SACRIFICES

A warrior needs to face his most challenging choice in his life: between family and responsibility.

In Aenid, Aeneas knew their city being attacked because of the Greeks, to think that he must lead his countrymen and do a step against this war. And that decision is to leave the house and continue fighting against the enemy. Countering his choices, Creusa begs his husband to consider their family’s future if Aeneas is to be killed in that war.

Similar to this, in Iliad, Andromache pleads to his husband, Hector to not endanger his life for the sake of his wife and son. But because of Hector’s reputation and responsibility, he needs to join in the war for the sake of his countrymen and kingdom.

Both stories had these similarities having a warrior as Andromache and Creusa’s husband. They both plead to their husband not to risk their life for the sake of their family’s future. They were both concerned to what will happen and try their best to prevent bad things. But unfortunately, both of their husbands took the risk and went through the battle because of their big responsibility as a future leader. They both listened to the plead of their wives but did not follow them.

     There are also differences because in Aenid, Creusa’s life led into a terrible path because she was unfortunately left behind. And also, omens were present in Aenid which is the biggest factor why Aeneas needed to go through the battle and avoid his wife’s plead while in Iliad, Hector’s thoughts pushed him. He thought of his reputation and duty that is the biggest factor for him to go on.