Aeneid Book 6 Summary

       Book 6 of the Aeneid begins on the shores of Cumae where Aeneas and his followers have landed their ships. It is here where they meet the Sibyl. Aeneas makes his plea that they could settle there in Italy in peace, but the Sybil says that still more tragedies remain for them in this land. Aeneas then asks to be led to the underworld to see his father, and she grants it, but she says they must bury the dead body of one of their comrades before they descend into the underworld. When they make it down, they encounter the Charon, a ferryman who escorts the dead across the river Styx, and they convince him to bring them across the river safely. After crossing, Aeneas sees the ghost of Dido and laments to her, hoping that she would recognize him. She however, was unmoved by his presence, and turned away. They then reach the outermost fields where the great fallen war heroes live, and Aeneas sees many of his fellow soldiers. They then travel to Tartarus, a massive abyss where the ancient Titans are left. Finally, Aeneas sees his father and embraces him. His father answers many questions about the underworld. Then he sees what is to come of his lineage in Rome, and allofthe great descendants that will come. This makes Aeneas finally realize the significance of his traveling to Italy. Aeneas then makes it back to the his comrades, and they set off again along the coast.