Alternative Look at Aeneid Virgil: Analysis Part 1

Aeneid by Virgil Literary Analysis

As the Trojans embark on their final leg of the journey, venturing from Sicily to Italy, an unexpected tempest forcefully propels their fleet towards the shores of Carthage in Libya. This violent storm, meticulously orchestrated by Aeolus, the deity governing the winds, at the behest of the formidable goddess Juno, alters their course. The illustrious ruler of Carthage, Dido, seizes the opportunity to extend her warm hospitality, hosting an opulent feast in honor of Aeneas and beseeching him to recount the arduous trials and tribulations the Trojan people have endured thus far.

Aeneas, with a solemn disposition, delves into the harrowing tales etched in their collective memory. He begins by recounting the fateful night when the Greeks, employing a cunning stratagem in the form of a wooden equine guise, laid siege to the majestic city of Troy. In the midst of turmoil, the poet vividly portrays the devastating downfall of King Priam, mercilessly slain by the Greek warrior Pyrrhus. The profound grief over the loss of his cherished wife, Creusa, permeates his narrative as he recounts the sorrowful sequence of events. Yet, amidst the chaos and destruction, he summons the resilience to recount their harrowing escape from the doomed city. Accompanied by his venerable father, Anchises, his courageous son, Ascanius, and a steadfast band of warriors, Aeneas embarks on a treacherous voyage toward an unknown destiny.

Sea Voyage Analysis

During their westward voyage across the vast sea, Aeneas continues his tale, revealing the Trojans’ eventful encounters along their arduous path. Initially, they made a crucial stop at Thrace, aspiring to establish a new settlement. Yet, a disquieting turn of events unfolded when the vengeful specter of Polydorus, King Priam’s youngest son who had been treacherously murdered by the Thracian king, appeared to Aeneas, forewarning him of imminent peril. Fearing this supernatural admonishment, the Trojans hastily departed from Thrace, setting sail toward the safe haven of Delos.

Upon reaching the sacred island, Aeneas sought guidance from the revered oracle of Apollo. Alas, their hopes were soon dashed as they realized that their true destiny lay in the distant lands of Italy. Determined to fulfill their ordained fate, the resolute Trojans once again embarked on a treacherous sea voyage.

Their journey brought them to the enigmatic shores of the Strophadës, where they encountered a relentless torment in the form of Harpies—an abhorrent amalgamation of avian and feminine malice. Through cunning maneuvers, they managed to escape this perilous plight, sailing onward to Actium and then to the welcoming refuge of Buthrotum.

Upon their arrival in Buthrotum, Aeneas and his comrades were met with heartfelt warmth by Helenus, the son of Priam, and his valiant wife, Andromachë, the sorrowful widow of the renowned Trojan hero Hector. The couple extended their hospitality to the weary Trojans, offering solace and support amidst their shared tales of tragedy and resilience. Helenus, endowed with sage wisdom, offered Aeneas invaluable counsel on navigating the treacherous path to Italy. Galvanized by this newfound knowledge, the determined warriors set sail once more, their destination now set upon the shores of Sicily.

Tragic Journey in Aeneid by Virgil

Tragically, their journey was marred by sorrow as Anchises, the venerable father of Aeneas, met his final rest in the peaceful harbor of Drepanum, where they had sought respite. King Acestës, ruling over Drepanum, extended his compassionate hospitality to the grieving Trojans during this mournful time.

Enveloped by an irresistible passion for Aeneas, Dido finds solace in confiding her all-consuming love to her loyal sister, Anna. Encouraged by Anna’s unwavering support, the queen surrenders herself to the intoxicating allure, unaware of the divine forces at play. Both Juno, driven by a desire to impede Aeneas’s journey to Italy, and Venus, the protective mother goddess, collaborate in a clandestine endeavor. Their aim: to orchestrate an intimate union between Aeneas and Dido, a union which the queen perceives as a sacred bond, a marriage of hearts.

Unbeknownst to Dido, celestial intervention weaves its intricate tapestry. Jupiter, the sovereign deity, cognizant of time slipping away, dispatches Mercury, his swift messenger, to convey a resolute command to Aeneas. Reluctantly, the Trojan prince heeds the divine decree, reluctantly tearing himself away from the tender embrace of Dido.

Grief-stricken and desolate, Dido succumbs to an abyss of sorrow as her beloved departs. In the depths of her despair, she invokes a solemn curse upon the Trojans, an act that will reverberate through time, igniting the flames of the fateful Punic Wars. In the throes of her torment, Dido, tragically, finds solace in death’s cold embrace.

