The epic begins with Aeneas and his fellow Trojans fleeing their destroyed city of Troy after its fall to the Greeks. Guided by fate and divine intervention, they set sail to find a new homeland, as prophesied by the gods. However, their journey is fraught with obstacles, primarily caused by Juno, who harbors deep resentment toward the Trojans and seeks to thwart Aeneas at every turn.

After being blown off course, Aeneas and his crew land in Carthage, where he meets Queen Dido. They fall deeply in love, and Aeneas lingers in Carthage, tempted to abandon his mission. However, the gods, particularly Jupiter, remind him of his destiny, forcing him to leave Dido behind. Heartbroken, Dido curses Aeneas and his future descendants before taking her own life, foreshadowing the enmity between Rome and Carthage.

Aeneas continues his journey and reaches the underworld, where he speaks with the ghost of his father, Anchises. He is shown a vision of Rome’s future greatness, reinforcing his divine mission. Emerging from the underworld, Aeneas resumes his journey to Italy, where he must navigate political tensions and warfare as he seeks to fulfill his destiny.

Upon arriving in Latium, Aeneas seeks to establish peace through a political marriage with Lavinia, the daughter of King Latinus. However, this angers Turnus, the leader of the Rutulians, who wages war against the Trojans. Aeneas, fulfilling his role as both warrior and leader, fights a brutal battle, ultimately killing Turnus.

The poem ends with Aeneas emerging victorious, securing the foundation for what will become the Roman Empire. The Aeneid is a tale of destiny, sacrifice, and perseverance, emphasizing Roman ideals of duty and honor. Virgil’s epic remains one of the greatest works of classical literature, influencing generations of poets and storytellers throughout history.