# Mezentius — The Aeneid character guide

> Mezentius in The Aeneid by Virgil.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** proud Mezentius, vengeance proud Mezentius

**First appearance:** 0006-book-vii

## Snapshot

An Etruscan king who earned his people's hatred through cruelty, now lending his savage arm to Turnus's war against the Trojan newcomers.

## Who they are

Mezentius rules as a tyrant so despised that his own Etruscan subjects rose against him, driving him to seek refuge with Turnus and fight alongside the Rutulians. His defining trait is a scorning contempt for gods and men alike, a defiance that makes him both fearsome on the battlefield and morally repellent. As the war for Latium escalates, he embodies the brutal, godless violence that Aeneas must confront and overcome.

## In the story

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

A contemptuous Etruscan king who allies with Turnus.

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

Leads the Latian forces alongside Messapus and Ufens, blaspheming aloud.

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

Atheist father of Lausus; killed by Aeneas after his son's death.

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

His spoils are used for the trophy; he is dead.

## Links

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