The article discusses with reference to one book of the book Aeneid. Topics include the persona of Rome's ancient progenitor, Virgil initially avoids the typical markers of heroism, choosing instead in the first book of the Aeneid initially to attribute the eponymous demigod Aeneas with frailty, weakness and doubt; Aeneas' destiny is all but assured by the Fates, his heroism is less a result of inevitable achievements in war or statesmanship.