Glossary
Aeneas's Reaction
Aeneas's immediate and profound shock, fear, and internal turmoil upon receiving Mercury's divine command.
Example:
The vivid description of Aeneas's Reaction emphasizes the overwhelming power of the gods' message.
Aeneid Book 4 Lines 259-295
A pivotal section of Vergil's epic where Mercury delivers Jupiter's command, forcing Aeneas to confront his destiny and leave Carthage.
Example:
Students often analyze the emotional intensity of Aeneas's internal struggle in Aeneid Book 4 Lines 259-295.
Ascanius / Iulus
Aeneas's son, whose future destiny to rule in Italy is a key motivation for Aeneas to leave Carthage; also known as Iulus, linking him to the Gens Julia.
Example:
Mercury reminds Aeneas of the future of Ascanius / Iulus to spur him to action.
Divine Intervention
The direct involvement of gods in human affairs, often to guide or compel mortals towards a specific destiny.
Example:
Mercury's appearance to Aeneas is a clear instance of divine intervention shaping the course of the epic.
Duty vs. Desire
The central conflict Aeneas faces between his personal feelings and relationships (desire) and his obligations to his destiny and people (duty).
Example:
Aeneas's struggle to leave Dido perfectly illustrates the theme of duty vs. desire.
Fatum
The inescapable destiny or fate, particularly Aeneas's divinely ordained mission to found Rome.
Example:
Despite his personal desires, Aeneas cannot escape his fatum to establish a new Trojan homeland in Italy.
Gens Julia
A prominent Roman family or clan, including Julius Caesar, whose lineage is traced back to Aeneas through his son Iulus.
Example:
Vergil's epic subtly flatters Augustus by connecting Aeneas's lineage to the Gens Julia.
Jupiter
The king of the gods in Roman mythology, equivalent to Greek Zeus, who sends Mercury to Aeneas.
Example:
It is Jupiter who ultimately commands Aeneas to leave Carthage and fulfill his destiny.
Leadership
Aeneas's role as a responsible and decisive figure, guiding his people towards their destined future despite personal hardship.
Example:
Aeneas's swift decision to prepare his fleet in secret demonstrates his leadership qualities.
Libycīs terrīs / Carthage
Refers to the lands of Carthage, a powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa where Aeneas is lingering.
Example:
Aeneas is found building Carthage in the Libycīs terrīs when Mercury arrives.
Mercury
The Roman messenger god, sent by Jupiter to deliver the divine command to Aeneas.
Example:
Mercury swiftly descends from Olympus to remind Aeneas of his neglected mission.
Mount Olympus
The mythical home of the gods in Greek and Roman mythology, from which Mercury descends.
Example:
Mercury's journey begins high on Mount Olympus before he reaches Aeneas.
Pietas
A fundamental Roman virtue encompassing duty to gods, family, and country; a core characteristic of Aeneas.
Example:
Aeneas demonstrates his pietas by ultimately choosing his divinely ordained mission over his love for Dido.
Secret Preparations
Aeneas's strategic decision to order his men to ready the fleet covertly, demonstrating his resolve to leave Carthage.
Example:
The Trojans' swift obedience to Aeneas's command for Secret Preparations highlights their loyalty.
Zeus
The king of the gods in Greek mythology, equivalent to Roman Jupiter.
Example:
While the Aeneid is Roman, understanding that Zeus is the Greek counterpart to Jupiter helps contextualize the divine pantheon.