Student Question
What three virtues does Aeneas exemplify as the epic hero in books 1, 2, 4, and 6 of the Aeneid?
Quick answer:
Aeneas exemplifies the virtues of courage, duty, and devotion. His courage is evident in his stoic demeanor and inquiries with Venus. Despite contemplating violence against Helen, he ultimately refrains, showing restraint. His duty is highlighted by his decision to leave Dido to fulfill his destiny of founding a new city, demonstrating a commitment to his mission. Aeneas’s devotion to his divine destiny, despite personal challenges, underscores his role as an epic hero.
Aeneas's trademark quality is virtus—a Latin term that encompasses the virtues of courage, manliness, and excellence. Aeneas is very stoical; when he meets Venus disguised as a huntress, he is inquisitive but demure. He respects her divine status.
However, Aeneas is not an ideal hero. He contemplates killing Helen in book 2 and only decides against it when Venus intervenes. Additionally, Aeneas famously misinterprets the oracle at Delos in book 3, interpreting the origin of the Trojan people as Crete, rather than Italy.
Aeneas is characteristically stalwart in his decision to leave Dido in book 4. His decision can be seen as insensitive to the lovestruck Dido or, alternatively, as devotional to his destiny to found a new city.
These episodes collectively depict Aeneas as a purposeful, righteous, and dedicated (if imperfect) human hero who is loyal to his destiny above all else.
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