This week was absolutely brutal, and I don't imagine that tone changing for quite some time.

Next week we will go over books 5-6, and as always discussion questions are in the comments.

Summary

Book 3

Aeneas continues his account to Dido and describes his journey after fleeing the city of Troy. Traveling with a group including his son Ascanius and father Anchises, he sets out by boat to find a new homeland for the Trojan refugees.

On an Island the group is set upon by Harpies, which are winged creatures with bodies of birds and faces of women. These creatures can speak prophecies, and the Trojans are told they will not find rest until they are starving. Aeneas remains resolute and vows to continue despite the hardships to come.

Another noteworthy event is their arrival in Buthrotum, where they meet the prophet prince Helenus, who was brought as a captive by Achilles’ son, Pyrrhus, but now lives free. Helenus provides more foresight to the hardships they will face on their journey. While in Buthrotum, Aeneas’ father passes away, Hector’s widow is married to Helenus, and the Trojans are advised to visit Sibyl of Cumae, a priestess with the gift of prophecy.

Book 4

Our perspective shifts back to Aeneas recounting to Dido, and she has become infatuated with him throughout the telling. Their romance continues, and while out on a hunting trip find themselves falling in love while waiting out a storm, and Dido proposes marriage.

Juno (Hera) sees this as an opportunity to delay Aeneas and keep him from fulfilling his destiny. After conspiring with Venus (Aphrodiote), Aeneas’ mother, Aeneas neglects his journey while Dido neglects her city of Carthage.

Jupiter (Zeus) intervenes and sends Mercury (Hermes) to snap him out of it. He is torn, but ultimately decides to leave Carthage and continue his quest. Dido cannot bear the pain, and orders a pyre be built before stabbing herself with Aeneas’ sword.

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