Mênis [μῆνις], commonly translated into English as “wrath”, “rage” or “anger”, continues to be a subject of debate within the Classics. This paper embarks on a receptionist exploration of the term mênis, especially with regards to how it is used as a qualifier for the epic hero. Building upon the Iliad, I shall attempt to trace the existence of a lineage of mênis used as a qualifier for the epic hero, from Virgil’s Aeneid to four Modern (post-16th Century) Anglophone epics, written in successive centuries from the 1600s to the 1900s. I posit that the Iliadic epic hero is clearly differentiated through their association with mênis, which provides recognisable behavioural and consequential hallmarks that are both utilised and subverted by Virgil to qualify his own notion of the epic hero. From Virgil, Anglophone writers have continued this practice, drawing on the intertext of mênis to subvert Homeric notions of the epic hero in order to challenge and reinvent long standing traditions of classical epic. This further exemplifies the beauty of literature as a genre that is constantly received and reconceived through space and time.

This independent capstone project is of a topic that I have long been interested in: the intertextuality of Classical literature. A project of such a scope has definitely honed my research and analytical skills, but also taught me to know my limits. Since the project had to be finished in such a short amount of time, I’ve had to make tough decisions and remained organised while tackling other schoolwork, which I think I have accomplished. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Grant Hamilton for his unfailing guidance and support during the course of this project. His helpful suggestions and advice have made this project possible.