As the Trojans bid farewell to Carthage, fate weaves its intricate strands once more. A tempestuous tempest propels them back to the shores of Sicily, where the benevolent King Acestës extends his hospitable embrace once again. At some point, the Trojans gather in solemn commemoration, offering sacrifices and engaging in somber funeral games.

Juno Employs his Skills

Juno, ever the cunning schemer, employs the divine emissary, Iris, to sow restlessness among the Trojan women. Fatigued by years of endless wandering, their souls yearn for an enduring settlement. Thus, a clandestine plot is born, fueling the desire to set ablaze the fleet that carries their hopes. Yet, Aeneas, with his unwavering determination, beseeches Jupiter for mercy. The mighty deity, relenting to the pleas of his son, extinguishes the flames with a cascading deluge. The spirit of somebody named Anchises, a guiding presence from the realm of shadows, grants permission for those Trojans who wish to remain in Sicily to forge their new destinies on its fertile soil. Meanwhile, those who yearn to fulfill the prophecy’s call press onward towards Italy, ready to embrace the unknown.

Before their embarkation, Venus, ever vigilant, fearing the machinations of Juno, beseeches the mighty sea god, Neptune, to safeguard her son’s treacherous voyage. In his enigmatic accord, Neptune demands one life as the price, a life that fate inexorably claims as Palinurus, the steadfast helmsman. Though he valiantly battles the treacherous waves, Palinurus succumbs to the savage clutches of an unforgiving sea.

At last, the Trojans cast their gaze upon the hallowed shores of Latium, their long-awaited destination. Guided by their hopes and anchored in Cumae, Aeneas seeks counsel from the venerable sibyl, embarking on an extraordinary odyssey through the depths of the underworld.

Rome’s Glory in Aeneid by Virgil

As the grand vision of Rome’s future glory unfolds before his eyes, Aeneas embraces his destiny and endeavors to establish a thriving settlement in the fertile lands of Latium. Bestowed with the gracious permission of King Latinus, who recognizes the hand of fate guiding the Trojans, Aeneas hopes for a cooperative alliance. However, amidst the delicate balance of power, tensions rise.

The noble Latinus finds himself at odds with his own subjects, led by the charismatic Rutulian prince, Turnus. Their deep-rooted mistrust of Aeneas and his people drives them to seek the expulsion of the Trojans from Latium. Adding to Latinus’s turmoil is his wife, Amata, who aligns herself with Turnus and schemes to betroth their daughter, Lavinia, to the Rutulian prince. Unbeknownst to Latinus, the enigmatic Juno weaves her intricate web of deception, plotting to incite a devastating war between Aeneas and Turnus.

As the brewing conflict reaches its inevitable climax, Aeneas embarks on a mission to secure allies. He seeks the aid of Evander, the wise king of Pallanteum, a sacred site that will one day blossom into the eternal city of Rome. Moreover, the rebellious Etruscans, rising against their tyrannical ruler, Mezentius, who stands as Turnus’s staunch ally, lend their strength to Aeneas’s cause.

Upon his triumphant return with support from Pallanteum, Aeneas plunges headlong into the raging tempest of war. Turnus, driven by fury, claims the life of Evander’s beloved son, Pallas. Aeneas, burdened with sorrow, reluctantly delivers the fatal blow to Lausus, the valiant son of Mezentius, until finally, Mezentius himself meets his ultimate demise and is killed by Aeneas.

Role of Trojans in Aeneid Literary Analysis

As the Trojans press onward, their determination reaching its zenith, they march relentlessly towards Laurentum, the once-majestic stronghold now shrouded in desolation. Latinus, consumed by a fervent desire for peace, yearns more than ever for a resolution. Yet, Turnus, unyielding in his unwavering obstinacy, vehemently opposes any hint of reconciliation. Even with the tragic fall of Camilla, his steadfast comrade, Turnus audaciously presents a proposition that challenges the very fabric of their destinies. He challenges Aeneas to a duel, with the understanding that the victor shall claim Lavinia’s hand in marriage, and an end be brought to the bloodshed.

In a final act of defiance, Juno strives to unravel the fragile truce, desperate to thwart the Trojans and Rutulians. However, the long-awaited clash ensues. Aeneas inflicts grave wounds upon Turnus before ultimately sealing his fate. With Turnus’s life extinguished, Aeneas secures a resounding victory, bringing an end to the epic struggle. And thus, the curtain falls upon this monumental tale, marking the dawn of a new era and the fulfillment of prophecies yet to unfold.