The Aeneid Book Nine

Book Nine Never one to miss a good opportunity, Juno sends her messenger Iris down to Turnus to inform him that Aeneas has left the Trojan camp. With their leader gone the Trojans are particularly vulnerable to attack so Turnus immediately leads his army into the enemy camp. Following Aeneas’ advice, the Trojans withdraw to their fortress, unwilling to risk open battle without Aeneas.

Book Nine Unable to get through the walled defence, Turnus leads his men around the camp and sets fire to the Trojan ships on the shore. However, because the mother of the gods Cybele’s forest provided the timber for the fleet they cannot be truly destroyed and instead are transformed into sea nymphs. Although he is confused Turnus remains confident of victory and tells his men that they must fight because this is the second time that a Trojan has stolen someone else’s wife.

Book Nine The Trojans know they must let Aeneas know of the Latin attack as soon as possible but are trapped inside their fortress. Two friends, Nisus and Euryalus, eager for adventure, volunteer to sneak out in the middle of the night while the Latins are sleeping. Ascanius applauds the bravery of the two men who are prepared to face such danger.

Book Nine Leaving the fortress and finding the Latins asleep, the two men slaughter many soldiers. However, as they approach the forest a group of enemy soldiers attack them. Nisus manages to escape but Euryalus is captured. Nisus rushes back to save his friend but to no avail and both of the men are killed.

Book Nine The heads of the two men are carried back to the Trojan fort by the soldiers and by dawn the heads are displayed on spikes for all to see. The Trojan camp are horrified, particularly Euryalus’ mother, who Ascanius comforts. Turnus now orders an all out assault on the Trojans, making a tortoise formation by locking shields, protecting them from the rocks and spears that the Trojans hurl down upon them.

Book Nine Turnus targets his assault on the towers and successfully burns one of them, killing many Trojans. When Ascanius enters the battle the Trojans’ confidence is renewed, particularly when he kills a Latin captain. However, Apollo then appears to Ascanius and instructs him not to fight anymore, forcing Ascanius to withdraw from the action. Turnus remains in the fore of the action, killing many Trojans.

Book Nine Realising they are fighting a losing battle the Trojans close the gates of the fortress, trapping Turnus inside. Inside the fortress, Turnus kills many more Trojans. However, Jupiter send Iris to Juno to insist that Turnus does not succeed in his assault. Eventually, Turnus is outnumbered and narrowly escapes by jumping in the Tiber and swimming back to his comrades.

Book Nine Reading Read the following passages: l. 1 – 43: describing Juno’s messenger advising Turnus to attack l. 109 – 158: describing the Trojan fleet turning into nymphs and Turnus’ reaction. l. 315 – 446: describing Nisus and Euryalus’ journey and death. l. 640 -672: describing Apollo appearing to Ascanius

Book Nine Important Points It is worth noting the tragic tale of Nisus and Euryalus. Both men are brave, loyal and patriotic. However, their selfless sacrifice for their countrymen is in vain. They are both slain. In a chapter, where there is no shortage of violence and thuggery (Turnus) their tale maybe seen as a tragic lesson in the horrors and futility of warfare.

Book Nine Important Points Turnus, behaves less like a commanding leader i.e. in control of battle strategy, and more like a crazed soldier hell bend on spilling blood for the sheer pleasure of it. Note that the destruction of the Trojan ships, ensures that there is now no retreat from Italy – they are here to stay. Turnus’ action, paradoxically, means that the Trojan have no choice but to stay and fight it out for their very survival. He has certainly not weakened his enemies hand or resolve here.

Book Nine Important Points Ascanius is showing fledgling signs of leadership in his father’s absence. He promises gifts to the brave Nisus and Euryalus and kills an enemy attacking the fort. His future as a great king is forecasted through his action in book 9. On the other hand Turnus’ blind fury is more to be pitied as he indulges in unremitting slaughter (towards the end of the book – inside the Trojan fort). He lacks strategy, cunningness and calmness – trademark qualities of a good general.

Book Nine Important Points The mischievous Juno, never one to miss an opportunity to give grief to the Trojans, initiates the attack by telling Turnus to assault the enemy fortification, while Aeneas is away. In his vivid description of the attack on the Trojan settlement, it is hard to argue that Virgil was enthralled by warfare – rather he describes how it brings death, senseless destruction and pain (e.g. Nisus’ mother)

Book Nine Questions Why can Aeneas’ fleet not be destroyed? What is the significance of the fleet being turned into sea nymphs? Discuss the parallels between The Aeneid and The Iliad in this book. Describe in your own words the story of Nisus and Euryalus. How is Turnus portrayed in this book? Refer to the text in support of your answer.