The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze two works, "The Aeneid" by Virgil, and the "Bhagavad-Gita" by an unknown author. Specifically it will discuss the concept of duty as exemplified and illustrated in these two works. Duty is one of the most important elements of both of these works. Aeneas is compelled to leave the woman he loves and build a new city out of duty, and one of the foundations of the Bhagavad-Gita, or Hindu philosophy, is the idea of duty to oneself and to one's God. The concept of duty leads Aeneas through battle as a superior leader, and it leads to a more perfect understanding of oneself and one's beliefs. Without duty, there is no purpose or true meaning in life, as both of these works clearly indicate.

             The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines duty as "An act or a course of action that is required of one by position, social custom, law, or religion: Do your duty to your country." Each of these texts illustrate and exemplify duty in the highest sense of the word. The two heroes in the works, Aeneas and Arjuna both are quite aware of the duties that are entrusted to them, and the weight of these duties on their personal lives. They sacrifice themselves and their happiness to fulfill their duties, but by doing so, they make a difference in their worlds and in themselves. They show the importance of duty in society, and how the most purposeful lives contain important, even vital duties.

             Both of these works stress the importance of duty, especially for the warriors who fight the battles. Aeneas' duty as a soldier includes preparing and leading his men into battle, and building his city. His duty transcends everything else in his life, even his love for Dido, who he leaves behind to begin building his city that will glorify and begin the Roman Empire. His duty outweighs his personal life and he feels bound to follow it even at his own expense.