# Ascanius — The Aeneid character guide

> Ascanius in The Aeneid by Virgil.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** sweet Ascanius, young Ascanius, fair Ascanius, Iülus

**First appearance:** 0000-book-i

## Snapshot

Aeneas's young son, the boy who must survive long enough to become the ancestor of Rome's founding line, and who is already learning what that will cost.

## Who they are

Ascanius — also called Iulus — is the living proof that Aeneas's mission matters beyond his own lifetime, the heir whose descendants will build Alba Longa and eventually Rome. He appears at his father's side at altars and games, a boy being shaped into a symbol, and his youth makes the stakes of every battle feel personal. When Virgil needs to remind readers what Aeneas is protecting, he puts Ascanius in the frame.

## Relationships

### [Aeneas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/characters/aeneas)

_family_

Aeneas is the devoted father of Ascanius, his young son who represents the future of the Trojan race in Italy.

### [Anchises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/characters/anchises)

_family_

Anchises is Ascanius's grandfather, who dies early in the journey but appears as a prophetic spirit to guide his descendants.

### [Anchises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/characters/anchises)

_family_

Anchises is Ascanius's grandfather, who dies early in the journey but appears as a prophetic spirit to guide his descendants.

### [Aeneas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/characters/aeneas)

_family_

Aeneas is the devoted father of Ascanius, his young son who represents the future of the Trojan race in Italy.

## In the story

### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters/book-i)

Aeneas's young son, who is part of the Trojan party arriving in Carthage.

### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters/book-ii)

Aeneas's young son, led by the hand during the escape.

### [Book IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters/book-iv)

Dido holds him in her arms, seeking the image of his father Aeneas.

### [Book IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/chapters/book-ix)

Moved by Euryalus's filial piety, he gives gifts and promises to care for Euryalus's mother.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/characters/ascanius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_aeneid_se/characters