Parallels with Aeneid and Odyssey

I found it interesting in the introduction that Milton invoked recognizable epic scenes and conventions from other epics like Virgil's Aeneid and Homer's, The Odyssey not to claim his place in such a long-standing tradition, but rather proclaim his superiority over it.  Even the first line of Milton's epic echoes the opening lines of the Odyssey and Aeneid.  

"Of man's first disobedience and the fruit" (1.1)

"Arms and the man I sing" Aeneid (1.1)

Both emphasize the poem's major subject in their opening lines.  Instead of a heroism like that of Aeneas in the Aeneid, Milton's focus is on the disobedience suggesting that the Adam and Eve's first disobedience with the fruit will be followed with numerous other instances of disobedience.  

In the first couple line's Milton invokes a muse similarly again to the traditional muses invoked in The Odyssey and Aeneid.  Yet, Milton ambitiously claims a superiority since his Muse is God 

"Sing Heavenly Muse" (1.6)

"Invoke they aid to my adventurous song" (1.13)

Interesting and helpful website:

www.dartmouth.edu/~milton/reading_room/pl/book_1/index.shtml - 2k