# Book XII explained — The Aeneid

> Chapter companion for The Aeneid by Virgil.

## What happens

Turnus challenges Aeneas to single combat, but the truce is broken by the Rutulians. Aeneas is wounded by an arrow, but Venus heals him. After a chaotic battle, Aeneas and Turnus finally meet in single combat. Jove and Juno reconcile, and Aeneas kills Turnus, ending the war.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Destiny

Turnus's fate is sealed by divine will, as Jove sends a Dira to ensure his downfall and Aeneas's victory.

### War and Violence

The chapter is dominated by brutal combat, including the breaking of the truce, the wounding of Aeneas, and the final duel.

### Divine Intervention

Venus heals Aeneas, Jove sends a Dira to frighten Turnus, and Juno and Jove negotiate the peace.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Turnus's death is a sacrifice for peace, and Amata's grief reflects the personal cost of war.

## Character check-ins

### Turnus

Challenges Aeneas to single combat, fights fiercely after the truce is broken, and is ultimately killed by Aeneas.

### Aeneas

Accepts Turnus's challenge, is wounded by an arrow, healed by Venus, and finally kills Turnus.

### Latinus

Attempts to dissuade Turnus from combat, offers peace and alternative brides.

### Amata

Pleads with Turnus to avoid single combat, fearing for his life.

### Juno

Finally relents and agrees to peace with Jove, ending her hostility toward the Trojans.

### Jove

Reconciles with Juno, sends a Dira to frighten Turnus, and ensures the outcome of the war.

### Juturna

Turnus's sister, attempts to aid him but is driven away by the Dira sent by Jove.

### Venus

Heals Aeneas's wound miraculously, allowing him to continue the fight.

## Key lines

> When Turnus saw the Latins leave the field, Their armies broken, and their courage quell'd, Himself become the mark of public spite, His honour question'd for the promis'd fight; The more he was with vulgar hate oppress'd, The more his fury boil'd within his breast: He rous'd his vigour for the last debate, And rais'd his haughty soul to meet his fate.

Turnus, seeing the Latins defeated and himself blamed for the failed truce, becomes enraged and resolves to face his destiny in single combat.

_Turnus's determination to fight despite the odds._

> But good Aeneas rush'd amid the bands; Bare was his head, and naked were his hands, In sign of truce: then thus he cries aloud: 'What sudden rage, what new desire of blood, Inflames your alter'd minds? O Trojans, cease From impious arms, nor violate the peace!'

Aeneas, unarmed and with head uncovered, rushes between the armies to call for a halt to the fighting, reminding them of the truce.

_Aeneas's attempt to maintain the peace._

> Thus while he spoke, unmindful of defence, A winged arrow struck the pious prince. But, whether from some human hand it came, Or hostile god, is left unknown by fame: No human hand or hostile god was found, To boast the triumph of so base a wound.

While Aeneas was speaking, an arrow hit him; it was unclear whether it came from a human or a god, and no one claimed credit for the cowardly shot.

_The mysterious wounding of Aeneas._

> Then thus the founder of mankind replies (Unruffled was his front, serene his eyes) 'Can Saturn's issue, and heav'n's other heir, Such endless anger in her bosom bear? Be mistress, and your full desires obtain; But quench the choler you foment in vain.'

Jove calmly responds to Juno, asking if she can hold such endless anger, and grants her wishes while urging her to let go of her wrath.

_Jove's reconciliation with Juno._

> Now stern Aeneas his weighty spear Against his foe, and thus upbraids his fear: 'What farther subterfuge can Turnus find? What empty hopes are harbour'd in his mind? 'Tis not thy swiftness can secure thy flight; Not with their feet, but hands, the valiant fight.'

Aeneas taunts Turnus, saying that speed cannot save him and that true courage is shown in hand-to-hand combat, not flight.

_Aeneas's final challenge to Turnus._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters/book-xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_aeneid_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters