PIETAS



While thrifting recently I ran across the course book from the Great Courses series called Heroes and Legends: The Most Influential Characters of Literature. I thought this might be a lame read, I have enjoyed it so far. Written by Professor Thomas A. Shippey, the ties into the real world are fascinating.



The one that has struck me the most is Aeneas from the Aeneid by Virgil, written between 29 and 19 BC.



Our hero, Aeneas is described as a “man distinguished for pietas.” Pietas? One of the major influences in Roman culture. Duty, loyalty, and devotion.



Shippey writes that Aeneas “always does what is socially correct. He demonstrates the social values that Virgil (and his imperial patrons) thought most important: respect for the past, for age, and for ancestry; concern for the future destiny of one’s bloodline; respect for the gods; and respect for the institution of marriage.”



Or, Aeneas, always did the right thing.



So then PIETAS.



Roy Richard

January 2024