How can we say that Vergil wrote fanfic?

[kouredios]

I should be writing this in academic register right at this very moment, but I took some time to read my reading list, and seanan_mcguire wrote another excellent post on fanfic. And I had to read it. And in the comments was a question that I've been wrestling with for the entire dissertation

Comments

[flaming_muse]

Mm, this is very, very interesting to think about. (Obviously, because you're spending your time doing it!)

And now I am left with the visual of Vergil kicky-feeting while reclining on his couch and writing about Aeneas.

[kouredios]

Heeeee. There's no way to know he didn't! :D

[fledgist]

How do we know that he didn't feel deep ecstasy while writing the Georgics?

[kouredios]

We don't!

I'm willing to bet he didn't, though. :D