The Aeneid by Virgil

The Aeneid by Virgil is an epic poem written in the Latin language and is one of the most important works of literature from the ancient Roman world. It tells the story of the legendary Aeneas, a Trojan hero who, after the fall of Troy, journeys to Latium, Italy, hoping to fulfill his destiny of founding a new city there. Along the way, he fights off monsters, battles the goddess Juno, and even visits the Underworld. By telling Aeneas' tale, Virgil was writing an epic in the tradition of Homer, but it was also meant to pay homage to the imperial Roman culture and its belief that the city of Rome was founded upon the ancient rituals and mythological splendor of Troy.

Virgil's story begins shortly after the fall of Troy. As the Trojan survivors search for a new home, they are visited by the god Apollo who tells them that their destiny lies in the west, in Italy. Initially, the Trojans are unenthusiastic about this prospect, but Aeneas is chosen to lead the group in establishing a new city. As the Trojans journey westward, they encounter many obstacles. They face storms at sea, attacks by fierce monsters, and a powerful goddess, Juno, who is determined to thwart Aeneas' mission. With the help of the goddess Venus, the mother of Aeneas, the Trojans make it to Italy, where they ally with the Rutulian people.

Aeneas then sets off on a journey of his own, descending into the Underworld. In the Underworld, he meets the souls of the dead, including his father Anchises and the ancient founder of Troy, Aeneas' ancestor, King Priam. From here, Aeneas learns of the tragic fate of Troy, the greatness of Rome and of his own ultimate destiny; to found a great and powerful city.

When Aeneas returns, the Trojans are soon involved in a civil war with the Rutulians. Aeneas' friend, Turnus, is set to marry the Rutulian princess Lavinia, only to be thwarted by the Trojans. In the final battle, Aeneas defeats Turnus and secures his place as the founder of Rome.

The Aeneid is both a timeless epic and a story of the greatness of Rome. Virgil mixes both classical mythology and Roman history in a story of bravery, courage and destiny. By completing his mission to found Rome, Aeneas brings an end to the Trojan War and sets a new golden age in motion, that of the Roman Empire. The Aeneid is a tribute to the city of Rome and to the values of loyalty, courage and patriotism which it inspired.