Aeneid Lines 1-11 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does 'Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris' translate to?

I sing of arms and men, who first came from the shores of Troy (correct)

I tell of battles and victories

I sing of the gods and heroes

I sing of love and loss

What does 'Italiam, fato profugues, Laviniaque ventit' mean?

to Italy, a refugee by fate, and he came

What is described by the phrase 'litora, multum ille et terris iactatus et alto'?

to the Lavinian shores, he was tossed much on both the land and in the deep

What does 'vi superum saevae memorem iunonis ob iram' refer to?

by the power of the gods on account of the mindful anger of savage Juno Signup and view all the answers

Translate 'multa quoque et bello passus dum conderet urbem'.

and he suffered many things also in war, until he could found a city Signup and view all the answers

What does 'inferretque deos Latio, genus unde Latinum' mean?

and until he could bring his Gods to Latium, from where comes the Latin race Signup and view all the answers

Translate 'Albanique patres, atque altae moenia Romae.'

the Alban fathers, and the walls of high Rome. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'Musa, mihi causas memora, quo numine laeso'?

Muse, tell me the reasons, with what deity having been offended Signup and view all the answers

What does 'quidve dolens, regina deum tot volvere casus insignem pietate virum, tot adire labores impulerit' translate to?

or grieving at what, the queen of the Gods drove a man distinguished by piety to roll through so many misfortunes and to go through so many labors Signup and view all the answers

Can such angers be in the heavenly minds?

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of the Aeneid's Opening Lines

The Aeneid begins with the phrase "Arma virumque cano," translating to "I sing of arms and men," highlighting themes of warfare and heroism.
The protagonist is Aeneas, who is identified as a refugee from Troy, setting the stage for his epic journey to establish a new homeland in Italy.

Themes of Fate and Struggle

Aeneas is portrayed as a man "fato profugues," emphasizing the concept of fate guiding his journey.
His experiences include suffering and hardship, both on land and sea, demonstrating the theme of perseverance despite adversity.

Juno's Anger and Divine Influence

The text references "saevae memorem Iunonis ob iram," indicating Juno's persistent anger influencing events—a recurring theme in the Aeneid.
This divine conflict drives much of the narrative, as Aeneas faces the wrath of the gods.

Founding of a New Civilization

Aeneas's goal is ultimately to "found a city" in Italy, signifying the beginning of Roman civilization.
His journey involves bringing deities to Latium, which connects the divine with the human endeavor to establish a prosperous society.

Connection to Roman Heritage

The mention of "Albanique patres" and "altae moenia Romae" links Aeneas to the origins of Rome and its ancestral figures, establishing a foundational narrative for Roman identity.

Invocation of the Muse

The speaker calls upon the Muse for inspiration to recount Aeneas's story, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in epic poetry.

Exploration of Divine Emotions

The phrase "Tantaene animus caelestibus irae?" questions the capacity for divine beings to harbor such anger, inviting reflection on the nature of the gods and their influence on human affairs.

Significance of Piety

Aeneas is characterized by "insignem pietate," underscoring the virtue of piety—an essential trait for Roman heroes that emphasizes duty to gods, family, and country.
His challenges are framed as part of his moral journey, reinforcing the importance of virtue in the face of trials.

Description

This quiz provides flashcards for lines 1-11 of the Aeneid, focusing on key phrases and their meanings. Each card presents a Latin word or phrase alongside its English definition, allowing for a more thorough understanding of Virgil's epic. Perfect for students studying classical literature or Latin.