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Aeneid VI Study Notes

Arrival in Italy and Consultation with the Sibyl (1-41)

  • The Trojans arrive in Italy at the location of Cumae.

  • Aeneas goes to consult the Sibyl at Apollo’s temple.

  • Aeneas admires the intricate pictures carved on the temple doors.

  • The Sibyl calls Aeneas into the temple,

    • Places of significance mentioned during Aeneas' journey include:

    • Troy

    • Delos

    • Crete

    • Strophades

    • Actium

    • Buthrotum

    • Acroceraunia

    • Castrum Minervae

    • Aetna

    • Drepanum

    • Carthage

    • Cumae

The Sibyl's Prophetic Trance (42-76)

  • The Sibyl enters a prophetic trance in her cave.

  • She calls on Aeneas to make his prayer to Apollo.

  • Aeneas prays, asking for:

    • Permission to enter the kingdom granted to him by fate.

    • He promises a temple and festival for Apollo, along with a special shrine for the Sibyl.

Sibyl's Prophecy for Aeneas (77-97)

  • The Sibyl provides a prophetic reply:

    • Indicates trials that still await Aeneas.

    • Urging persistence despite impending challenges.

Aeneas's Desire to Visit the Underworld (98-155)

  • Aeneas expresses awareness of the great magnitude of his task.

  • He asks permission to visit his father in the underworld.

  • The Sibyl explains the formidable nature of the journey.

  • States two prerequisites for the journey:

    • The acquisition of the golden bough.

    • The expiation for the pollution caused by the death of a companion.

Misenus's Death and Funeral Rites (156-182)

  • The dead companion referred to is Misenus.

  • Misenus' death occurred when he foolishly challenged Triton to a trumpet contest.

  • Aeneas organizes funeral rites for Misenus.

The Golden Bough (183-211)

  • Aeneas is guided to the golden bough by two doves.

  • After finding it, he takes the bough to the Sibyl.

Funeral Rites for Misenus (212-235)

  • The funeral rites for Misenus are conducted with due solemnity.

Preparations for the Underworld Journey (236-263)

  • Preparatory sacrifices are made by Aeneas.

  • Aeneas and the Sibyl enter the underworld together.

Entering the Underworld (264-294)

  • The poet invokes the gods of the underworld to permit the narration of the journey.

  • At the entrance, various horrifying forms symbolizing suffering are confronted by Aeneas and the Sibyl.

  • A host of monstrous and unnatural mythological creatures is seen.

Encounter with Charon (295-336)

  • At the river Styx, Charon waits as the ferryman, depicted with horrid squalor.

  • Shades of the dead flock to the river; Charon ferries those who have been buried.

  • Other unburied souls wait for a hundred years before they may cross.

Meeting Palinurus (337-383)

  • Aeneas encounters the ghost of his helmsman, Palinurus.

  • Palinurus recounts the story of his death and begs for burial or passage across the Styx.

  • The Sibyl informs Palinurus that burial is impossible, however, assures him his death site will bear his name forever.

Introduction to the Danger of Tartarus (384-416)

  • Charon challenges Aeneas and the Sibyl at the river bank.

  • The Sibyl presents the golden bough, allowing them to cross the Styx.

The Region of the Untimely Dead (417-425)

  • Cerberus guards the far bank of the Styx.

  • The Sibyl throws a sop to Cerberus to distract him, allowing Aeneas and herself to enter the realm of the untimely dead.

Encounter with the Souls in Limbo (426-493)

  • Aeneas and the Sibyl reach Limbo, where reside the souls of:

    • Infants

    • The unjustly condemned

    • Suicides

    • Those who died from unhappy love.

  • They meet the shade of Dido:

    • Aeneas expresses deep affection and remorse, but Dido turns away without speaking.

Meeting Deiphobus (494-547)

  • Aeneas meets Deiphobus, who bears the marks of his wounds.

  • Aeneas expresses grief and remorse for not finding Deiphobus’ body for burial.

  • Deiphobus reveals his betrayal by Helen and asks for the story of Aeneas.

  • The Sibyl interrupts to urge Aeneas onward, prompting Deiphobus to retire, wishing Aeneas better fortune.

Viewing Tartarus (548-627)

  • Aeneas and the Sibyl view Tartarus, the place for the worst sinners, guarded by Tisiphone.

  • The Sibyl explains the sinners here and the punishments they suffer.

Entering Elysium (628-636)

  • Aeneas and the Sibyl depart from Tartarus and enter Elysium.

The Groves of the Blessed (637-678)

  • Aeneas and the Sibyl arrive in Elysium, greeted by idyllic scenes.

  • They are directed to Anchises.

Aeneas Meets Anchises (679-702)

  • Anchises and Aeneas joyfully re-unite, with Anchises surveying the unborn ghosts of Roman descendants.

Understanding Rebirth and the Souls at Lethe (703-751)

  • Aeneas observes a gathering of souls at the river Lethe awaiting rebirth.

  • Anchises explains the soul’s relationship with the body and the process after death.

Notable Souls Awaiting Rebirth (752-853)

  • Anchises identifies famous Romans awaiting reincarnation:

    • The Alban kings

    • Romulus

    • Augustus

    • Notable heroes from the Roman Republic.

Mention of Marcellus (854-892)

  • Anchises mentions Marcellus, renowned for his role in the Second Punic War.

  • Aeneas inquires about a young, sad figure with Marcellus, learned to be the young Marcellus, destined for an early death.

Exiting the Underworld (893-901)

  • Two gates lead out of the underworld:

    • One of horn for true shades.

    • One of ivory for false shades.

  • Aeneas and the Sibyl exit through the ivory gate.

  • Aeneas rejoins his fleet and sails north to Caieta.