# Sibyl — The Aeneid character guide

> Sibyl in The Aeneid by Virgil.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the Sibyl, Sybil, Sibyl

**First appearance:** 0005-book-vi

## Snapshot

The prophetic priestess of Apollo at Cumae, whose cryptic utterances and guidance steer Aeneas toward the underworld and his people's destiny.

## Who they are

The Sibyl serves as Apollo's oracle at Cumae, a figure of immense spiritual authority whom Aeneas seeks out for counsel about his future in Italy. Wild-eyed and possessed by the god when she prophesies, she speaks truths that are as terrifying as they are necessary, demanding that Aeneas bury a comrade before he can proceed. Her role as guide into the realm of the dead marks the turning point where Aeneas learns the full weight of Rome's future and his own purpose.

## In the story

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

The priestess of Apollo and Proserpina, who prophesies Aeneas's future and leads him through the underworld.

## Links

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