# Virgil — Penguin Island character guide

> Virgil in Penguin Island by Anatole France.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** O Virgil

**First appearance:** 0033-the-descent-of-marbodius-into-hell

## Who they are

The classical poet, referenced as a character in visions or allegories.

## Relationships

### [Brother Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/characters/brother_hilary)

_friendship_

Brother Hilary and Virgil are scholarly companions who debate theology and philosophy in a spirit of intellectual camaraderie.

### [Brother Hilary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/characters/brother_hilary)

_friendship_

Brother Hilary and Virgil are scholarly companions who debate theology and philosophy in a spirit of intellectual camaraderie.

## In the story

### [II: The Apostolical Vocation of Saint Maël](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters/ii-the-apostolical-vocation-of-saint-ma-l)

Quoted by Saint Maël as having foretold the Virgin Mary in Sibylline verses.

### [Marbodius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters/vi-marbodius)

The Roman poet Marbodius seeks in the underworld; he appears in Elysium and denies worshipping the God of the Jews.

### [The Descent of Marbodius Into Hell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters/the-descent-of-marbodius-into-hell)

The Roman poet residing in the Elysian Fields, who refused an invitation to the Christian heaven.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced in the context of Marbodius's narrative and the Copa attributed to him.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/characters/virgil
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/penguin_island_se/characters