are a reflection of his devotion to the ideals of an honorable Roman hero. A Roman hero is one whose actions are guided by pietas and stoicism. Aeneas is destined to found the great Empire of Rome. During this journey, he endures many instances of great personal suffering, but continues to act in accordance with the destiny imposed on him by the gods, exemplifying his adherence to the standards of a Roman hero. Starting from the tenth book, however, when the gods withdraw from human affairs, the death of a companion, Pallas, ignites an ineradicable anger in Aeneas, causing him to carry out actions in direct contrast with the ideals of a Roman hero. This withdrawal of the gods reveals Aeneas' true character, as he acts according to his own will, exposing his ignoble nature. illustrates the height of Aeneas's betrayal of Roman heroism. Rather than enact clementia, Aeneas chooses to indulge his anger and kill Turnus, ignoring his familiar plea for mercy and violating the characteristics of a truly pious Roman Stoic hero. A Roman hero is one who not only shows great pietas, but also acts in accordance with Stoic beliefs. To be pious is to show great devotion to the duty of one's family, the gods, and destiny. Stoicism is the belief that one should act according to reason rather than personal desires, submitting to the destiny predetermined by the gods. In both pietas and stoicism, actions are performed to meet the needs of the common good. Dissociating from emotions allows the individual to pursue a state of ataraxia, of emancipation from emotion-induced torment. By adhering to Stoic principles, one will not be moved by one's passions, allowing for full investment in one's pietas. Aeneas... middle of the paper... national anger, yet they are short-lived. While pondering Turnus' fate, Aeneas notices Pallas's belt on Turnus and once again, his vengeful anger returning, Turnus begs Aeneas to have mercy on him, linking his father to Aeneas's. Rather than acting piously, Aeneas allows his emotions to overwhelm his being, killing Turnus to satisfy his personal desires for revenge and, thus, acting contrary to the ideals of a Roman hero. Aeneas' piety and stoic nature are evident throughout the Aeneid. The fate assigned to him requires suffering, as he must give up his personal desires for the future of the Roman people. Although there are many examples of Aeneas' piety and Stoic heroism throughout the poem, when the gods retreat from intervening in human affairs, Aeneas' piety is no longer evident and he leaves behind a legacy of the heroic ideals that once held him they were driving..