There are some areas of Greek mythology that are ignored. Most often when a person hears the words Greek mythology they think gods and goddesses, but that is incorrect. Greek mythology holds many more secrets and stories than simply the gods. This article will discuss the story of Aeneas.[1]
Aeneas was a hero of Troy. As son of Venus, Roman goddess of Love, and Achises, he was greatly admired by the Roman population. Its interesting to note that many ancient Romans believed that their family trees could be traced to Aeneas, presenting a possibility of his former existence. The Trojans were believed to arrive in Rome after the Greeks overtook their city. The following story is how the Romans tell it.[2]
While the Trojan War was at its peak, Anchises, Aeneas’ father could not participate due to a blindness induced by his arrogance of being a mate of Venus. Many Greeks viewed him still a worthy adversary, following close behind Hector, the greatest of the Trojan warriors. His highly held combat skills allowed him the marriage of Creusa, daughter of Priam, giving birth to Ascanius.[3]
It is interesting to note that Venus warned Aeneas of Troy’s future downfall; this is remarkably similar to the story of Achilles before departing for Troy. It is also ironic that they fought in the same battle together until Aeneas fled the scene of battle with his father on his back.[4]
His journey away from Troy led him astray many times, resulting in several near death experiences. Yet he always held the concept of founding a new Troy close at heart. One such experience occurred while at sea; only with the help of Neptune as Aeneas able to escape with his life; but, unfortunately his father died during this peril.[5]
Aeneas and several Trojan vessels eventually, after a long journey, arrived in Italy, where he consulted with Sibyl, a prophet of great renown. Sibyl traveled to the underworld with Aeneas, allowing him to speak to his father’s ghost. His father informed him of his future in Rome.[6]
Wasting no time, Aeneas left the underworld, marching towards the lands of King Latinus, ruler of Lavinia. Latinus believed in a prophecy that a foreigner would marry his daughter. That foreigner turned out to be Aeneas of Troy. With the guidance of Juno, the Trojans took rule of Latin territory, adopting their culture and language in the process. This is the real account of Aeneas, the Trojan warrior.[7]
[1] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 16
[2] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 16
[3] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 16
[4] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 16
[5] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 17
[6] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 17
[7] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology 17
