The importance of parent and child relationships is prevalent throughout the Aeneid. There are many different circumstances that stress the importance of these relationships. The most perceptible examples of this type of relationship are between Aeneas and his son Ascanius, and Aeneas and his father Anchises. However, this is not the only example, other less noticeable relationships, but still important: Aeneas and Venus, Polites and Priam, Achilles and Pyrrhus, Creusa and Ascanius, Hecuba and Polites, Priam and Hector, Hecuba and Hector, and Hecuba and Creusa. These relationships are pertinent to the structure of the Aeneid and show the deep respect Vergil had for familial relationships.

The first example of one of these relationships is portrayed in the first book between Aeneas and his mother Venus. Throughout the Aeneid Juno is a major impediment to Aeneas' unfortunate struggles to found a homeland. During the first book it is significant that Juno's appearance as the epic's chief divine antagonist should be followed soon afterward by the entrance of Venus, who, as the hero's protective and indulgent mother, oppos

The first mention of the relationship between Ascanius and Aeneas is also portrayed in the first book. Vergil draws attention to how good a father Aeneas is to Ascanius by describing him as "father Aeneas" and "fond father, as always thoughtful of his son." This is a direct statement of the father's great love for his son, and it has great significance later in the poem(Davis 1).

Aeneas' role as a dutiful father is expanded in book three to include paternal responsibility not only for Ascanius and the Trojans in his immediate care, but for the entire Roman race to come. Helenus tells Aeneas "let your progeny...Hold to religious purity thereby." This statement reflects the later generations of Aeneas' ancestry. Andromache made a similar statement, who, concerned for Ascanius' well being, asks Aeneas if he is fostering "old-time valor and manliness" in his son.

es Juno with strength that will ultimately prevail(sjc). For example, she causes Dido to fall in love with Aeneas out of fear that the queen otherwise might harm either her son or grandson. However, Venus is not personally against Dido; rather, she is for Aeneas. She does not harm Dido as Juno would harm Aeneas.

After nine days on Sicily, Aeneas and his companions set forth for Italy. All appears to be going well, but Venus, concerned about the safety of her son, asks Neptune to guarantee a safe journey for the Trojans. Neptune complies, but says one life must be sacrificed.

The importance of familial relationships, especially between parent and child can be clearly seen in the Aeneid. Aeneas in his conduct toward Ascanius was certainly a model parent; he loved him, cherished him, and protected him; he unselfishly gave up his own plans and desires in order that Ascanius might fulfill his destiny(Da

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Approximate Word count = 1231
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)