The Aeneid
There are hundreds of literary works that are well-known to many people, but the Aeneid is one of the most popular work. Written by Virgil around the year 29 B.C. the Aeneid is a story about the journey of Aeneas. The story is made up of 12 books, each with its own meaningful story.
Book 1
In Book One, Aeneas finds himself escaping from Troy to Carthage. In the newly built city of Carthage, Aeneas meets the young queen Dido. It is said that he was given a task from Jupiter (Zeus) to create a new race, the Romans. This new race was said to be filled with prosperity. Juno (Hera) tries to place obstacles and threats in Aeneas way to prevent his task from being completed. But why would Juno put so much effort into stopping a new race, when it is supposed to be peaceful? The Romans are destined to destroy Carthage, which is her favorite city. Dido, who is the queen of Carthage, actually ends up falling in love with Aeneas (Wilson).
Book 2
In Book Two, Aeneas shares stories about Troy with Dido. He talks about how the Trojan Horse helped in Troy's destruction and how he somewhat wished he to had died fighting for his city, like a hero. But, instead he was able to escape. As Aeneas continued on, Dido's love for him grew. He even told her that he met his wife's ghost, Creusa, who told him that he would marry again (Wilson).
Book 3
In Book Three, Aeneas continues on with the stories. He tells Dido about how his father, Anchises, died in Sicily and his exhausting search for his "promised" land. He goes on to tell her that he was shipwrecked on Carthage because of Juno's obstacles (Wilson).
Book 4
In Book Four, Dido continues to marvel at Aeneas. Her love for him grows even stronger, but she is hesitant about him, due to her vow to never fall in love again since her husband had died (Wilson). Eventually Dido tries to arrange a marriage between them, but Aeneas can not commit due to orders from Jupiter to leave her.
Book 5
In Book Five, Aeneas wants to return to Sicily. Here he will celebrate his father's death, but Juno creates more threats for him. She makes the woman (on the ships) set the ships on fire. Aeneas is still able to save most ships, but he does not give up. He continues his journey to Italy (Wilson).
Book 6
In Book Six, Aeneas asks a Sybil to foresee his future. He then asks her how he can enter the Underworld to seek his father's word. The Sybil tells him that the portal into Hades is always open, but getting out is a much trickier part. Aeneas gathers his Trojan men, makes a sacrifice, and begins his journey with the Sybil into the Underworld. They made it across the three-headed dog, Cerberus. They seen many tragedies, one being that of queen Dido. She had killed herself after Aeneas was ordered to leave her. Aeneas finally finds his father, who goes on to explain how Aeneas will build Rome. Through his decedents, the future Romulus and Remus (who's father will be Mars) will create Rome. Anchises speaks of the glory his decedents will encounter and obtain. Finally they depart and Aeneas is able to find his way out of Hades and back to his ships.
Book 7
In Book Seven, Aeneas meets King Latinus in Italy who offers his daughter, Lavinia, to him (due to a prophecy that said she would marry a foreigner). At the same time Juno (Hera) created yet another threat to Aeneas. She began a war between the Trojans and King Latinus (Wilson).
Book 8
In Book Eight Envader, a Greek, helps Aeneas fight King Latinus and his men (Wilson).
Book 9
In Book Nine, Turnus (one of Lavinia' suitors) "blockades the Trojan camp." Iulus, who is Aeneas son, "thwarts Turnus' bid to capture the camp" (Wilson).
Book 10
In Book Ten, Aeneas gathers a few new allies. One, Pallas, is sadly killed soon after the fight with Turnus even though they won (Wilson).
Book 11
In Book Eleven the fighting between Aeneas and Turnus continues and many more die (Wilson).
Book 12
In Book Twelve Aeneas and Turnus attempt another duel, but in the end more fighting breaks out due to Tarnus' sister. Eventually the Trojans take Latinus and the city is theirs. Aeneas finds out that Tarnus killed Pallas and so Aeneas destroys him (Wilson).
