# Book V: Funeral Games and the Burning of the Ships explained — The Aeneid > Chapter companion for The Aeneid by Virgil. ## What happens Aeneas, driven by a storm to Sicily, is welcomed by King Acestes. He holds funeral games in honor of his father Anchises. Juno sends Iris to incite the Trojan women to burn the ships, but a storm from Jupiter extinguishes the fire. Aeneas, following advice from Nautes and a vision of Anchises, leaves the weak and weary in a new city called Acesta. Venus secures Neptune's promise of safe passage for the fleet, except for the pilot Palinurus, who is lost to sleep and the sea. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters/book-v - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_aeneid_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters