The Odyssey Fate Vs Free Will

Religion is a large part of modern life. It influences our belief system and values, as well as shapes who we are as human beings. However, most individuals decide upon and follow a belief system on a voluntary basis. Imagine not only being forced to follow a belief system but having this system dominate your every action. As is the case for classic epic heroes, such as Oedipus, Odysseus, and Aeneas. This conflict inspires the theme of fate vs. free will in each of these classic epics. Although these characters have free will, they are not permitted to use it as an attempt to avoid what is inevitably destined for them. Therefore, each author establishes an interconnected relationship between fate and free will, that ultimately impacts the journey

free will is no exception. This is supported in the first book of the text as the audience learns that Aeneas is destined to, “wage a long, costly war in Italy, crush defiant tribes and build high city walls for his people there and found the rule of law” (Virgil 988). Throughout the text, the audience is reminded several times of this prophecy. However, despite this prophecy, Juno is determined to change the course of Aeneas’ destiny. This is significant as it suggests that Aeneas has very little influence in determining the course of his own life. This is illustrated throughout book 4 when Aeneas’ platonic relationship with Dido becomes romantic. A situation resulting from the interference of Juno and Venus. Therefore, Aeneas and Dido’s love for each other is not an act of free will, but rather an attempt by the gods to change their fate. The diction used at this point in the text is important, as it is contrary to what is normally associated with romantic love. Virgil uses words such as, “poison,” “madness,” “fever,” and “disease” to describe Dido’s love for Aeneas. Through his use of diction, Virgil depicts the meddling of the gods as toxic and deadly. This is further supported by the epic

Here, it is made clear that Dido has fallen in love with Aeneas. Through this process, she is described as a wounded deer, and thus a victim. However, she is more than just a victim of love. She is a victim of the gods’ abusive control over her fate. Her fate is sealed when Aeneas’ loyalty to the gods and his own fate betrays her, and she feels compelled to end her life. This supports the idea of an interconnected relationship between fate and free will as Aeneas uses his free will and chooses to follow his predestined fate. Although each character is responsible for their own actions, these actions have little influence in changing their destiny. Therefore, an interconnected relationship between fate and free will is achieved, presenting that the mortals of these epics do not have the same privileges as the gods. Although mortals have a right to make decisions, they are subject to the will of the gods. Despite their best efforts to change or avoid their fate, each character ultimately fulfills what was prophesied of them. This is best demonstrated at the end of Oedipus the King when Oedipus exclaims, “[a]ll! All! It all happened! It was all true!”