5.2 Book 6: The Underworld

Descent

In Book 6, guided by the Sibyl of Cumae, Aeneas descends to the Underworld (the land of the dead) to see his father Anchises. He must first pluck the golden bough as a passport.

Meetings

He meets the ferryman Charon, the shade of Dido (who turns away in silence), and fallen comrades. The Underworld shows the fates of souls and the workings of justice.

Rome's future

Anchises reveals the souls of future Romans waiting to be born — including Augustus — and delivers Rome's mission: 'to rule the nations' with law and mercy. It is the poem's ideological heart.

Key terms

Book 6

Aeneas's descent to the Underworld

The Sibyl of Cumae

the prophetess who guides Aeneas

golden bough

the passport required to enter the dead's realm

Dido's shade

turns away from Aeneas in silence

Anchises's prophecy

reveals Rome's future glory and mission

Try an AP-style question

Aeneas's guide to the underworld is…

1. Charon
2. Mercury
3. Anchises
4. the Sibyl of Cumae