Unius ob noxam et furias Aiacis Oilei?

Definition

This phrase translates to 'because of the harm and the fury of Ajax son of Oileus.' It refers to the destructive consequences resulting from Ajax's actions during the Trojan War, specifically his brutal treatment of Cassandra, which sets off a chain of events leading to the wrath of the gods against the Achaeans. The phrase encapsulates themes of divine retribution, fate, and the tragic consequences of human behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. This phrase appears early in the Aeneid, illustrating the lasting impact of Ajax's actions even after the fall of Troy.
2. The reference to Ajax's fury emphasizes not just his anger but also the chaos and destruction that results from uncontrolled emotions.
3. The phrase foreshadows the struggles faced by Aeneas and the Trojans as they flee from Troy and attempt to find a new home.
4. This moment connects with the larger theme of fate versus free will, as Aeneas grapples with the consequences of past actions in his journey.
5. The invocation of Ajax serves as a reminder of how individual choices can lead to collective suffering, a central idea in many classical texts.

Review Questions

• How does the phrase 'Unius ob noxam et furias Aiacis Oilei' connect to the themes of fate and divine retribution in the Aeneid?
  • The phrase illustrates how Ajax's individual actions have far-reaching consequences, particularly in terms of divine retribution. His violent behavior toward Cassandra leads to anger from the gods, impacting not just himself but also other Greek heroes. This highlights how personal choices are intertwined with fate in the narrative, influencing Aeneas's journey and struggles as he faces similar challenges stemming from past conflicts.
• Analyze how this reference sets up the motivations and challenges faced by Aeneas in his quest throughout the Aeneid.
  • By referencing Ajax's fury and its aftermath, Virgil establishes a precedent for understanding the complexities of Aeneas's journey. The mention serves as a reminder that past transgressions can haunt individuals and affect their paths. For Aeneas, this means navigating not only external threats but also grappling with the legacy of Troy's fall and its moral implications as he seeks to fulfill his destiny.
• Evaluate how 'Unius ob noxam et furias Aiacis Oilei' reflects on broader themes within epic poetry concerning individual agency versus collective consequence.
  • This phrase embodies a critical tension in epic poetry regarding how individual actions shape collective fate. Ajax's single act of violence unleashes catastrophic consequences for both himself and his comrades, illustrating that personal choices can ripple through history. In this light, Virgil invites readers to consider how characters like Aeneas are caught between their agency and the larger forces of destiny and divine will that govern their journeys, emphasizing that each decision carries weight in the unfolding epic.

Related terms

Ajax:

A prominent Greek hero in the Trojan War known for his size, strength, and bravery, but also for his tragic flaws that led to his downfall.

Cassandra:

A Trojan princess cursed with the gift of prophecy, yet doomed to never be believed. Her story highlights themes of fate and tragedy in Greek mythology.

Divine Retribution: The concept that the gods punish individuals for their transgressions, a key theme throughout ancient literature, especially in epic poetry.