Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Opening the Gates of Janus explained
The chapter describes the Roman custom of opening the temple of Janus to declare war.
What happens
The chapter describes the Roman custom of opening the temple of Janus to declare war. The old king refuses to perform the ceremony, but Juno herself bursts open the doors, igniting a war frenzy. Turnus is recognized as leader, and allies including the cruel Mezentius and his noble son Lausus join the cause.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Fate and Free Will
Juno's divine intervention overrides the king's refusal, forcing the country into war and illustrating the tension between human choice and divine will.
- Hospitality and Its Violation
Mezentius, though a cruel ally, was driven out by his own people, reflecting the breakdown of social and hospitable bonds.
Characters to notice
- Turnus
Recognized as leader of the war movement after Juno opens the gates of Janus.
- Juno
Descends from the skies and forcibly opens the temple doors to incite war.
- Mezentius
A brave but cruel soldier and ally of Turnus, exiled from his own city.
- Lausus
Son of Mezentius, a generous youth worthy of a better father.
Key passages
“It was the custom of the country, when war was to be undertaken, for the chief magistrate, clad in his robes of office, with solemn pomp to open the gates of the temple of Janus, which were kept shut as long as peace endured.”
In this land, declaring war required the chief magistrate to ceremonially open the gates of Janus's temple, which remained closed during peacetime.
Explains the ritual of opening the temple of Janus to signify the start of war.
“While they contested, Juno herself, descending from the skies, smote the doors with irresistible force, and burst them open.”
As the people argued, Juno came down from heaven and forcefully threw the doors open.
Juno directly intervenes to start the war despite the king's refusal.
