![]() ![]() Virgil portrays the roman concept of honor as being bound in the duty to the state and the people, where heroic exploits are done for the sake of oneÆs countrymen and the good of the republic. ![]() HomerÆs portrays the Greek concept honor as being markedly individualistic, focused on heroic exploits for the sake of being remembered throughout the ages. Thus, the Iliad and the Aeneid, while at first glance being relatively similar, really portray two radically different conceptions of honor. While Achilles is consumed with his personal honor, Aeneas conception of honor is bound in his duty to his people. Where the two epics differ markedly is in their treatment of the heroÆs honor. Both epics are focused on the exploits of a man who is half-god and half-mortal: in the Iliad, the Greek hero Achilles is the focal point of the narrative in the Aeneid the Roman hero Aeneas is the principal actor. They form part of the foundation from which the entire western classical tradition was erected and are considered to be among the worldÆs canonic masterpieces. The Iliad and the Aeneid are undoubtedly two of the greatest epics ever written. ![]()
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