‘At this point in the epic, the gods have completely forsaken the Trojans.’ Evaluate this point of view
with reference to Book 2 as a whole.
28:26 (handwritten)
In Book 2 of Vergil’s Aeneid, it can certainly appear that the gods have completely forsaken the
Trojans, but a closer examination reveals they still offer their help.
To begin this examination, it is worth seeing how the gods have seemingly forsaken the Trojans via
the Greek horse. Though it is a small reference, Vergil writes that the Greeks constructed their
deceptive horse with the divine skill of Pallas, demonstrating how the gods were against the
Teucrian race. Additionally, while it is never formally declared, it almost appears as though Minerva
sent the snakes to kill Laocoon, driving the Trojans to believe Sinon’s lies and draw in the horse on
his suggestion due to their fear. In fact, the snakes even settle at the feet of Minerva’s statue after
killing Laocoon and his sons.
Furthermore, during the sack of Troy itself, it can appear that the gods have completely abandoned
helping the Trojans. For instance, even pius and sacrosanct people like Panthus, who was carrying
the sacred vessels, is left to die amidst the uproar of the Greek attack. In fact, Aeneas even notes
how his pietas and religious duty to the gods did not save him. In the same way, Priam, Hecuba, and
their daughters seek refuge among the statues of the gods but are cruely killed by Pyrrhus with no
assistance or resistance from the divine. Emphasising this point, Priam even asks if there is any
justice in heaven which can avenge the death of his son, Polites, before he hurls a spear at
Neoptolemus.
More explicitly, Venus’ reveal to Aeneas of the gods aiding the destruction of Troy is a clear sign for
many that the divine have forsaken the Trojan race. Unveiling the shroud which covers all divine
action, Aeneas witnesses Neptune shaking the walls of the city and uprooting its foundations with
his trident. Similarly, he witnesses Pallas blazing on a cloud with her Gorgon-faced shield, while Juno
calls more Greeks forces up through the Scaean gate, despite Troy’s already assured destruction.
Jupiter himself assists in the destruction, giving the Greeks strength and courage. Hence, it is hard
for most readers to assume anything other than that the gods have forsaken the Trojans.
However, it is important to remember many of the gods were acting in the interests of fate, and
much of Book 2 also depicts the divine assisting the Trojans in their escape, particularly Aeneas’. For
instance, upon resolving to kill Helen, Venus appears before Aeneas to guide him to seek his family
instead and assures him that she will see him safe at his father’s house. Indeed, as Aeneas ventures
back home, Venus assists him by opening the passage free from fire and hostile weaponry. In that
way, the gods still share their help with the Trojans.
Likewise, Jupiter gives a sign to Anchises to drive him to seek safety with his son. Although, at first,
he refuses to leave the city, upon the portent of Ascanius’ fire, Anchises asks for help from Jupiter to
confirm the omen. The lightning strike on Mt. Ida then not only helps Aeneas by driving Anchises to
leave, but it also indicates the direction he should travel at the end of the Book.
Finally, ending the Book, Aeneas and the Trojans make their way to Mt. Ida. Leading the way and
providing hope is the morning star, or Lucifer – the planet Venus itself. Thus, it seems that Venus is
still providing her help to the Trojans at the end by guiding them to the mountain.
Indeed, it can seem that the gods have completely forsaken the Trojans, but a close analysis reveals
they still give their assistance throughout Book 2.