Compare Aeneas and Odysseus in Their Role As Leaders And Prospective Hero's?

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Compare Aeneas and Odysseus in Their Role As Leaders And Prospective Hero's?

Virgil's 'Aeneid' and Homer's 'Odyssey' are two very different stories, told from opposing viewpoints: that of the Trojans in 'The Aeneid,' and of the Greeks in 'The Odyssey.' The two leaders, Aeneas and Odysseus, that feature are therefore very different in their approach to leadership. However, despite their differences they both rise to the challenges set to them as true leaders.

In each work, the first time the great leaders feature, the first impression given of each is hardly one of a strong leader and future hero. When we first meet the Greek hero, Odysseus, he is sitting on a rock despairing on the island of Ogygia, where the demi-goddess Calypso has kept him for eight years. He appears hopeless and defeated; not exactly typical leadership qualities. This mirrors the first appearance of Aeneas, except for the fact he is still amongst his own men, who is facing fierce sea storms ordered by the goddess Juno. He too is crying in desperation and appears to have lost all hope in his destiny:

'A sudden chill went through Aeneas and his limbs grew