You take up the role of Aeneas once again after the quiet interlude of Book V. You have just given memorial games in honour of your father Anchises on the first anniversary of his death.

In Book V you have put behind you the weakness and folly of your affair with Dido and through Anchises' influence you are once again the dutiful son and revered leader of your men.

You are badly shaken by yet another Juno intervention, as she sends Iris to persuade the Trojan women to set fire to their own ships so they can remain in Sicily.

Anchises' ghost persuades you to leave behind the weak, to take the stronger Trojans and to continue your divine quest.

Venus also intervenes by getting a guarantee of safe passage to Italy from Neptune.