The Aeneid, by Virgil, follows the journey of Aeneas and his crew from the fallen Troy to their new home in modern day Italy. Along the way they face many trials and battle with many other nations before landing on the shores of King Latium’s kingdom. At this point, the area around the future Tiber River was ruled by two warring kings: Latium and Evander. Throughout the course of Book VII and Book VIII, the true characterization of each king and their nations are explained. This drives the plot of the epic forward towards the end goal which is the establishment of Rome. The differences between King Latium and King Evander are evident in the origin of their nations and peoples, the physical description and status of their lands, and the treatment
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King Evander is shown to care deeply for his son’s future abilities and life. In order that his son may grow up to be a great leader, Evander asks Aeneas to take Pallas under his guidance. He wishes for Pallas to “learn to suffer war and Mars’ hard labor” [viii. 672]. Evander wants to make sure that Pallas gets the best military education by taking Aeneas “as a model/ from early years” [viii. 673-674]. By giving Pallas up to the instruction of Aeneas, Evander is ensuring the future success of his son. Evander’s care for his son is seen through their emotional separation before Pallas goes off to war as well. The loving father “takes up the hand of his departing son/ and clings with endless tears” bids his son farwell [viii. 725-726]. This is in stark contrast to Latium, who is only worried about the future of his line and marrying off his daughter. He sees her as a political tool, showing little regard for her well being when compared to the emotion shown between Evander and Pallas. Even when King Latium knows whom his daughter should marry, as designed by the gods, he still resigns to allowing the strongest to take her hand in
King Evander is shown to care deeply for his son’s future abilities and life. In order that his son may grow up to be a great leader, Evander asks Aeneas to take Pallas under his guidance. He wishes for Pallas to “learn to suffer war and Mars’ hard labor” [viii. 672]. Evander wants to make sure that Pallas gets the best military education by taking Aeneas “as a model/ from early years” [viii. 673-674]. By giving Pallas up to the instruction of Aeneas, Evander is ensuring the future success of his son. Evander’s care for his son is seen through their emotional separation before Pallas goes off to war as well. The loving father “takes up the hand of his departing son/ and clings with endless tears” bids his son farwell [viii. 725-726]. This is in stark contrast to Latium, who is only worried about the future of his line and marrying off his daughter. He sees her as a political tool, showing little regard for her well being when compared to the emotion shown between Evander and Pallas. Even when King Latium knows whom his daughter should marry, as designed by the gods, he still resigns to allowing the strongest to take her hand in