A remarkable feature of this edition of the聽Aeneid聽is that is includes a 13th book, despite the fact that Virgil鈥檚 original text finishes at the end of the 12th book. Gawin Douglas translated the extra passage from the Latin version of Maffeo Vegio鈥檚 1428 supplement to Virgil鈥檚 epic poem, perhaps in an effort to complete the work that Virgil did not get the chance to do before he died.
Book XIII - A Tale of Fortune
05 November 2023
This edition of the聽Aeneid聽is intriguing as it includes a 13th book or supplement to the story聽by Maffeo Vegio written in 1428, with an alternate 鈥榟appy鈥 ending to Aeneas鈥 epic tale.
HOW TO APPLY
As the Archbishop of Dunkeld, Douglas had a responsibility to inspire righteous moral behaviour among men. The original ending of the聽础别苍别颈诲听depicts flaws in the hero Aeneas鈥 character. He gives in to merciless revenge as he kills the Rutulian Prince Turnus, even though Turnus had pleaded to be spared. Perhaps Douglas felt this was not appropriate behavior to encourage.
This additional Book XIII chooses to present a much more congenial climax than the original Virgilian Book XII. Instead, the 13th book describes long wedding celebrations, immense wealth in the Trojans new home of Italy, and promises of fame and immortality for Aeneas. This is prophesied to Aeneas by his divine mother, Venus, and so re-establishes a strong trust in the goodwill of the gods that Aeneas may have otherwise lost through the suffering and toil of his epic journey. It is a tale of future good fortune earned as a reward for hardwork and sacrifice.
Page 478 of the 1610 edition of the Aeneid,听showing part of the 13th Book.听Acc# 214.13.11, James Logie Memorial Collection.
