'Aeneid of Virgil' Summary

The Aeneid follows Aeneas, a Trojan survivor of the Trojan War, as he flees his burning city with his son, Ascanius, and a small band of followers. Guided by the goddess Venus, his mother, Aeneas sets sail for Italy, his destined homeland. Along the way, he faces storms, encounters the queen of Carthage, Dido, and encounters the wrath of Juno, the goddess who opposes his journey. He ultimately lands in Italy and, after a war with the native Latins, establishes his kingdom. The poem celebrates the origins of the Roman people, showcasing the heroic deeds and divine intervention that shape their destiny. Through Aeneas's struggles, Virgil explores themes of love, loss, duty, and the power of fate. He depicts a complex hero grappling with the consequences of war and the weight of his destiny. The poem's lasting impact is rooted in its intricate storytelling, vivid imagery, and timeless exploration of human ambition, love, and the search for a new home.