The Aeneid reflects Virgil’s influence on Homer’s Odyssey. The Underworld is one of many aspects that these two epics have in common. This makes for an interesting comparison. While the similarities seem extraordinary, a closer look reveals that there are several key differences. These differences help the reader draw comparisons with the characters of Aeneas as well as Odysseus. The Aeneid’s Book VI, Lines 335-489 can be compared to The Odyssey’s Book X, Line 560 and Book XI, Line 62.
Aeneas, Odysseus and their characters are revealed in the Underworld. Each hero’s journey to his destination is markedly different. Aeneas’ journey is more complicated. The passage begins at lines 331 and onwards. The Aeneid describes how they reach the final step in this process by crossing the Sibyl cave. The only way they can reach this final test is to make the necessary sacrifices for the gods. They also need to find the Golden Bough that will allow them to cross over the Styx. Odysseus finds the description of The Odyssey XI.23-45 to be simple. He then calls the lost souls to his side and talks with them. He can achieve his goal with no long, difficult journey as Aeneas had to undertake. Aeneas’s journey can be considered a test for his willpower. He tells Sibyl that he has seen all the hardships and surprises in his mind. Aeneas is so accustomed to struggle and danger that he can face any. Aeneas’s resolve is proven by his experience, while Odysseus has little to test.
Aeneas does, however, have a guide to help him through the difficult process. Apollo’s Sibyl, Apollo’s prophesiser, guides Aeneas through the Underworld. As an example, in the Sibyl cave, Aeneas receives instructions from her to “enter here the path, and unsheathe” his sword (Aeneid 6.359). She gives him similar instructions throughout his journey. The reader is left wondering if he could have achieved his goal without the Sibyl’s help. Odysseus embarks on a journey all by himself. This is because he does not have a guide. Aeneas is passive, which makes him always focus on his destiny. The gods either help or hinder him. Odysseus on the other hand, is determined to overcome whatever trials fate has given him.
Aeneas is also passive in that he gets help before even going to the Underworld. He is told by the Sibyl, “Your dead friend…lies unburied out there…First give him his rest.” (Aeneid 6.217-221). She tells her to bury Misenus before he rests. He does. Odysseus, however, has no advisor of this kind: Elpenor was also buried unburied when he lost his friend. Elpenor asked Odysseus to not leave him unwept and unburied (Odyssey VIII.72). Aeneas’ passiveness is subtlety present in the person telling the story. The third-person narrator tells the story of Aeneas, while Odysseus describes his own struggles as he sits down with Alkinoos or Arete.
It is also evident in their reasons for visiting the Underworld. Odysseus went there only after Circe told them to. Circe said “You must first make another journey in order to reach Hades…to talk with Teiresias’ soul” (Odyssey 9.490-492). Before he could return to his home, he had to go into the Underworld. In this way, fate dictates that he accomplishes his mission before he can reach his final destination. Aeneas fulfills his father’s final wish by going to Hades. Aeneas wants to visit Hades and speak with his father for one final time. Aeneas, being the “duty bound” hero he truly is, obeys his dying father’s wish.
Their words to those in the Underworld reveal a different aspect of who they are. Odysseus’ first question to Elpenor when they meet is “How did you arrive here under the fog and darkness?” You have run faster than I did in my black vessel” (Odyssey XI.57 & 58). Elpenor beat Odysseus to the Underworld like it was a race. Odysseus’s first concern is his pride, not the well-being of his friend who has died without being buried. Odysseus makes the event a race, because he is more concerned with winning than anything else. Aeneas’ concern about fulfilling his fate is expressed when he encounters Palinarus. Palinarus had just drowned. Palinarus quickly replies, “Tell Me.” Apollo, the only one who has never lied to me falsely, prophesied that you would be safe at sea and arrive at Ausonian shore. The promise is kept? (Aeneid VI.464-468). Aeneas worried about his own future if Palinarus’ revealed destiny was not realized. By experiencing this immediate concern, he reveals his sense of responsibility and destiny-consciousness. He always has his eye on the prize. Odysseus’ pride and concern for himself are revealed when he asks Elpenor to explain how he was able to reach the Underworld earlier than Odysseus.
It is possible to learn more about the heroes by comparing the two passages. Aeneas, Odysseus and their thoughts, actions and words are compared to reveal the character of each. This comparison reveals the authors’ differing views about the afterlife. Virgil imagines the Underworld to be a difficult place to reach. Even Aeneas requires a guide in order to make his journey successful. Even then, he has to go through a process before he can reach the Underworld. Homer’s journey is simpler. He is not far from the Underworld he imagines. Odysseus was able to get there relatively easily. Homer depicts the Underworld in a way that anyone can get there, whereas Virgil thinks that it is a place where the person must have a strong will to reach.
