... mother of Achilles) both ask a god to forge arms for their sons. The same god with different names (Hephaestus in Greek and Vulcan in Rome) forged the shields of the two heroes. A second similarity, which follows the Homeric model, is the reason for the forging of the shields. The shield is ... Therefore, the shield seems to be addressing the present state of the epic poem. The shield of Aeneas is unique from that of Achilles. "There the Lord of Fire [Vulcan], / knowing the prophets, knowing the age to come, / had wrought the future story of Italy, / the triumphs of the Romans." (Aen. 8...

• Word Count: 806
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School