The Aeneid (Core Texts Fall Midterm)

Virgil

Who wrote The Aeneid?

Fate vs Free Will

major theme (gods and the humans)

Foundational Epic

What genre is The Aenied?

educate on Romes foundation

What is the writer aim/purpose?

The Trojan War and the finding of Carthage

What are two examples of pivotal/turning points? 

Juno

Which goddess harbors deep hatred toward Aeneas and the Trojans?

Neptune

Who calms the storm that threatens Aeneas’s fleet in Book 1?

Carthage

Where do Aeneas and his men find refuge after the storm?

Dido

Who is the queen that welcomes Aeneas in Carthage?

Venus

Which god or goddess disguises Aeneas in a cloud when he first enters Carthage?

The Trojan Horse

What object leads to the destruction of Troy in Book 2?

Lacoon

Who warns the Trojans not to trust the Greek gift, saying “I fear the Greeks, even when they bear gifts”?

Hector

Who appears to Aeneas in a dream urging him to flee Troy?

He and his son are killed by serpants from the sea

What happens to Laocoön after he warns the Trojans about the horse?

Anchises, Creusa, and Ascanius (Iulus)

Which family members does Aeneas try to save as Troy burns?

Anna

Dido’s sister who encourages the idea of marriage

Aeneas and his men are shipwrecked near Carthage after Juno sends a storm. Venus helps Aeneas safely reach Queen Dido’s city. Dido welcomes the Trojans, and Aeneas begins telling her the story of Troy’s fall.

Summary of book 1

Aeneas recounts how the Greeks used the Trojan Horse to destroy Troy. He describes the city’s burning, Priam’s death, and his escape with his father Anchises, son Ascanius, and the household gods—though his wife Creusa dies in the chaos.

Summary of book 2

Dido falls deeply in love with Aeneas, but Jupiter reminds Aeneas of his destiny to found Rome. When he leaves, Dido is heartbroken and kills herself, cursing Aeneas and his descendants—foreshadowing Rome’s future conflict with Carthage.

Summary of book 4

Aeneas travels to the Underworld with the Sibyl’s guidance. He meets his father Anchises, who shows him the souls of future Roman heroes and explains Rome’s divine destiny: to rule through law and bring peace to the world. Aeneas leaves renewed with purpose.

Summary of book 6