Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Virgil explained
This chapter introduces the Roman poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), born in Mantua in 70 BC, and discusses his epic poem the Aeneid.
What happens
This chapter introduces the Roman poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), born in Mantua in 70 BC, and discusses his epic poem the Aeneid. It compares Virgil to Homer and Milton, noting Virgil's inferiority in originality but superiority in correctness and elegance. The chapter includes Dryden's epigram comparing the three poets and Cowper's reflection on the succession of genius across Greece, Italy, and England.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Virgil's Aeneid is an epic of heroism and quest, following Aeneas's journey from Troy to Italy.
Cultural Transmission and Education
The chapter discusses the transmission of epic poetry across cultures and ages, from Homer to Virgil to Milton.
Characters to notice
- Aeneas
The protagonist of Virgil's Aeneid, from which the chapter draws the story of Aeneas.
Key passages
“Virgil, called also by his surname, Maro, from whose poem of the Aeneid we have taken the story of Aeneas, was one of the great poets who made the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus so celebrated, under the name of the Augustan age.”
Virgil, also known by his family name Maro, wrote the Aeneid, from which we borrowed the tale of Aeneas. He was a key poet during the reign of Emperor Augustus, a period famed as the Augustan Age.
Introduces Virgil and his connection to the Aeneid and the Augustan period.
“Virgil is far inferior to Homer in originality and invention, but superior to him in correctness and elegance.”
Virgil lacks Homer's creative originality but surpasses him in precision and refinement.
Comparative assessment of Virgil and Homer's poetic qualities.
“To critics of English lineage Milton alone of modern poets seems worthy to be classed with these illustrious ancients.”
According to English critics, only Milton among modern poets deserves to be ranked alongside Homer and Virgil.
Places Milton in the epic tradition alongside Homer and Virgil.