Chapter Synopsis of The Aeneid - Study Guide by Virgil

comes in from the wood to the city, and as they see each other, they are about to fight, but the approach of night prevents it.

Book 12 - Truce and Duel

Disheartened, the Latins look to Turnus for aid. Realizing the desperate nature of their situation, he accepts Aeneas' challenge of single combat. Latinus reminds him of the sufferings since he betrothed Lavinia to him and pleads with him to forbear combat, but Turnus scorns him and the danger. Amata and Lavinia both try to dissuade him, but he is all the more inflamed and sends Idmon to carry his challenge to Aeneas. Both Turnus and Aeneas then prepare for battle.

The next day, the ground is measured, altars are built, the warriors, in full armour, take their place, and old men and women crowd the walls and towers. Juno summons Juturna, Turnus' sister, to save him by hindering the proposed combat, as she herself can do no more. Aeneas and Latinus advance to the altar. Aeneas prays that he will retire to Evander's city and make no more war, if Turnus wins, but that, if he wins, the races shall unite on equal terms. Latinus makes a similar oath and swears that nothing shall impair this treaty. The Rutulians then object that the fight is unfair, and Juturna in disguise urges on their discontent. An omen of an eagle and a swan persuade them further that they should renew battle. Therefore, the fighting and killing begin once more.

Aeneas tries to prevent it but is wounded by an arrow from an unknown hand and retreats. Flushed with sudden hope, Turnus jumps into a chariot and starts fighting again. More blood and carnage ensue. Aeneas is helped from the field, but is eager to return. Venus, concealed in a cloud, brings a healing herb, which cures the wound. He hastily re-arms and returns to the fray. His companions are killing many of the Rutulians, but Aeneas seeks Turnus alone. When Juturna sees that this is the case, she is struck with fear and, seizing the reins of her brother's chariot, she drives it in so many different directions that Aeneas is baffled. Eventually, Messapus hurls a spear at him, which grazes the crest of his helmet and causes him to call upon Jupiter. With that, Aeneas and Turnus set off on individual missions in which they each slaughter many of their foes. Finally, at Venus' suggestion, Aeneas decides to attack the city itself. The assault begins with an attempt to destroy it by fire, which causes divisions within the city as to whether they should resist or surrender. Amata, unable to see Turnus, thinks him dead and hangs herself. Latinus and Lavinia are overcome with grief.

Turnus hears the din from the city and wishes to help, but Juturna tries to divert his attention. However, he declares that he does not wish to die disgraced, at which point Saces comes riding up to him, imploring that he help the Latins in the city. Dazed at first, he then sees a tower in flames and rushes to the city walls, declaring that he will settle the issue by single combat.

Aeneas hurries to meet the challenge, while Jupiter weighs their destinies on the scales. Turnus' borrowed sword snaps when it comes into contact with Aeneas' divine armour and he flees. Aeneas pursues him. Turnus calls for his own sword, but Aeneas threatens death to anyone who helps him. Aeneas' spear then sticks in a tree sacred to Faunus, to whom Turnus prays that it may remain stuck. Aeneas struggles in vain, but when Juturna gives Turnus his sword, Venus angrily wrenches the spear out for him.

Meanwhile, Jupiter begs Juno to put aside her hostility to the Trojans. She agrees to yield but on condition that, when the two nations are united, the hateful name of Troy be forgotten, to which Jupiter accedes. Jupiter then sends a Fury to Juturna, who, realising that she can do no more, and bemoaning her immortality, takes refuge in her river.

The final scene sees the final combat. In reply to Aeneas' taunts, Turnus seizes a huge boulder, but the Fury removes his strength and aim. As a result, he falls and, as he does so, Aeneas hurls a spear and deeply wounds him. He begs for mercy, and Aeneas is on the point of giving way when he sees the belt of Pallas, which inflames him and causes him to strike his final blow, killing Turnus.