The Aeneid · Chapter
Book IX explained
Turnus, taking advantage of Aeneas's absence, attacks the Trojan camp.
What happens
Turnus, taking advantage of Aeneas's absence, attacks the Trojan camp. The Trojans, under strict orders not to engage in open battle, defend their walls. Turnus attempts to set fire to the Trojan ships, but they are miraculously transformed into sea nymphs. Nisus and Euryalus volunteer to sneak through the enemy lines to recall Aeneas, leading to a tragic night raid where they kill many sleeping Rutulians but are eventually discovered and killed.
Themes in this chapter
War and Violence
The brutal night raid and the siege of the Trojan camp highlight the savagery of war.
Love and Loss
The deep friendship between Nisus and Euryalus, and their tragic deaths, underscore the theme of love and loss.
Fate and Destiny
Despite their bravery, Nisus and Euryalus are fated to die, illustrating the inescapability of destiny.
Divine Intervention
Juno sends Iris to incite Turnus, and the ships are transformed into sea nymphs by divine power.
Characters to notice
- Turnus
Leads the assault on the Trojan camp, fires the ships, and commands the siege.
- Iris
Sent by Juno to incite Turnus to attack the Trojan camp.
- Juno
Sends Iris to Turnus to encourage the attack.
- Messapus
Leads the van of the confederate army and is given the post of honor to keep the nightly guard.
- Mnestheus
Commissioned by Aeneas to share the command and walks the round on the walls.
- Nisus
Volunteers with Euryalus to sneak through the enemy lines to recall Aeneas; leads the night raid.
- Euryalus
Young Trojan warrior who joins Nisus in the night raid; kills many enemies but is eventually captured and killed.
- Ascanius
Moved by Euryalus's filial piety, he gives gifts and promises to care for Euryalus's mother.
Key passages
“What none of all the gods could grant thy vows, That, Turnus, this auspicious day bestows. Aeneas, gone to seek th' Arcadian prince, Has left the Trojan camp without defence;”
Iris tells Turnus that the gods have given him the opportunity he prayed for: Aeneas is away seeking allies, leaving the Trojan camp vulnerable.
Iris incites Turnus to attack.
“Is there, he said, in arms, who bravely dare His leader's honour and his danger share?”
Turnus challenges any Trojan to come out and fight him in single combat.
Turnus taunts the Trojans from outside their walls.
“A gen'rous ardour boils within my breast, Eager of action, enemy to rest: This urges me to fight, and fires my mind To leave a memorable name behind.”
Nisus feels a burning desire for action and glory, and proposes a daring plan to sneak through the enemy lines.
Nisus expresses his ambition to Euryalus.
“All this, alone, and leaving me behind! Am I unworthy, Nisus, to be join'd? Think'st thou I can my share of glory yield, Or send thee unassisted to the field?”
Euryalus protests that Nisus should not go alone; he insists on sharing the danger and the glory.
Euryalus refuses to let Nisus go without him.
“Behold a conquest gain'd without a fight. Occasion offers, and I stand prepar'd; There lies our way; be thou upon the guard, And look around, while I securely go, And hew a passage thro' the sleeping foe.”
Nisus points out the sleeping enemy and tells Euryalus to stand watch while he kills them.
Nisus begins the night raid.
