Book V: Funeral Games and the Burning of the Ships explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Piety and Duty

  Aeneas honors his father Anchises with funeral games and follows divine guidance from visions and omens, embodying pietas.

• Suffering and Sacrifice

  The Trojans endure the burning of their ships and the loss of Palinurus, highlighting the sacrifices required for their destiny.

• Divine Intervention

  Juno's manipulation through Iris, Jupiter's miraculous shower, and Neptune's protection of the fleet demonstrate the gods' active role in human affairs.

• Fate and Destiny

  Aeneas's journey is guided by fate, as seen in the vision of Anchises and Neptune's prophecy of one destined death.

Characters to notice

• Aeneas

  Celebrates funeral games for Anchises, receives advice from Nautes and a vision of his father, and decides to leave the weak in Sicily while continuing to Italy.

• Acestes

  King of Sicily, of Trojan descent, hospitably receives Aeneas and provides gifts for the funeral games.

• Anchises

  Appears to Aeneas in a vision, advising him to follow Nautes' counsel and to visit the Underworld.

• Juno

  Sends Iris to incite the Trojan women to burn the ships, continuing her hostility toward the Trojans.

• Venus

  Pleads with Neptune for Aeneas's safe passage, securing his protection for the fleet.

• Neptune

  Agrees to Venus's request, promising safe voyage for all but one destined to die.

• Palinurus

  The pilot of Aeneas's ship, who resists the god of Sleep but is ultimately overcome and lost at sea.

• Nautes

  Old and wise Trojan, advises Aeneas to leave the weak and weary in Sicily.

Key passages

• “The pilot, Palinurus, cried aloud: "What gusts of weather from that gath'ring cloud My thoughts presage! Ere yet the tempest roars, Stand to your tackle, mates, and stretch your oars; Contract your swelling sails, and luff to wind."”

  Palinurus warns of an approaching storm and orders the crew to prepare by tightening sails and rowing.

  Palinurus demonstrates his skill and foresight as a pilot.

• “Aeneas then replied: "Too sure I find We strive in vain against the seas and wind: Now shift your sails; what place can please me more Than what you promise, the Sicilian shore, Whose hallow'd earth Anchises' bones contains, And where a prince of Trojan lineage reigns?"”

  Aeneas accepts the diversion to Sicily, valuing the chance to honor his father's grave.

  Aeneas's piety leads him to prioritize Anchises's resting place.

• “Then Nautes, old and wise, to whom alone The will of Heav'n by Pallas was foreshown; Vers'd in portents, experienc'd, and inspir'd To tell events, and what the fates requir'd; Thus while he stood, to neither part inclin'd, With cheerful words reliev'd his lab'ring mind: "O goddess-born, resign'd in ev'ry state, With patience bear, with prudence push your fate. By suff'ring well, our Fortune we subdue; Fly when she frowns, and, when she calls, pursue."”

  Nautes advises Aeneas to endure hardship patiently and to act wisely according to fate.

  Nautes offers counsel that balances acceptance and action.

• “The prince designs a city with the plow; The lots their sev'ral tenements allow. This part is nam'd from Ilium, that from Troy, And the new king ascends the throne with joy; A chosen senate from the people draws; Appoints the judges, and ordains the laws.”

  Aeneas founds a new city for those left behind, naming it Acesta, and establishes its government.

  The founding of Acesta mirrors the founding of Rome, emphasizing Aeneas's role as a civilizer.

• “Then thus the mighty Ruler of the Main: "What may not Venus hope from Neptune's reign? My kingdom claims your birth; my late defence Of your indanger'd fleet may claim your confidence. ... My will's the same: fair goddess, fear no more, Your fleet shall safely gain the Latian shore; Their lives are giv'n; one destin'd head alone Shall perish, and for multitudes atone."”

  Neptune reassures Venus that the fleet will reach Italy safely, except for one man who must die.

  Neptune's promise underscores the theme of divine intervention and fate.