The Heroes’ Descent to the Underworld Essay Example

be met with difficulties, due to the wrath of Neptune (Homer 88). Teiresias instructed him against harming the sheep and cattle on the island of Thrinacia; according to the prophet, harming the animals would result in the ruin of their ship and the demise of his men.

With regards to Ithaca, Teiresias informed Odysseus that he would kill all the suitors who have taken advantage of his household. After he reached his home, Odysseus learned that he must bring an oar to a country whose people are not familiar with the sea. He will meet a wayfarer who will tell him about a shovel, which he would use to fix the said oar. He would then kill animals as a sacrifice to Neptune.

Upon his return home, he would offer hecatombs to all the gods. Lastly, Odysseus found out from Teiresias that he would live a long life and perish in the sea (Homer 88). There are similarities and differences between Odysseus and Aeneas with regards to their descent to the underworld. Like Odysseus, Aeneas descended to the underworld to learn his fate in “The Aeneid.”

However, it was not merely his fate that was in question. He traveled to Dis to determine the importance of his voyage to Italy and its outcome. Also, it was not a goddess who sent Aeneas to the underworld; it was the ghost of his father who instructed him to go there (Virgil). In Book V, the spirit of Anchises visited Aeneas and told him to go to the underworld.

In Book VI, Aeneas journeyed to Dis with the assistance of the priestess Sybil. When Aeneas arrived, his father told him about the

future of Rome and the role he will play in ensuring this future. According to Anchises, it would be the descendants of Aeneas who would-be founders of Rome. Romulus, a Trojan descendant, would establish Rome.

Anchises said, “See Romulus the great, born to restore/ The crown that once his injur’d grandsire wore” (Virgil). Also, Aeneas was told that Caesar, who descended from the line of Ascanius, would reign over the Roman Empire. Virgil wrote, “The mighty Caesar waits his vital hour,/ Impatient for the world, and grasps his promis’d power.” In the end, Anchises informed Aeneas that Rome will become so powerful that its influence would spread throughout the world. Anchises noted, “But, Rome, ‘t is thine alone, with awful sway,/ To rule mankind, and make the world obey” (Virgil).

Hence, Aeneas’ journey to Dis was important because he discovered the reason behind his voyage to Italy and its significance. Odysseus and Aeneas were also similar in their experience with the other souls in the underworld. Their interaction and conversations with the souls allowed them to learn the different tales of death. In their descent, both Odysseus and Aeneas once again encounter some people they knew who have passed away. For example, both heroes met their parents in the underworld. While Aeneas sought Anchises in Dis, Odysseus found his mother Anticlea in Hades (Homer 88).

They also had the opportunity to see and speak with some acquaintances. Odysseus talked to Elpenor, one of his men who met his demise when he fell off the roof on Circe’s island (Homer 87). Meanwhile, Aeneas also talked with Palinurus (Virgil). He also saw Dido, the queen of Carthage, in Dis; he

learned that she killed herself with his sword because of his departure.

Lastly, both heroes were able to see some of the important individuals who were involved in the Trojan War. Odysseus encountered Agamemnon and Achilles in Hades, wherein they narrated their stories to him (Homer 92-93). He also saw Antilochus, Ajax, and Patroclus. Lastly, Aeneas saw Misenus, the friend of Hector (Virgil).

The descent of Odysseus and Aeneas into the underworld is a relevant stage in their respective journeys. Both men have been traveling for a long time, and their voyage seemed endless. Through a visit to the underworld, the heroes rediscovered what their journeys were all about. As they were told about their fate, they were reminded of their purpose and learned the outcome of their tedious journeys.

Because of their descent, they proceeded to their destinations with renewed vigor, knowing that there were doing something that had a relevant result. Therefore, the descent to the underworld was a crucial endeavor in the journeys of both Odysseus and Aeneas which allowed them to finish their lengthy travels.