Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Evander explained
Aeneas receives a vision from the river god Tiber, who instructs him to seek an alliance with Evander, the Arcadian chief at odds with Turnus.
What happens
Aeneas receives a vision from the river god Tiber, who instructs him to seek an alliance with Evander, the Arcadian chief at odds with Turnus. Aeneas follows the divine guidance, sails up the Tiber, and is welcomed by Evander and his son Pallas during a festival honoring Hercules.
Themes in this chapter
Hospitality and Its Violation
Evander and his people welcome Aeneas and his Trojans, offering seats at their sacred feast, exemplifying proper hospitality.
Fate and Free Will
Aeneas follows the divine vision and his destined path, yet must actively choose to obey and persevere.
Characters to notice
- Aeneas
Receives a prophetic vision from Father Tiber and sails up the river to seek alliance with Evander.
- Evander
Arcadian chief celebrating annual rites to Hercules; becomes an ally of Aeneas.
- Pallas
Son of Evander; greets Aeneas and invites him to join the celebration.
- Turnus
Mentioned as the enemy of Evander and the Rutulians.
- Juno
Aeneas offers sacrifices to appease her anger as advised by the river god.
Key passages
“The god of the stream, Father Tiber, seemed to raise his head above the willows and to say, 'O goddess-born, destined possessor of the Latin realms, this is the promised land, here is to be your home, here shall terminate the hostility of the heavenly powers, if only you faithfully persevere.'”
The river god Tiber appears to Aeneas in a dream, telling him that this is his destined homeland and that the gods' anger will cease if he remains steadfast.
Divine guidance and prophecy set Aeneas on his course to ally with Evander.
“When they saw the tall ship gliding onward near the wood, they were alarmed at the sight, and rose from the tables. But Pallas forbade the solemnities to be interrupted, and seizing a weapon, stepped forward to the river’s bank.”
The sight of the approaching ship startles the celebrants, but Pallas stops the panic and goes to investigate.
Pallas shows both caution and composure, preventing disruption of the sacred rites.
“Aeneas, holding forth an olive-branch, replied, 'We are Trojans, friends to you, and enemies to the Rutulians. We seek Evander, and offer to join our arms with yours.'”
Aeneas extends an olive branch and declares that the Trojans come as friends seeking an alliance against their common enemy, the Rutulians.
Aeneas uses diplomacy and the symbol of peace to secure an alliance.