Search

a Trojan hero, the reputed ancestor of the Romans: protagonist of the Aeneid.
Contemporary Examples

In the way of Aeneas, Bugs was possessed by a revelatory calling to found a great city.
The Stacks: Harold Conrad Was Many Things, But He Was Never, Ever Dull Mark Jacobson March 7, 2014

Then a storm blows Aeneas, the celebrated Trojan hero, onto her shores.
Virgil, Jane Austen and Other Authors Can Teach Us About Love Maura Kelly January 19, 2012

Historical Examples

As he wavers Aeneas poises the deadly weapon, and, marking his chance, hurls it in from afar with all his strength of body.
The Aeneid of Virgil Virgil

One day a man named Aeneas came to her cave to question her.
Classic Myths Mary Catherine Judd

His voice went strangely through the mask’s parted lips, as he thanked Mr. Aeneas.
The Happy Hypocrite Max Beerbohm

And would that he your king, that Aeneas were here, storm-driven to this same haven!
The Aeneid of Virgil Virgil

Evander shows the town to Aeneas, tells him of the former state of Latium, and points out to him the chief places of interest.
The Aeneid of Virgil Virgil

Then among them all Aeneas spoke thus: ‘Hearken to this, and attend in good cheer.
The Aeneid of Virgil Virgil

The spear, therefore, sped from Aeneas’s hand in vain and fell quivering to the ground.
The Iliad Homer

Here the fluttering phantom of flying Aeneas darts and hides itself.
The Aeneid of Virgil Virgil

noun
(classical myth) a Trojan prince, the son of Anchises and Aphrodite, who escaped the sack of Troy and sailed to Italy via Carthage and Sicily. After seven years, he and his followers established themselves near the site of the future Rome

hero of the “Æneid,” son of Anchises and Aphrodite, Latin, from Greek Aineias, of unknown origin, perhaps literally “praise-worthy,” from ainos “tale, story, saying, praise” (related to enigma); or perhaps related to ainos “horrible, terrible.” The Aeneid (late 15c. in English) is literally “of or pertaining to Aeneas,” from French Enéide, Latin Æneida.
Aeneas [(i-nee-uhs)]

A famous warrior of classical mythology; a leader in the Trojan War on the Trojan side. After the fall of Troy, Aeneas fled with his father and son and was shipwrecked at Carthage in northern Africa. There Dido, the queen of Carthage, fell in love with him and ultimately committed suicide when she realized that Aeneas could not stay with her forever. After many trials, Aeneas arrived in what is now Italy. The ancient Romans believed that they were descended from the followers of Aeneas.

Note: Aeneas is the hero of the Aeneid of Virgil.

Note: Because he carried his elderly father out of the ruined Troy on his back, Aeneas represents filial devotion and duty.

Note: The doomed love of Aeneas and Dido has been a source for artistic creation since ancient times.