Romulus And Remus Essay Example For Students

Romulus And Remus Essay Romulus and RemusWith the beginning of any civilization there are stories that are carried throughtime about the creation of their nation. Rome was no different than any other. Theycarried their tail of how brothers quarreled over who was to receive the glory of theirtriumph. The United States also has followed this tradition as well with stories of ourmost famous founder of the United States, George Washington. Rome’s history began when two brothers founded the nation in the city of Rome. However the brothers were unable to decide which one was to receive the honor of havingthe kingdom bear his name. Romulus and Remus tried to decide, but eventually thediscussions broke down and the two brothers fought. Romulus was the victor and endedup killing his brother and consequently naming the kingdom after himself, Rome came intoexistence for the first time. This story gave the people of Rome a history, and instilled asense of strength in the nation through its patron founder. By slaining his brotherRomulus proved to his people that his nation would flourish in the future no matter whatthe cost, even if it meant taking the life of ones very own flesh and blood in battle. The United States also had a golden boy to begin their nation. GeorgeWashington carried along with him many legends, two of the most famous ones wereabout a cherry tree and a silver dollar. The first, begins when Washington was just ayoung lad. He chopped down a cherry tree, and when his father found the tree fallen tothe ground, Washington admitted to his father, â€Å"I cannot tell a lie, I chopped down thecherry tree.† By doing this it brought a sense of honesty to an office which carried somuch power that could be abused. The second story told of Washington heroically hurlinga silver dollar across the Potomac River. This story puts a sense of immortality on GeorgeWashington, though they may or may not have happened these events provide as a boostin public spirit towards their country and themselves. Both of these stories served one main purpose, it was to set the founders of theirrespective countries in an immortal place in society. These stories gave the people of thesomething to strive for, something to instill in their children’s minds as bedtime stories. Though these stories differ in content, they serve to give the people the impression thattheir leaders have the powers and virtues that are important to that time period. TheRomulus and Remus story reflects that this time period thought highly of the survival ofthe fittest system, and everyone wanted to be the fittest. The Washington stories focus onstrength and honesty, these virtues are what people wanted in their leaders possess in theirpersonalities. Stories have been one aspect of life that has remained the same ever sincethe days of the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians. People naturally love to tie theirlives in with stories of great heroes, these stories provide a sense of hope to everyone whohears them. European History