesses

It has influenced artistic compositions especially. The scene of the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus is utilized in various works of art. One of these artworks is the Capitoline Wolf, which is a statue located in Rome, Italy. Another one was Romulus and Remus, a painting by Peter Paul Rubens kept at Capitoline Museums. Mars and Rhea Silvia is another painting of Peter Paul Rubens, which depicted their encounter and eventually led to the birth of the twins. In addition to art, Romulus and Remus has also been an inspiration to literature. The “rape of the Sabine women” influenced a short narrative called The Sobbin’ Women by Stephen Vincent Benet, which successively inspired the fruitful musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in 1954