Vergilian Mythology and the Influence of

Vergil

pg. 26-32

#28 & #29) Mythology

Purpose: to interpret important experiences, beliefs or aspirations

Is the Aeneid itself a myth?

Greek myth: gods and goddesses in our own image and humanly attractive…feel emotions and desires

Manipulate humansUnquestionable BeliefTaught lessons

#30) Roman Religion

First worshiped numina (spirit in everything) No stories to start with

Became familiar with Greek religion and picked up their deitiesGods responsible for looking out for the people and their needs in return of sacrifices

DO ET DAS

#31) Breakdown in Religion“If we do not learn from history, we are destined to repeat ourselves!”

1. Materialism: pleasure, wealth2. Foreigners3. Disintegration of family and personal responsibility

#32) Hellenism

Hellenism:

Greek mythology became incorporated in Rome’s mythology

#33) Aeneid and AugustusAids in religious revival

Shows Rome was in care and special guidance of the godsmores majorumRe-institutes values (ancient)

#34) Vergil’s Success

Accepted by Roman public as a national epicIn textbooksInfluence Latin literatureRanked with Homer

Famous BEFORE the work was publishedSTILL READ AND TRANSLATED!

#35) Oracles of Vergil

Definition: future secrets

Also another name for the poemUsed as a means of telling fortunes and predicting the future

#36) The Christians and VergilVergil is accepted as the last pagan of pagan authorsRewarded with the foreknowledge of the coming of Christ?“Prophet” - birth of a child

#37) Middle Ages and VergilDante’s Divine ComedyVergil is an actual character within the bookUnderworld

This work credits Vergil and the Aeneid

#38) English Renaissance Writers and VergilThese authors were influenced by Vergil:Chaucer (Canterbury Tales)SpencerShakespeareMilton

#39) Tennyson

Lord Tennyson wrote as a tribute to VergilPredecessor and inspiration

19th Century of Vergil’s death

#40) Aeneid in EducationThe Aeneid holds preeminence in American and European educationUniversal appealArtistic perfectionMan’s humanity and relation to the universe

Mankind lives on - human problems and needs are everlasting