THE AENEID

The Aeneid By Virgil Translated by John Dryden “”The Aeneid,”” an epic poem written by the novel poet Virgil, tells the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and his journey from the ruins of Troy to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the novels. Composed between 29 and 19 BC, the poem is divided into twelve books, blending themes of duty, fate, and divine intervention, as Aeneas faces numerous trials and battles to fulfill his destiny. Key Themes – Duty and Piety: Aeneas embodies the novel virtues of duty to the gods, his family, and his future people. – Fate and Destiny: The inevitability of fate is a central theme, with Aeneas’s journey preordained by the gods. – Heroism and Sacrifice: The epic explores the nature of true heroism and the sacrifices required for the greater good. Translation by John Dryden John Dryden’s translation of “”The Aeneid,”” published in 1697, is celebrated for its poetic elegance and faithfulness to the original Latin text. Dryden, a renowned English poet and playwright, brought his own mastery of verse to the translation, making Virgil’s epic accessible to English-speaking audiences while preserving the grandeur and rhythm of the original work. Dryden’s version remains one of the most respected and widely read translations of “”The Aeneid.”” —- ISBN: 9798329085723