How Does Turnus Avoid His Fate

In the second half of the Aeneid, Turnus, along with his fate and dynamic with Aeneas, are the main focuses. From an early point in his part of the epic, the audience holds an understanding that Turnus must die, as this allows for the founding of Rome; thus, Turnus has a predetermined fate. Though perhaps unaware of his destiny for much of his interactions with Aeneas, Turnus is constantly, whether consciously or not, attempting to avoid his fate. One could argue that, because Turnus circumvents death for a while, he somewhat resembles Epicurean ideas on the Aeneid, since he escapes pain and swerves around his fate, at least for a time. However, Turnus’ actions more closely embody Stoic beliefs because of the Latins’ misinterpretation of omens

In their discussion, Latinus swore to the gods that his people would not break this truce (p. 324). Jove would not encourage the Latins to instantaneously join a one-on-one battle that ignores an oath to the gods, especially given his previous statements of neutrality (p. 260). Incorrectly interpreting omens contributes to Turnus operating under stoicism because these missteps both act as him attempting to cheat death and a force driving him closer to it. When the ships become nymphs, Turnus’ misinterpretation reinforces his plan to save his city from Aeneas, yet it actually brings Aeneas back to fight. Moreover, with Jove’s eagle, the Latins’ belief saves Turnus from dying in that particular episode of combat, but it leaves room for him to grab the wrong sword in the final duel. Consequently, Aeneas then knows he can overpower spectators who involve themselves in this one-on-one activity, preventing Turnus from receiving aid from any of his fellow Latins. Though it may appear as a way to swerve around fate at first glance, failing to construe these omens and acting on deluded perceptions does make Turnus a victim of stoicism because he is just furthering himself toward the