FYSem # 3 - Aeneid and Violence

7/30/2019 FYSem # 3 - Aeneid and Violence

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furious goddess, all because of an apple. This violence, done on the Trojan race in the

reconciliation of Juno, led directly to the Trojan War and set up the stage for the events that

would result in the establishment of Rome.

Junos wrath inAeneidis disproportionate, turbulent and mismanaged. Perhaps Junos

character as an antagonistic driving dynamism inAeneidhas shown here:

Tell me, Muse, how it all began. Why was Juno outraged?

What could wound the Queen of the Gods with all her power?

Why did she force a man, so famous for his devotion,

To brave such rounds of hardship, bear such trials?

Can such rage inflame the immortals hearts?

(Aeneid1.1-7)

Virgil started the poem with this rhetorical query that underscores the complexity of the

divine. From the narrative strategy, Juno functions as a blocking figure. However, from a

theologicalpoint of view, Junos violence is incomprehensible. Indeed, she had numerous

motivations, ranging from petty revenge against the Trojans or Zeuss affair with Ganymede, to a

more political hope of preventing her Carthage from its inevitable destruction by the Rome.

However, regardless of all those motivations, Aeneas was clearly punished by Juno for no

offense. On the contrary, Aeneas was praised for his pieta, ordevotion, toward the gods. Juno

is fully aware that she cannot alter the destiny of Aeneas, Rome or Carthage, and foreseeing that

her schemes will inevitably come to nothing. Yet she still made our protagonist suffered solely

because she could, indulged her desire to unleash the greatest possible vengeance while she still

has the chance to do so. Her cruelty is not a means to an end; it has no purpose beyond the

exhibition of her resentment at fate. To comprehend Junos rage, one must examine beyond her


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character. Juno symbolized the opposition to Rome that emerged from Carthage during Virgils

era. This opposition finds expression in myth and the foundation of Rome in Aeneidat the end

signified Romes victory over Carthage. Also the reason that Juno functions so well as an

antagonist in this epic is that, as a goddess, her action is the personification of the disparaging

powers outside human control and understanding. Junos actions are even counterproductive in

that they bring about the very outcome she tried to prevent, the establishment of Rome. Junos

violence is therefore foundational.

Though her brutality and cruelty was tremendous, Junos violence is bloodless. She

didnt spill a single drop of blood by her own hand, even after the complete annihilated the city

of Troy. The foundation of Rome, however, depends not only on the gods, but also on the mortal

ground, where the violence is much more physical and gory. The Roman Empire was said to be

founded on bloodshed and the level of violence in the last books of theAeneidwas escalated to

the extreme, particularly the last scene, the death of Turnus:

Aeneas' eyes took sure and slow survey

of spoils that were the proof and memory

of cruel sorrow; then with kindling rage

and terrifying look, he cried, Wouldst thou,

clad in a prize stripped off my chosen friend,

escape this hand? In this thy mortal wound

't is Pallas has a victim; Pallas takes

the lawful forfeit of thy guilty blood!

He said, and buried deep his furious blade

in the opposer's heart. The failing limbs

sank cold and helpless; and the vital breath

with moan of wrath to darkness fled away.

(Aeneid12.12831295)


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Assuming that the foundation the Roman Empire in theAeneidis fated and right, how

can one justify the excessive use of violence to get to that end, particularly in the last passage of

the poem? To answer this question, we have to look at all the aspects of this violent incident.

Turnuss death is giving rise to countless arguments because people take such different views of

its ambivalent nature. Part of the issue of this end is whether this act of violence is sanctioned or

not. To make such an evaluation, one has to examine the legal and moral validity of Turnus

death. Through out the book, Aeneas was the manifestation of virtue and duty. In the last

instant, however, he slayed Turnus in fury and despite Turnuss heart wrenching last bid. This

loss of control and act of violence is contradictory to the stoic way Aeneas had been depicted by

Virgil and somewhat de-moralized his image.

People tend to feel pity for Turnuss last request and forget that the Trojans and the

Latins created two peace treaties with each other. The first established in book XII when Latinus

agreed that part of the treaty would be for him to meet with Aeneas, in person, and shake his

hands, although this never actually happen (My offering and pledge of peace shall be/ to clasp

your monarch's hand. Bear back, I pray. -Aeneid7.266). The second peace agreement was

officially ratified with the sacrifice in book 12. Now, Turnus broke the first treaty in book 8.

Aeneas response to this was what a penalty you will pay me, Turnus, (Aeneid8.538). Aeneas

obviously hinted that he would punish the treaty-breaker. Turnuss murder of Pallas was a crime,

and therefore, Aeneas violent action is therefore morally justified, fitting to Roman standards

for taking revenge. An argument has been made that Aeneas then also a treaty-broker, as he

shattered the second treaty when he buried his sword in Turnus. However, bear in mind that the

disposition of the second treaty changed in this situation. The execution of Turnus is still a

penalty, but it is way more personal: 't is Pallas has a victim; Pallas takes the lawful forfeit of


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thy guilty blood (Aeneid12.948-9). Here in Aeneass notion, he didnt executed the enemy

leader, bearing the accountability for violate the second treaty, but rather because Turnus killed

Pallas. Therefor, Aeneas action is again legally validated.

All the acts and instances of in theAeneidare beyond the moral and legal sphere, they are

also bear foundational significance. Junos rage upon the Trojan is the driving force for the

establishment of Rome. While Turnus certainly threatens the attempt to create a legal system for

peace between the Trojans and Latins, and therefore the violence against him is foundational and

legitimate. Junos annihilation of Troy and Turnuss death gave rise to a new order, which will

be the Imperium Romanum that would soon be established. The violence is at the same time law

making in that it is necessary for the foundation of the new order.

Citation

Virgil. The Aeneid. New York: Random House, 1983. Print.

"P. VERGILI MARONIS." Commentary on Vergil's Aeneid. Web. 13 Nov. 2012.

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FYSem # 3 - Aeneid and Violence

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