Epic Machinery Aeneid

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How epic machinery has been used in Aeneid?

OR How far is the action of the


epic influenced by gods and goddess?
Virgil had an Idealistic and aspiring conception of Rome which he viewed as majestic and
sacred, ordained by destiny to rule the world. According to the poet the golden age in Rome
was brought about by the gods and goddess. In Aeneid gods and goddess determined the
destiny of mortal beings including Aeneas whose mother was, a goddess herself.
It was the will of god for which Aeneas undertook the journey in order to found the roman
race. This journey was not only supported by gods and goddess but also opposed by some other
deities. Aeneas was able to face the fury of god through self-sacrifice and self-control to resist
temptations and own desires unlike Dido and Turnus who met tragic death.
Juno hated Trojans as Paris, a Trojan because Venus out of Juno, Venus and Minerva. Venus
promised him the most famous mortal woman Helen. Venus was the mother of Aeneas. Juno
was the first goddess to intervene. She persuaded Aeolus, the god of wind to conjure up storm
so that Aeneas’ fleet got destroyed. But Neptune the sea god pacified the earth of Aeolus and
Aeneas was left with seven ships. There are clear examples how gods and goddess intervene
the lives of mortals. The mortal characters are presented as puppets who act as per the will of
the gods. Venus inspired another divine intervention that had life altering effect by causing
Dido, the queen of Carthage fell in love with her son Aeneas, so that he would be welcomed
without to wage war against Carthage. Dido who had been stuck by cupid’s arrow of love made
love with Aeneas.
Venus was always worried as she apprehended more tricks from Juno. Aeneas
prayed to Jupiter to put out the fire that was caused by Iris. This shows the status of human
beings who prays to god to overcome the difficulties. While Juno failed to stop the journey of
Trojans to set up a new city she tried to delay their establishment of a new city.
The goddess Allecto down to Latium incited anger against Trojans. Allecto went to Turnus
and inflamed his anger at the idea of losing Lavinia and having a bow down to Trojan king. The
primary role playing gods seems to manipulate the other lesser gods to interfere with mortals
on their behalf. Venus seemed to have only one concern which was to see Aeneas founding
Rome.
Epic Machinery: The intervention of super natural powers in human affairs use of prophecies
and dreams, influence of gods and goddess is commonly referred to as epic machinery in an
epic. This literary device elevates the subject of epic thereby associating human activities with
divine plan. The Aeneid is an epic that explores the mysteries of human success and failure, life
and death.

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