The Aeneid · Chapter
Book VII explained
King Latinus welcomes Aeneas and offers his daughter Lavinia in marriage, breaking a prior promise to Turnus.
What happens
King Latinus welcomes Aeneas and offers his daughter Lavinia in marriage, breaking a prior promise to Turnus. Enraged, Turnus is incited by Juno and the Fury Alecto to wage war. Amata, Lavinia's mother, also opposes the match and stirs up the women. War breaks out, and many Italian princes, including Mezentius, Camilla, and Messapus, join Turnus. The chapter ends with the opening of the Gates of War.
Themes in this chapter
War and Violence
The chapter marks the transition from peace to war, as Juno and Alecto incite conflict between Trojans and Latins.
Fate and Destiny
Despite Latinus's peaceful intentions, fate and divine intervention drive the war, fulfilling the prophecy of Aeneas's destiny in Italy.
Divine Intervention
Juno and Alecto actively manipulate events to break the treaty and provoke war, demonstrating the gods' direct influence.
Love and Loss
Turnus's love for Lavinia and Amata's maternal devotion lead to destructive actions and eventual loss.
Characters to notice
- Aeneas
Arrives in Latium and is welcomed by King Latinus, who promises him Lavinia's hand.
- Latinus
The aged king of Latium, who offers his daughter Lavinia to Aeneas despite omens and opposition.
- Turnus
The rejected suitor of Lavinia, who is stirred by Juno and Alecto to break the treaty and wage war.
- Amata
Queen of Latium, who opposes Aeneas and is driven mad by Alecto, leading the women in Bacchic frenzy.
- Juno
The goddess who incites war by sending Alecto to stir up Turnus and Amata.
- Alecto
The Fury sent by Juno to sow discord, poisoning Amata and provoking Turnus.
- Camilla
A warrior queen who joins Turnus's forces against the Trojans.
- Mezentius
A contemptuous Etruscan king who allies with Turnus.
Key passages
“And thou, O matron of immortal fame, Here dying, to the shore hast left thy name; Cajeta still the place is call'd from thee, The nurse of great Aeneas' infancy.”
The nurse Cajeta dies and gives her name to the place, which is still called Cajeta.
Aeneas honors his nurse by naming the shore after her.
“Now, when the prince her fun'ral rites had paid, He plow'd the Tyrrhene seas with sails display'd.”
After performing her funeral rites, Aeneas set sail across the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Aeneas continues his journey after burying Cajeta.
“Latinus, old and mild, had long possess'd The Latin scepter, and his people blest”
King Latinus, elderly and gentle, had ruled Latium for many years and brought prosperity to his people.
Introduction of King Latinus as a peaceful ruler.
“Among the crowd, but far above the rest, Young Turnus to the beauteous maid address'd.”
Turnus, a young prince, stood out among Lavinia's many suitors.
Turnus is introduced as Lavinia's primary suitor.
“The Fury sprang above the Stygian flood; And on her wicker wings, sublime thro' night, She to the Latian palace took her flight”
Alecto flew from the underworld across the Stygian river and made her way to the palace of Latinus.
Alecto is dispatched by Juno to incite conflict.
“Two gates of steel (the name of Mars they bear, And still are worship'd with religious fear)”
There are two gates made of steel, dedicated to Mars, which are revered in religious ceremony.
Description of the Gates of War, a Roman custom.
