This was an epic conclusion to this story. The Aeneid surprised me, and I think it ended as one of my favorite reads this year.

Discussion questions in the comments. Just like the weary Trojans, we will have no rest, and are headed straight into Plato's Republic next week. Go check out our schedule and translation guides for it!

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Summary

Book 11

We open the day after the battle, with Aeneas mourning over the body of Pallas. Sentiment begins to grow that there should be a duel between Aeneas and Turnus to settle the fighting and spare more death. The Latin leadership, divided on whether they can win, puts Camilla in charge of their defenses just as they are set upon by a Trojan attack. After she is killed, Turnus is forced to abandon the trap he had planned to defend the city.

Book 12

Turnus makes up his mind to duel Aeneas, valuing his honor over his life. The next day the armies gather to spectate the duel. Juno, worried Turnus will lose, has his sister Juturna impersonate a noble to convince the Latins to break the treaty. A soldier agrees and throws his spear at the Trojan ranks, sparking another battle. Aeneas is wounded and must retreat, which gives Turnus the opportunity to gain the upper hand. After some healing from his mom Venus, Aeneas returns to the battle and sets his sights on the unguarded city. With Trojans inside the walls, chaos ensues and Queen Amata takes her own life.

Turnus calls for an end to the fighting and once again challenges Aeneas to a duel. The two begin to fight and the gods begin discussing terms. Juno agrees to abandon her vendetta against Aeneas as long as the Trojans adopt the language of the Latins. Jupiter agrees, and sends one of the Furies down to weaken Turnus. Aeneas almost spares Turnus, thinking of Pallas, but his rage returns and Aeneas kills him.