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The Aeneid of Virgil

Virgil

Public domain worldwide

Project Gutenberg

16 chapters · 529 paragraphs

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The Aeneid is set in classical antiquity during the fall of Troy and its aftermath, spanning the Mediterranean from Troy through Carthage to Italy. The visual tone should be heroic and epic—classical Greco-Roman architecture, mythological elements, divine interventions, and a pervasive sense of fate and destiny, with color palettes of golds, deep blues, and earth tones reflecting both martial grandeur and human tragedy.

Characters

  • Aeneas

    A bearded warrior of noble bearing, typically depicted in Roman armor or classical military dress, with a determined, weathered expression. Often shown carrying weapons or in heroic pose, middle-aged with dark hair.

  • Dido

    A regal woman of Carthage, typically shown in elaborate classical dress with royal ornaments and a crown or diadem. Dark-haired with dignified bearing, often depicted with expression of passion or sorrow.

  • Aeneas's son Ascanius

    A young boy or adolescent, often depicted in light armor or classical clothing, with features resembling his father. Shown as dutiful and earnest.

  • Venus

    A divine figure, typically depicted as a beautiful, ethereal woman with classical flowing robes, often with symbolic elements like doves or celestial light surrounding her.

Settings

  • Troy

    An ancient walled city in flames and ruins, with classical architecture, wooden horses, and scenes of siege warfare. Dominated by smoke, destruction, and the pathos of a fallen civilization.

  • Carthage

    A grand Mediterranean city with classical temples, harbors filled with ships, and ornate palace architecture. Rich colors of commerce and prosperity, set against a shimmering sea.

  • The Underworld (Hades)

    A shadowy realm with dark caverns, rivers (particularly the Styx), and classical imagery of the afterlife. Dim lighting, ghostly figures, and architectural elements suggesting depth and the divine unknown.

  • Latium

    Ancient Italian landscape with classical temples, verdant hills, rivers, and early Roman settlements. Pastoral yet majestic, representing the promised land of Aeneas's destiny.

Contents

  1. The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Aeneid of Virgil
  2. PREFACE
  3. THE COMING OF AENEAS TO CARTHAGE
  4. THE STORY OF THE SACK OF TROY
  5. THE STORY OF THE SEVEN YEARS' WANDERING
  6. THE LOVE OF DIDO, AND HER END
  7. THE GAMES OF THE FLEET
  8. THE VISION OF THE UNDER WORLD
  9. THE LANDING IN LATIUM, AND THE ROLL OF THE ARMIES OF ITALY
  10. THE EMBASSAGE TO EVANDER
  11. THE SIEGE OF THE TROJAN CAMP
  12. THE BATTLE ON THE BEACH
  13. THE COUNCIL OF THE LATINS, AND THE LIFE AND DEATH OF CAMILLA
  14. THE SLAYING OF TURNUS
  15. NOTES
  16. TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES