The Sacrifice of Palinurus

Autor: W. S. M. Nicoll
Rok vydání: 1988
Předmět:
Zdroj: The Classical Quarterly. 38:459-472
ISSN: 1471-6844
0009-8388
DOI: 10.1017/s0009838800037071
Popis: The account of the death of Palinurus at the end ofAen.5 raises to a higher level of importance a figure who has previously seemed very much a minor character in theAeneid. This is achieved partly by the narrative brilliance of Virgil's account of his destruction by Somnus, and partly also by the atmosphere of solemn mystery which surrounds his fate. This solemn note is first struck in the passage which directly prepares the way for Palinurus' death. AtAen.5.779 Venus, anxious that Juno's wrath may still prevent the safe arrival of Aeneas in Italy, appeals for help to Neptune. He reassures her. Aeneas will arrive safely. There is, however, one condition:unus erit tantum amissum quem gurgite quaeres;unum pro multis dabitur caput. (5.814–15)
Databáze: OpenAIRE