Throughout Virgil's Aeneid, there is a central theme that draws everything together; this theme is destiny. Destiny represents a powerful force in Virgil's extraordinary work, and it comes as no surprise that it is the most influential factor found throughout the Aeneid. The fate of Aeneas remains the driving force throughout the epic poem. Due to the importance of Aeneas" fate, several individuals are sacrificed to pave the way for the completion of his destiny. Many of these figures are women and their role in Aeneas" destiny is also an important ingredient in the epic. Fate also controls the actions of the mighty gods and goddesses just as much as it controls those of mere mortals. The role of prophecy and its great influence on gods and mortals alike joins together the fibers of this complex theme. Destiny remains the dynamic that triumphs over all other factors in a person's life, and through examination of the Aeneid, the extent of this belief is made apparent. .
Aeneas, the protagonist of the Aeneid, is a man controlled by destiny. He is destined to survive the fall of Troy, lead his people on a glorious journey, and finally establish the settlement of Rome, which will inevitably become the foremost western power in the world. He is chosen for this great task due to his impressive family background, being the son of a goddess and therefore able to lead his people by great example (79). Such incredible plans do not come without a personal price however, and Aeneas is forced to lose several individuals who are dear to him, such as Creusa, his first wife, and later Dido. Aeneas" willingness to part with these individuals in pursuit of his destiny hints to his cruel acceptance of the role of destiny within his life. This eagerness to pursue his destiny is revealed, "he now burned only to be gone, to leave that land of sweet life behind," which is expressed after Mercury reminds him of his destiny (105).
