The Aeneid Book Six
Book Six Aeneas and his crew arrive at the coast of Cumae, on the shores of Italy. Following his father’s instructions, Aeneas makes for the temple of Apollo where the Sibyl tells Aeneas to pray. Aeneas prays to Apollo for the gods’ help and promises to build a temple to Apollo when he has built a city for his people.
Book Six The Sibyl warns Aeneas that many trials await him on land – a new Achilles is waiting for him in Latium and Juno will continue to oppose him. When Aeneas tells the prophetess that he intends to go to the underworld, she instructs him how to get there. In the forests there is a tree with a golden bough. The one fated to go to the underworld must pluck this bough.
Book Six Aeneas does not locate the tree easily, however, an omen sent by Venus in the shape of two doves leads him to the tree he is looking for. Returning to Sibyl, Aeneas offers animals for sacrifice and the cave begins to shudder. It opens up into the darkness and Aeneas, along with Sibyl, enters and begins his journey to the underworld.
Book Six As he walks, Aeneas sees all kinds of gory creatures: harpies and gorgons, he grips his sword but is told they are just thin images with no actual form. When they reach at the river they see the ferryman Charon who delivers the spirits of the dead across the river. Some are refused passage and the Sibyl explains they have not received proper burial and so cannot enter the underworld.
Book Six At this point Aeneas meets his lost comrade Palinurus. Palinurus explains that after falling overboard he drifted for three days before coming ashore where barbarians killed him. Sibyl tells him that the natives will bury him after the gods send them a plague and the city will be named after him.
Book Six When Sibyl shows the reluctant Charon the golden bough he agrees to ferry them across the river Styx to the underworld. Guarding the doors of that world is Cerberus, the three headed hound. Sibyl throws him some food laced with a drug, sending the creatures to sleep. Passing inside they come to the realm of the underworld where the spirits of suicide victims rest.
Book Six Here, Aeneas meets Dido, in the field of mourning. Surprised and saddened, he speaks to her, with some regret, claiming that he left her not of his own will. The shade of the dead queen turns away from him and withdraws towards the shade of her husband Sychaeus. Aeneas wants to follow her to explain why he left her but they have to move on.
Book Six Next, Aeneas meets both Greeks and Trojans who were killed at Troy, though the Greeks flee at the sight of them. Led into another chamber, Aeneas witnesses a great fortress where men are punished for their sins. The king of the underworld dispenses judgement and the punishments are horrible.
Book Six Tityos for example is spread over nine acres. A vulture continuously gnaws at his ever- growing liver. Similarly, Tantalus, crazed by hunger, may not touch the food placed on a rich banqueting table nearby.
Book Six Finally, after making an offering of the bough, Aeneas is walked into a region of the underworld known as the Elysian Fields. This is a beautiful place, with blessed groves and meadows. Here, Aeneas meets his father, who is surveying the spirits of future generations.
Book Six Anchises greets him warmly and congratulates him on having made the difficult journey. He explains to Aeneas what the spirits are doing. They surround the river of forgetfulness, Lethe. After drinking from the river they forget about their former lives and wait to be born again into new bodies, with new identities. Aeneas can’t understand why anyone would return to the world above but Anchises explains they are waiting for a second chance of life.
Book Six Anchises describes what will becomes of the Trojan descendants: Romulus will found Rome, a Caesar will eventually come from the line of Ascanius, and Augustus will follow, ushering in a Golden Age of rule over the world. Once Aeneas has finally grasped the profound significance of his long journey to Italy, Anchises leads him to an ivory gate, where he rejoins his men in the world above.
Book Six Reading Read the following passage: l. 260 -901
Book Six Important Points Virgil uses this book to tell us about the glories of Rome – and her God-given destiny to rule and civilize the world. Virgil’s love for his country and pride in all things Roman is clear to see. This book, is descriptively, one of Virgil’s great works. High quality writing - in Latin, many purple passages (passages with extravagant, descriptive and flowery language) are evident.
Book Six Important Points His underworld is very vivid, structured and clearly demarcated (clearly marked boundaries). There are the fields of the blessed, the dammed, the unburied, etc. Aeneas’ conversation with father Anchises (who now possess prophetic abilities) is crucial in this book. Aeneas hears first hand the glories of Rome – traceable right down to his ancestors.
Book Six Important Points There are many similarities between Aeneas’ visit to Hades and Odysseus journey to the underworld. But, of course, there are also differences. Be able to elaborate. Aeneas’ visit to Hades is a turning point in the epic. Firstly, Anchises disappears from the epic, having advised his son of the trials and triumphs ahead. Aeneas is given a clear view of what he must face, i.e. another conflict, another war. However, there is some reassurance that this needless battle will result in a glorious outcome for his ancestors and Rome itself.
Book Six Important Points Aeneas must now look to the future – there is only one mission ahead – found a great nation, by settling Italy. This certain future, gives Aeneas a sense of purpose, a sense of direction. He knows that his fate is certain –war and success, suffering and glory. Anchises is clear, Aeneas’ descendants and lineage will found a great nation, Rome. This nation will rule the world.
Book Six Questions Why are some souls left stranded on the bank of the river Styx and refused passage across? Describe in your own words the various stages of Aeneas’ journey through the underworld. Why is it important that it is Anchises who outlines what is to happen to Aeneas? Give reasons for your answer.