Book I

Virgil calls upon the Muse to inspire his epic narrative about Aeneas's journey from Troy to Italy.

The poet declares his subject: the wanderings of a pious man driven by fate to establish Rome's foundations.

Virgil explains that Juno, remembering an ancient slight, actively opposes Aeneas's destined voyage to Italy.

Juno commands Aeolus to release the winds, creating a catastrophic storm that shipwrecks Aeneas's fleet.

Facing destruction, Aeneas laments his misfortune and calls upon the gods, expressing despair about his mission.

Venus, moved by her son's peril, intercedes with Neptune to calm the storm and protect the Trojan fleet.

The calmed winds guide Aeneas's surviving ships safely to a hidden harbor in African Carthage.

The narrator describes Dido, Queen of Carthage, as a noble widow who fled her tyrannical brother and established a great city.

Aeneas ventures forth to observe the city, marveling at Carthage's beauty, wealth, and civic grandeur.

Dido receives Aeneas and his men with generous hospitality, offering food, shelter, and courtesy.

Aeneas introduces himself to Dido as a Trojan prince and recounts his voyage and losses.

Dido expresses compassion for Aeneas's misfortunes and shows signs of romantic interest in him.