# Deification of Aeneas explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Venus successfully petitions Jupiter to deify Aeneas, who is purified by the river god Numicius and granted apotheosis. The chapter then traces the lineage of Aeneas's descendants ruling Latium, from Ascanius through the Alban kings to Procas.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Immortality

Aeneas transitions from mortal to immortal through divine intervention and ritual purification.

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Jupiter's decree and Venus's successful petition demonstrate the gods' control over human destiny and apotheosis.

### Fate and Prophecy

Aeneas's deification is presented as fated, fulfilling the prophecy of Rome's immortal majesty.

## Character check-ins

### Venus

Venus pleads with Jupiter to deify her son Aeneas, then descends to Laurentum to oversee his purification.

### Jove

Jupiter convenes the gods and seals the decree granting Aeneas apotheosis.

### Juno

Juno sits in the divine council and feels remorse for her past vengeance against Aeneas.

### Aeneas

Aeneas is deified after his mortal parts are cleansed by Numicius and anointed with ambrosia.

### Neptune

The river god Numicius, a subordinate of Neptune, purifies Aeneas at Venus's request.

## Key lines

> The prayers of Venus prevail, and Aeneas is admitted into the number of the gods, while his descendants sway the sceptre of Latium.

Venus's requests are granted, and Aeneas becomes a god, while his lineage rules Latium.

_Opening summary of the chapter's main events._

> His better parts by lustral waves refined, More pure, and nearer to ethereal mind, With gums of fragrant scent the goddess strews, And on his features breathes ambrosial dews.

The purifying waters cleanse his mortal essence, making him more divine, and Venus anoints him with perfumes and ambrosia.

_Description of Aeneas's purification and deification ritual._

## Links

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