Glossary
Belt of Pallas
A war trophy taken by Turnus from the slain Pallas, Aeneas's young ally. Aeneas sees this belt on Turnus at the end of their duel, which fuels his rage and prompts him to deliver the fatal blow.
Example:
The sight of the Belt of Pallas on Turnus's shoulder ignited Aeneas's fury, reminding him of his fallen friend and sealing Turnus's doom.
Character Analysis
The process of examining the motivations, flaws, development, and significance of individuals within the text, such as Aeneas, Turnus, and Juno.
Example:
A thorough Character Analysis of Turnus reveals his tragic flaw of furor (rage) as a primary cause of his downfall.
Divine Intervention
The direct involvement of gods or goddesses in human affairs, often to influence events, aid or hinder characters, or fulfill prophecies. It is a pervasive element in the Aeneid.
Example:
Venus's miraculous healing of Aeneas's wound with a special herb is a clear instance of Divine Intervention, allowing him to return to battle.
Fate vs. Free Will
A central philosophical theme exploring the extent to which characters' destinies are predetermined by the gods (fate) versus their ability to make independent choices (free will).
Example:
While Aeneas's destiny to found Rome was fated, his decision to kill Turnus, despite his plea, highlights the complex interplay of Fate vs. Free Will.
Historical Context
The political, social, and cultural environment in which the Aeneid was written (during the reign of Augustus), influencing its themes, values, and portrayal of Roman ideals.
Example:
Understanding the Historical Context of Augustus's reign helps explain why Vergil emphasized pietas and the divine destiny of Rome in the Aeneid.
Juno
The queen of the gods and Aeneas's relentless divine antagonist throughout the Aeneid, driven by her jealousy and hatred for the Trojans. She constantly interferes to thwart Aeneas's destiny.
Example:
Unable to accept the Trojans' fated success, Juno enlisted Juturna to break the truce and reignite the battle.
Jupiter
The king of the gods and the ultimate arbiter of fate in the Aeneid. He ensures that destiny is fulfilled, eventually commanding Juno to cease her interference.
Example:
Observing the chaos from Olympus, Jupiter finally intervened to end Juno's meddling and confirm the fated union of Trojans and Latins.
Juturna
A nymph and the immortal sister of Turnus, who is persuaded by Juno to intervene on her brother's behalf during the final battle. She attempts to protect him and prolong the duel.
Example:
Disguised as a warrior, Juturna handed Turnus a new sword, momentarily evening the odds against Aeneas.
King Latinus
The king of the Latins who initially offers his daughter Lavinia to Aeneas, but is later swayed by Juno and Turnus's supporters. He attempts to reason with Turnus to avoid war.
Example:
Despite his initial promise, King Latinus found himself caught between divine will and the demands of his people, struggling to maintain peace.
Literary Devices
Techniques used by Vergil to enhance meaning, evoke emotion, and create vivid imagery, including similes (comparisons using 'like' or 'as'), metaphors (direct comparisons), and imagery (descriptive language appealing to senses).
Example:
Vergil's use of a simile comparing Turnus's rampage to a raging fire effectively conveys the intensity of the battle through his masterful application of Literary Devices.
Pietas
A core Roman value encompassing duty, devotion, and responsibility towards gods, family, and country. Aeneas embodies this virtue, contrasting with Turnus's lack of it.
Example:
Aeneas's unwavering commitment to his divine mission and his people, even when it meant personal sacrifice, perfectly exemplified Roman pietas.
Queen Amata
The wife of King Latinus and mother of Lavinia, she fiercely opposes Aeneas's marriage to her daughter and strongly supports Turnus. Her despair ultimately leads to her suicide.
Example:
Consumed by grief and fear for Turnus, Queen Amata tragically took her own life upon hearing of the Trojan attack on the city.
The Founding of Rome
The overarching purpose of the Aeneid, which mythologically narrates the origins of the Roman people and justifies their imperial destiny through Aeneas's journey and the eventual union of Trojans and Latins.
Example:
The Aeneid culminates in Book XII with the resolution that sets the stage for The Founding of Rome, establishing the new Roman identity from the merged peoples.
Truce
A temporary agreement to cease hostilities, specifically the one made between Aeneas and Turnus for a single combat, which is subsequently broken by divine and mortal interference.
Example:
The fragile truce was shattered when Juturna, disguised as a Rutulian, incited the troops to break the peace and resume fighting.
Turnus
The primary antagonist in the Aeneid, especially in Book XII, characterized by his impulsive nature, excessive pride, and rage. He is the leader of the Rutulians and Aeneas's main rival for Lavinia's hand.
Example:
Driven by fury and a thirst for glory, Turnus ignored all pleas and rushed headlong into the final, fatal duel with Aeneas.
Venus
The goddess of love and beauty, and Aeneas's divine mother. She consistently aids and protects Aeneas throughout his journey, often counteracting Juno's schemes.
Example:
When Aeneas was wounded, Venus swiftly provided a healing balm, ensuring her son's quick recovery and return to the fray.
War and its Consequences
A pervasive theme in the Aeneid, depicting the brutal reality, suffering, and devastating effects of armed conflict on individuals, families, and communities.
Example:
Vergil's vivid descriptions of gruesome deaths and Queen Amata's suicide powerfully illustrate the tragic War and its Consequences.