The Inevitable Conflict Between Aeneas And Turnus

The inevitable conflict between Aeneas and Turnus, in Virgil’s Aeneid, allows one to see how Aeneas could be considered more typically Roman and how Turnus could be considered more typically Homeric. Throughout the reading, Aeneas is portrayed as “the good guy,” while Turnus is depicted as “the bad guy.” To begin, the Roman characteristics discussed will cover the hero’s ability to control his emotions, to be guided by obedience to his deific rule, and his dedication to his countrymen, not just unto himself. These are the traits of a true Roman warrior that are described in Aeneas, although he was a Trojan. Then, the Homeric characteristics discussed will cover the hero’s passion or rage driven actions, his preference for personal desires

over his countrymen, and his deep seeded need for honor. These are the traits of a true Homeric warrior that are described in Turnus and was typical of his Rutulian’s honor/shame society. Therefore, Aeneas is the epitome of the coming Roman Empire and Turnus is the embodiment of any country that tried to stand in the way of Empirical Rule.
First, Aeneas is portrayed with the traits of Roman heroism during the events leading up to and during the battle with Turnus.

To begin, Aeneas displays his ability to control his emotions when attempting to order his men to calm down and let him fight with Turnus. He believed he could gain glory and protect the lives of his men. “As Aeneas was saying these things, an arrow whistled through the air toward him in a long falling arch” (319, 387). Again, Aeneas controlled his emotions by choosing to flee the battle, rather than trying to achieve the glory. This is purely a Roman trait as a Homeric hero would have stayed and achieved victory or died in battle. Then, Aeneas is proven to be guided by obedience to his deific rule, when it was said, “Did any man or god compel Aeneas to make war on the Latins? “’He sought Italy at the call of the Fates.”’ Yes—driven on by Cassandra’s raving” (246, 75). Truly, Aeneas obeyed his gods and his command. Finally, Aeneas substantiated his dedication to his countrymen and not only unto himself when he proclaimed to Turnus, “Do you think you can get away from me while wearing the spoils of one of my men? Pallas Sacrifices you with this stroke—Pallas—and makes you pay with your guilty blood” (340, 1150). Honorably, Aeneas gives homage and claim on behalf of the fallen Pallas at the death of Turnus. Unquestionably Aeneas is the essence for the Roman Empirical

Rule.
Lastly, Turnus is depicted with the traits of Homeric heroism.

To begin, Turnus’ passion or rage driven actions were known by all. Particularly, this is referenced when “Latinus’ words did nothing to dispel Turnus’ fury. The very attempt inflamed his rage and made it mount higher” (309, 51). Clearly, when Turnus was enraged, any attempt to vanquish it was returned with more volatility. Then, Turnus placed his own selfish personal desires of revenge over Dido’s death before his men’s lives. So much so, that he continuously threw his men into battle, knowing full well it would be their end. Finally, Turnus’ deep seeded need for honor was most prevalent when Turnus lay before Aeneas’ sword, facing death. He pleaded, “And take pity on Daunus’ old age, I beg you. Give me or if you prefer, give my dead body back to my people” (340, 1133). Although, Turnus’ words were compelling for a moment to Aeneas, once Pallas belt was seen, Turnus’ fate was sealed as Aeneas unleashed his grief with deadly force. Undeniably, the fate of Turnus is the personification of any country that tries to stand in the way of Roman Empirical

Rule.
In conclusion, when considering the closing episodes and conflict between Aeneas and Turnus, we see that the Trojan, Aeneas is more typically Roman and the Rutulian, Turnus, is more typically Homeric in their heroism. On the whole, Aeneas is the “Good Guy” and Turnus, the “Bad Guy.” Just as Virgil intended when writing the poem, Aeneid, the “Good Guys” always win.