Luckily enough, he gained the favor of Augustus therefore the Aeneid serves to legitimize the reign of this benefactor. In establishing the foundations of Rome, Virgil often foreshadows the eventual rule of Augustus, perhaps to placate critics who claimed that the emperor ruled because of treachery. To use fate as an explanation for changes in leadership was an easy way to justify the rule of Augustus. Despite the definite political leanings the Aeneid has, it is still a great epic poem. Virgil's popularity soared throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. He inspired many poets such as Dante, and Milton in English. However, there has been a different trend in modern society. Virgil is now often times compared to Homer, the conclusion being that Homer is superior to Virgil. Furthermore, Virgil himself often was inspired by Homer. There are several large differences between the Odyssey and the Iliad and the Aeneid. Homer was a master of ironic tragedy; therefore his two works are both tragedies, albeit adventures. The Aeneid however, is not a tragedy as the main character is destined to succeed unlike the protagonists in the Iliad and the Odyssey. The Aeneid begins and ends with parallels to the Iliad, using references to Troy and her people: The Iliad starts off with: "I sing of warfare and a man at war. From the sea- coast of Troy in early days He came to Italy by destiny To our Lavinian western shore ."" And finishes with: "In deep suspense the Trojan seem'd to stand, And, just prepar'd to strike, repress'd his hand. He roll'd his eyes, and ev'ry moment felt His manly soul with more compassion melt; When, casting down a casual glance, he spied The golden belt that glitter'd on his side, The fatal spoils which haughty Turnus tore From dying Pallas, and in triumph wore. Then, rous'd anew to wrath, he loudly cries (Flames, while he spoke, came flashing from his eyes): Traitor, dost thou, dost thou to grace pretend, Clad, as thou art, in trophies of my friend? To his sad soul a grateful off'ring go! 'T is Pallas, Pallas gives this deadly blow.
