Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Pallas, Camilla, Turnus explained
The chapter recounts the final conflicts of the Aeneid: Turnus slays the young Pallas in battle and takes his belt as a trophy; after a truce for burial, Camilla the virgin warrior is killed by Aruns, though Diana avenges her; finally, Aene
What happens
The chapter recounts the final conflicts of the Aeneid: Turnus slays the young Pallas in battle and takes his belt as a trophy; after a truce for burial, Camilla the virgin warrior is killed by Aruns, though Diana avenges her; finally, Aeneas defeats Turnus in single combat, and upon seeing Pallas's belt, kills him despite his plea for mercy. The narrative concludes with the founding of Lavinium and the lineage leading to Rome.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Free Will
The conflict is driven by destiny's decree favoring Aeneas, while Turnus's choices and divine abandonment highlight the tension between fate and personal agency.
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Turnus's pride in taking Pallas's belt leads to his downfall, and Camilla's death is avenged by Diana, illustrating retribution for mortal actions.
Heroism and the Quest
Aeneas's quest to found a new city culminates in single combat, while Pallas and Camilla exemplify heroic valor in battle.
Characters to notice
- Aeneas
Challenges Turnus to single combat, fights with divine aid, and ultimately slays Turnus after seeing Pallas's belt.
- Turnus
Kills Pallas in battle, takes his belt, evades Aeneas's challenge, and is finally defeated and killed by Aeneas.
- Pallas
Young warrior who fights bravely but is slain by Turnus; his belt later incites Aeneas's vengeance.
- Camilla
Virgin warrior who performs great deeds of valor before being fatally wounded by Aruns.
- Juno
Deserts Turnus after being forbidden by Jupiter to assist him further.
- Phoebus Apollo
Beholds Camilla's fate and ensures her death is avenged by striking down Aruns.
Key passages
“Pallas bore himself bravely, but fell by the lance of Turnus.”
Pallas fought courageously, yet was killed by Turnus's spear.
Summarizes the unequal contest and Pallas's honorable death.
“The belt only, adorned with studs and carvings of gold, he took and clasped round his own body.”
Turnus took only the gold-studded belt from Pallas's body and wore it himself.
Highlights the trophy that later triggers Aeneas's wrath.
“Camilla, the virgin warrior, was chiefly conspicuous. Her deeds of valor surpassed those of the bravest warriors.”
Camilla, a warrior maiden, stood out for her exceptional bravery, outdoing even the most courageous fighters.
Emphasizes Camilla's extraordinary martial prowess.
“Turnus threw his lance, but it recoiled harmless from the shield of Aeneas.”
Turnus's spear bounced off Aeneas's shield without causing any harm.
Illustrates Aeneas's divine protection and Turnus's futility.
“Pallas immolates thee with this blow.”
This strike is offered as a sacrifice to Pallas.
Aeneas's final words before killing Turnus, linking the act to vengeance for Pallas.
