Lust in Ancient Literature

It’s interesting to me how Greek mythology continually uses the power of beauty and the power of lust throughout its stories. First we see it in The Iliad. Helen’s beauty caused a war. One man’s lust killed resulted in the death of hundreds of men. It seems to me in Ancient literature, lust is often a turning point in Ancient literature plot-lines. In the Aeneid the plot is significantly affected by the power of lust.

"What I propose is to ensnare the queen
by guile beforehand, pin her down in passion
so that she cannot be changed by any power,
but will be kept on my side by profound
love for Aeneas.”

So, let’s back up. Aeneas lands in Agenor, in a land ruled by a queen named Dido. When Aeneas and his fleet land there they have nothing. According to a prophecy, Aeneas will be the downfall to Dido’s kingdom. Aphrodite’s mission was to make Dido completely unaware of this, so that she could pave the way for Aeneas. Aphrodite decides to send her son Desire (also known as cupid) to take over Dido.

What I find most interesting is the part that says, “Pin her down in passion so that she cannot be changed by any power.” Whoa! That has to be some kind of power, if Aphrodite thinks that it cannot be changed by any other power. In Greek literature we see gods going back and forth using their powers to out-do, or undo something another god has done.

Why do we see the influence of lust so often playing a key role in Ancient Literature? Was it because that was only a part of their culture? Is there something more. I think there is a certain amount of truth to be learned from this observation. Maybe our culture does not realize how powerful lust and beauty are. It’s to be respected just like a snake that can poison you.