Fate and Destiny in the Aeneid

Destiny, the Gods, and Fate in the Aeneid Playwright Lucius Annaeus Seneca said that “Fate leads the willing, and drags along the reluctant,” (Beautiful Quotes) and perhaps nowhere is this idea better illustrated than in Virgil’s epic poem The Aeneid. Fate drives the course of events throughout the twelve books of The Aeneid, pushing both the mortal and divine, to the unwavering destinies laid before them, and destroying those who attempt to defy, or even hinder, the course of destiny. Today, fate is regarded as a benign force which can be easily combated with free will. However, As Virgil conveys in his epic, fate was once considered to be so unyielding that not even the gods themselves could intervene to prevent its coming to fruition. There are those in Virgil’s epic who recognize the great power that is fate, and their inability to change it, such as Aeneas, a man who carries, perhaps the largest mantle of destiny on his shoulders. However, even though Aeneas accepts his fate, this does not free him from tribulation, as others, both human and immortal, attempt to resist fate, and alter its course according to their will. Juno, queen of the gods and the main antagonist in Virgil’s foundational fiction, is not affected by the same fate that rules over humans. Nevertheless, she actively attempts to obstruct Aeneas in his journey to fulfill his own destiny, which Juno suspects will be responsible both for the downfall of her favorite city, Carthage, and the death of her most cherished mortal, Turnus. Although some may argue that Venus is responsible for foiling Juno’s intentions, it is ironically Juno herself, in her actions to thwart Aeneas, who brings about the fated events she tries to prevent. This is demonstrated by Dido’s death coupled with Carthage’s fated demise as well as Aeneas’ prophesied founding of Rome. Upon learning that he is fated to destroy her city of Carthage, Juno vows to do everything possible to hinder Aeneas’ course of

Cited: iLand. 10 December 2008. “Beautiful Quotes about fate.” 11 December 2008. http://mayaa.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/02/05/beautiful-quotes-on-FATE-.html Virgil. The Aeneid. Bibliomania: 10 December 2008. http://www.bibliomania.com/0/2/173/1106/frameset.html Virgil. The Aeneid. Trance. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated: 2006.