The Aeneid

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By Virgil & John Dryden

Publisher Description

A work of epic poetry that has survived for over two thousand years, is the story of Aeneas. Born to a goddess and a mortal man, Aeneas leads a fleet on the Mediterranean; is beset by a great storm; becomes entangled in a romance with Dido, the queen of Carthage; and visits the underworld. His true destiny, though, awaits him in Italy, and he engages in bloody battle as he makes his way there—under the watchful gaze of the gods and goddesses who frequently intervene. A fundamental classic of Western literature, is a majestic blend of myth, legend, and history that continues to transport modern readers into a long-lost world.

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The Aeneid Reviews

3.5

Nisha

Created 9 months ago

“First of all, I read and loved both the Illiad and the Odyssey in January and because the Aeneid is highly influenced by those two, I knew I was going to like the Aeneid as well. The book is divided into two overarching plot lines, the first part being highly reminiscent of the Odyssey and the second part referencing the Illiad. It starts with Aeneas going on a journey to find a new home for the remaining Trojans after Troy fell. They go on so many fascinating adventures and eventually get involved in a war, largely caused by a rivalry between Aeneas and another Character for the Hand of a Princess (which is where the Illiad- mirroring begins) Aeneas was a fascinating main character because he is very flawed. He can be unlikable at times and makes decisions that cause great harm to the people around him. On the other hand he is very much a reluctant hero and there are many passages where you really feel for him. I would say the main themes of the Aeneid are the horrific consequences of war on the macroeconomic level. The fact that no one really wins when war is fought, because both sides lose so much in the process really shouldn't be as timely as it sadly is to the current day, but it makes the story so relevant from a modern standpoint. Also, the story deals with microcosmic aspects of human lives, such as love and family. This is especially portraied through the immer struggles of Aeneas between his desires as a man and his duty to fulfill is purpose and "save" his countrymen. The ending is brilliant, though I won't go into it too much, because I don't want to spoil it. I will just say that I think the decision to end it the way it did made the entire story even more brilliant , because it really leaves you unsatisfied. To me, that really drives home the point Virgil was making throughout the story and it makes you think about the message and moral on an even deeper level. I read the translation by John dryden, which was difficult to read at times, because a ... Page book of poetry written in the writing style of the 18 th century does require a lot of concentration. That being said, I don't think it would be possible to achieve a more moving, beautiful and impactful translation of the Aeneid. The way it was written added so much to the story and there were times where I got goosebumps because the lines where that impactful. (For example there is a part in the beginning where the fall of Troy is described and you see Paris (the ruler of Troy) watching his son being killed in front of him. the way it is written makes the scene incredibly powerful.)”

Andreia

Created over 2 years ago