Vergil's The Aeneid

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Vergil’s epic poem The Aeneid was written during the period of Augustus’s rule. Augustus’s policies, which emphasized the importance of patriotism, piety, and family values, were the standard by which a good Roman was measured. Aeneas was the true embodiment of Roman values, and was depicted as a great (although not perfect) leader in The Aeneid. Aeneas’s relationships as a father and son enabled him to be a great public leader (according to Roman values), and to ultimately succeed in establishing the foundation for Rome. Venus’s support of her son Aeneas greatly aided him in succeeding with his mission of establishing Rome. She helps Aeneas repeatedly throughout the epic, ensuring his safety as well as success. Venus is constantly countering the spiteful and destructive acts of…show more content…
Upon Aeneas’s arrival at Carthage, Venus fearfully exclaims to cupid that “The hospitality of Juno—and where it may lead—makes me afraid; at such a turn I know she’ll not be idle” (The Aeneid 1:938-941). In anticipation, she aims to have Dido fall in love with Aeneas so that she will provide him and his men with safety and refuge. By means of Venus, Aeneas is able to successfully provide his crew refuge as well as safety. At Carthage, Aeneas, at the request of Dido, recounts the story of the fall of Troy. Aeneas sorrowfully tells his tale and informs that in a fit of anger, seeks to kill Hecuba, the wife of King Priam. Venus interrupts Aeneas’s vengeful thoughts and states that Aeneas is better of finding his father Anchises, his wife Creusa, and his boy Ascanius (The Aeneid 2:804-808). Aeneas, who is portrayed as righteous and reasoning, was tempted to act in an angry and revengeful manner. His exemplification of a pious Roman leader was threatened, and saved only by Venus’s intervention and her appeal to Aeneas’s father, son, and wife. During Aeneas’s and Turnus’s final battle, Venus intervenes one last time. Juturna, the Danian goddess, takes form of Metiscus and
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