Juno The Aeneid

Lastly, after arriving in Italy, Juno further attempts to disrupt the actions of the Trojans by pitting the native Latins against them. She accomplishes this by sending Allecto, a fury, to infiltrate and infect the minds of Amata, King Latinus’ wife, and Turnus, a politically powerful suitor and warrior, causing them to meet the Trojans with hostility inciting the rest of the Latins against them. This inevitably leads to the Trojans and Latins going to war; the Trojans led by Aeneas, and the Latins commanded by Turnus. Numerous battles commence, during one confrontation, Juno saves Turnus by creating a phantom of Aeneas for Turnus to flee towards. In the final battle, Juno incites Turnus’ sister, Juturna, to stop the treaty from taking place and rekindles the war between the armies, saying to her
This is no time for tears. Hurry,
And if there was a way at all
Save your brother from death,
Or renew the war and strike the treaty
From their hands. I, Juno, order you to dare.”
(Virgil, 12.186-190)
By setting Juturna in motion, Juno brings dishonor into what was a fair fight. Through her actions instead of helping the Latins, she only caused more death and harm to them, prolonging the inevitable. After the botched duel, chaos ensues on the battlefield. After much more death and violence, Aeneas sees an opening on the field and invades the unguarded Latium. Seeing the coming Trojans, …show more content…
We have come to the end. You have had the power to pursue the Trojans Over land and sea, to kindle a terrible war, To disfigure a home and blend bridals with grief. I forbid you to attempt more” (Virgil, XII.965-972).
Juno, at the end of the epic, ultimately ceases her meddling, and fighting against The Fates. Turnus, consequently being abandoned by his goddess, then perishes in his duel with Aeneas. Thus ending the