Power Of Fate In The Aeneid

Power of Fate in Ancient Rome
In Greek and Roman literature, the power of fate enforced by the gods and goddesses played a major role in the legendary stories and plays still present today. Roman and Greek gods believed in fate and interventions, predetermined lives in which the individual had no control over their own destiny. Gods and goddesses ultimately had the power to change both Aeneas’s and Lucius’s fate, despite their actions. Their alliances drove the actions of these ancient texts, taking extraordinary measures in order to see their wishes achieved. The Golden Ass and The Aeneid are two examples in which we can see these powers come to life, and will further explore the similarities present in both texts.
The power of fate is a major theme in both The Golden Ass and The Aeneid, and is often articulated through the gods and goddesses. We see the power of fate arise on Aeneas’s journey, as although he makes decisions for himself, every aspect of his life is

Lucius’s incapability to recognize his plan is what causes him so much trouble, ultimately leading to his undesired transformation. “At last, hopelessly surveying myself all over, I was obliged to face the mortifying fact that I had been transformed not into a bird, but into a plain jackass.” (Graves 71) The power of fate is introduced near the end of the story when Isis comes to save Lucius. In order to transform into a human being again and ultimately be granted his determined fate, Lucius must first promise to devote his life to Isis. “But to secure today’s gains, you must enrol yourself in this holy Order as last night you pledged yourself to do, voluntarily undertaking the duties to which your oath binds you; for her service is perfect freedom.” (Graves 273) Overall, Lucius’s transformation may have hindered his overall plan, but in the end fate