5.1 Book 4: The Tragedy of Dido

Doomed love

In Book 4, Dido is consumed by love for Aeneas. They shelter together in a cave during a storm, and Dido considers them married — but Aeneas is bound by fate to leave for Italy.

Duty over love

Jupiter sends Mercury to remind Aeneas of his destiny. Torn between love and pietas, Aeneas obeys the gods and sails away, abandoning Dido.

Dido's curse

Heartbroken, Dido curses Aeneas and his descendants — foreshadowing the wars between Rome and Carthage — then kills herself on a pyre with his sword. It is the poem's great tragedy.

Key terms

Book 4

the tragedy of Dido and Aeneas

Dido's love

consumes her; she considers them married

Mercury

sent by Jupiter to recall Aeneas to his duty

pietas over love

Aeneas obeys fate and abandons Dido

Dido's curse & death

foreshadows Rome vs. Carthage; she dies on a pyre

Try an AP-style question

Who is sent to remind Aeneas of his duty to leave Carthage?

1. Mercury
2. Venus
3. Apollo
4. Juno