The Aeneid Book Ten

Book Ten From Olympus, Jupiter notices the carnage taking place in Italy. He demands to know why the Trojans and Latins are fighting each other, against his wishes. Venus tells Jupiter that Aeneas has done everything he was supposed to do but Juno has caused trouble for him. Juno angrily replies that she did not force Aeneas to go to Italy and begs Jupiter not to stop the war.

Book Ten Tired of their bickering, Jupiter tells the gods that he will allow the war to run its course. He will not favour one side or another, instead ‘the fates will find their way’. All of the gods are instructed to stay out of the conflict and help neither side.

Book Ten Meanwhile, battle continues between the Latins and Trojans. Though still under siege, the Trojans manage to defend their settlement. Having convinced the Tuscans to join his army, Aeneas and his men are able to sail the remaining journey back. As night falls a sea nymph (formerly a ship) boards Aeneas’ ship and tells him to hurry back as his camp is under siege.

Book Ten By dawn Aeneas’ ships reach the shores of his camp and he begins to attack the enemy from his fleet. Virgil describes Aeneas as god-like and maginificent in his new armour. Aeneas strikes the first blows, attacking Turnus’ men, while the soldiers on both sides start battle. Pallas leads the Arcadians, fighting fiercely and killing many Latins. Although he is still young, he is a very capable fighter and catches the attention of Turnus.

Book Ten Lausus, a Latin warrior, heads in the direction of Pallas but Turnus orders him to stand aside, who comes face to face with Evander’s son. Pallas utters a prayer to Hercules, but when the god hears this he weeps because he knows Pallas’ prayer cannot be answered. Pallas is fated to die.

Book Ten Pallas begins a one on one combat with Turnus by hurling a spear at him but misses. Turnus hurls a javelin back and strikes Pallas, killing him outright. Supremely arrogant after this kill, Turnus announces the death of their king to the Arcadians and rips off the prince’s belt as a prize.

Book Ten Aeneas hears of Pallas’ death and kills his way through to that sector of the battlefield. There is no limit to Aeneas’ fury as he approaches the body of the dead Pallas. Terrified, some of the Latin soldiers beg on their knees to be spared but Aeneas slaughters them mercilessly. Turnus’ troops begin to fall into chaos. Seeing that the battle is lost, Juno gets permission from Jupiter to save Turnus from the battlefield.

Book Ten Juno descends from Olympus to the battlefield disguised as Aeneas. Turnus believing her to be the Trojan hero rushes at him. Juno runs from him, with Turnus following in hot pursuit. It is only when she has led him to a ship and rowed a safe distance away that she reveals herself. Turnus begs Juno to take him back to his men, he feels ashamed for deserting them but Juno refuses to release him.

Book Ten In Turnus’ absence, Mezentius leads the Latins and in the final section of the book, Aeneas confronts him. Through the book both sides appear to have been killing each other equally, nobody is winning outright. Mezentius rushes at Aeneas but he is protected by his mighty shield. In a counter attack Aeneas’ spear penetrates through Mezentius’ shield, injuring him in the thigh.

Book Ten While Mezentius limps off to tend his wound, his son Lausus enters the battle to honour and protect his father. Aeneas easily kills Lausus but later regrets killing the youth. Tragically, as Mezentius is washing his wound by the river, the body of his dead son is brought to him. Unable to control his rage, he at once confronts Aeneas. When each of his effort to stroke Aeneas fails, Mezentius is left exhausted and Aeneas pierces the head of his horse.

Book Ten When the animal collapes, Mezentius is left pinned underneath him. Initially Aeneas taunts the Latin, however Mezentius asks Aeneas to give him a proper burial and a grave alongside his son when he is slain. Willingly then, he offers his throat to Aeneas, who kills him.

Book Ten Reading Read the following passages: l. 1 – 116: describing Jupiter’s decision regarding the war. l. 265 – 503: describing Aeneas entering the battlefield, several battles and Turnus killing Pallas. l. 510 – 601: describing Aeneas’s fury at Pallas’ death. l. 832 – 908: describing Mezentius discovering his son’s body and Mezentius and Aeneas doing battle.

Book Ten Important Points In this book, the battle that rages between the Trojans and their enemies takes centre stage. Brave warriors fight and die. There are heroes and villains, there is pathos and tragedy, there are winners and losers etc. Everything that defines warfare is contained within Virgil’s account here in book 10. Virgil, though not a supporter of war, is an acute observer of war-fare.

Book Ten Important Points Jupiter says that the gods must not intervene, yet paradoxically, agrees to Juno’s request to save Turnus from Aeneas. Uncharacteristically, Aeneas loses control and in a fit of blind rage kills many soldiers, even those who beg to be spared. Aeneas has just lost his dear ally Pallas and is in no fit state to be reasonable.

Book Ten Important Points The death of young Pallas and Lausus is tragic. It must have been the men’s first conflict – they are definitely inexperienced. Aeneas, later on, regrets killing the young man. Virgil would seem to be indicating, that war is truly tragic. He does not seem to be espousing those grand ideals that war brings glory and honour: (“Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”).

Book Ten Important Points Heracles vain attempt to save Pallas, reinforces the theme of fate, Jupiter comfort his son, telling him that every man must die. Turnus, of course, has done himself no favours by gloatingly tearing off Pallas’ belt.

Book Ten Questions How is Aeneas portrayed when he arrives back to do battle? What is the significance of Pallas’ death? Describe in your own words the battle that takes place between Mezentius and Aeneas.

The Abbey Theatre

The Abbey Theatre

Public Transport 38 to O’Connell Street (walk down O’Connell St – turn left onto Abbey Street, following the Luas tracks. The theatre will be on the right hand side of the road at the next traffic lights.

Public Transport 39/39A/37 to Bachelor’s Walk on the Quays (walk down the quays, turn left onto O’Connell Street, then take the first right onto Abbey St, following the Luas tracks. The theatre will be on the right hand side of the road at the next traffic lights.