Aeneid (Exquisite Edition): World Epic Translation Series

Author: [Ancient Rome] Virgil
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-06-01
Features: Publius Vergilius Maro, commonly known as Virgil, holds a pivotal position in the development of European literature. He pioneered a new type of epic, infusing poetry with fresh content and style, and exerted a profound influence. His works possess a sense of history and intellectual maturity. He was a conscious artist. He can be considered a modern writer in the contemporary sense. These characteristics are widely recognized. The Aeneid consists of twelve books, narratively, it can be divided into two parts, each with six books. Alternatively, it can be divided into three parts, each with four books. The rationale for dividing it into two parts is that the first half imitates the Odyssey, depicting Aeneas's wandering; the second half imitates the Iliad, portraying Aeneas's war with Turnus. The rationale for dividing it into three parts is that the first part centers on the fall of Troy and Dido's tragedy; the second part serves as a transition, describing Aeneas's arrival in Italy, forming alliances, and preparing for war; the third part depicts the war. Structurally, while it can be segmented into several sections, the central figure remains the same, running through the entire narrative, and the story retains continuity. According to epic conventions, the story begins in medias res (in the middle) rather than from the beginning (ab ovo) (Horace: Ars Poetica). At the start of the epic, the Trojans have already been wandering at sea for seven years and are departing Sicily, heading north toward Italy. However, Juno opposes them, ordering the wind gods to raise a storm and blowing them to Carthage in the south. The Carthaginian queen Dido warmly welcomes them. Venus, the mother of Aeneas and a goddess, also hopes to prevent her son from wandering further and desires him to settle in Carthage, so she instructs Cupid, her other son, to inspire Dido with love for Aeneas. At the banquet, Dido invites him to recount his seven years of wandering.