Heroic values are portrayed for the Roman reader by Virgil
in book 9 through the aristeia of Nisus
and Euryalus. The brothers-in-arms devise a plan for plunder in the Rutulian
camp in aim of the acquisition kleos
and geras [in Homeric terms; ‘Fortune
and glory, kid. Fortune and glory’, as Indiana Jones would put it. – ed.], but the booty is their downfall.
Nisus
appeals to council for support of his raid, claiming they would soon see the
duo returning “laden with booty and much slaughter done” (l. 243). This hints
at the reason for the duo’s demise, a focus on geras hampers the safety of the expedition. The scale of the task
that the youths propose is recognised by their comrades: Aletes asks “can
anything match the glorious deeds [they] propose?” (l. 252). This demonstrates
the severity of the expedition at hand.
Nisus is shown clearly to be motivated by the desire of kleos: he says to his comrade Euryalus
that his mind has “long been driving [him] to rush into battle” (l. 190).
Nisus’ aspirations inspire Euryalus, whose heart is pierced “with a great love
of glory” (l. 198). Euryalus tempts fate in his aspirational appeal to Nisus,
foreshadowing his grim future: he tells him that he would “gladly spend life to
buy the honour you are striving for” (ll. 205-206). It is soon apparent,
however, that Euryalus’ desire for acquisition of booty and kleos is his downfall.
During their expedition, Nisus notices that Euryalus was
being “carried away by bloodlust and greed” (l. 354). Nisus tells his comrade
it is time to go. Euraylus obeys, but his desire for kleos and geras gets the
better of him. Euryalus takes the belt and medallions of Rhamnes and puts on
the helmet of Messapus with its “gorgeous plumes” (l. 365). A detachment of the
Latin cavalry approaches the camp and Euryalus’ “helmet, and its glittering
betrayed him” (ll. 373-374). This demonstrates how a mix of motivations and a
slip in concentration of the main task at hand is what brings the duo’s demise.
The cavalry hound down the youths, bringing down Euryalus.
Nisus is left perplexed at what to do – fight or fly? After considering the
options, Nisus fights for glory, looking for a “glorious death” (l. 401:
pulchram… mortem ‘a beautiful death’, literally). This further emphasises how
Nisus is driven by ambition for glory and kleos.
Nisus is so emboldened by the prospect of a glorious death that he brings down
two Latin soldiers using his skill with a spear, piercing one through the chest
and one through the head. However, Nisus causes Volcens to divert his attention
to Euryalus. Subsequently, Volcens slaughters Euryalus and forces Nisus out of
hiding where Nisus finds his noble death. Nisus kills his enemy whilst
simultaneously dying himself. This is a glorious death, since dying in battle
was renowned for being the most heroic way to die. Therefore, Nisus reaches the
epitome of this as he brings down his enemy before he reaches his end [and
embraces his comrade – ed.].
GJ
Comments
Post a Comment