Aeneas

Definition

Aeneas is a central figure in Virgil's epic poem, 'The Aeneid,' known for being a Trojan hero and the son of the prince Anchises and the goddess Aphrodite. He represents the ideal of piety, duty, and fate, as he embarks on a quest to establish a new homeland for his people after the fall of Troy. His journey emphasizes themes of identity and self-discovery as he grapples with his destiny and the responsibilities that come with it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aeneas is often referred to as the 'pious Aeneas' because of his deep sense of duty to both the gods and his family, reflecting the Roman virtue of pietas.
2. His journey takes him through various trials, including encounters with mythical creatures and divine beings, that test his character and resolve.
3. Aeneas's relationship with Dido showcases the tension between personal desires and obligations to destiny, ultimately leading to tragedy.
4. The prophecy of Aeneas founding a new city symbolizes not just a physical journey but also a quest for identity and purpose that resonates with broader themes of self-discovery.
5. In the end, Aeneas fulfills his fate by reaching Italy, where he will become the ancestor of the Romans, solidifying his role as a foundational figure in Roman mythology.

Review Questions

• How does Aeneas's sense of duty influence his decisions throughout 'The Aeneid'?
  • Aeneas's sense of duty, or pietas, profoundly shapes his actions and choices in 'The Aeneid.' His commitment to fulfilling his destiny and establishing a new home for the Trojans drives him to make sacrifices, including leaving Dido despite their love. This dedication to duty underscores the importance of identity and responsibility in shaping who he becomes as a leader and hero.
• Discuss the role of fate in Aeneas's journey and how it contributes to his self-discovery.
  • Fate plays a crucial role in Aeneas's journey as it dictates the path he must take to fulfill his destiny. Throughout the epic, he faces challenges that force him to confront his identity and purpose. The constant reminder of fate influences Aeneas’s decisions, leading him to embrace his role as a leader destined to establish Rome. This struggle between free will and predetermined fate deepens his understanding of himself and his responsibilities.
• Evaluate how Aeneas’s relationships, particularly with Dido, reflect broader themes of identity and self-discovery in 'The Aeneid.'
  • Aeneas’s relationships, especially with Dido, are pivotal in illustrating the themes of identity and self-discovery. His love for Dido presents a conflict between personal happiness and duty to his destiny. The tragic outcome of their relationship highlights how Aeneas must prioritize his responsibilities over emotional attachments. This internal conflict enhances his character development, revealing how identity is often shaped by choices made in response to external expectations and internal desires.

Related terms

Dido:

The queen of Carthage who falls in love with Aeneas during his journey, symbolizing love and loss as well as the conflict between personal desire and duty.

Pietas: A Latin term meaning 'duty' or 'devotion,' which embodies Aeneas's commitment to his family, country, and the gods throughout his journey.

Fate:

A key concept in 'The Aeneid' representing the predetermined path that Aeneas must follow to fulfill his destiny and establish Rome, highlighting themes of inevitability in self-discovery.