ACHATES (close friend of Aeneas)

During the violent storm that struck their ships, Achates was aboard a vessel whose seams burst open under the assault.⁶ When the survivors finally saw the hills of Italy, he was the first to shout the land's name in joy.⁷ He struck a flinty stone to create a spark for fire, gathering light leaves and dry branches to nurture the rising flame.¹ Speaking to Aeneas, he noted the safety of the fleet and followers, stating that the mother's prophecy was fulfilled regarding the survivors.² He also observed with grief that one person had sunk in the sea before their eyes.²

When Aeneas ordered him to run, Achates informed Ascanius about the situation and guided the boy from the ship to the town.⁸ He ran to the tall ships to retrieve specific gifts saved from the fall of Ilium, as commanded by his friend.⁸ Accompanying Aeneas into the woods, he arrived at the scene where the hero was examining the bronze doors.^3,9 They walked slowly together while pondering the Sibyl's riddle, with Achates sharing in Aeneas's care and making surmises about a dead comrade.¹⁰

Upon seeing familiar Trojan faces, Achates and Aeneas were struck dumb, feeling a mixture of joy and fear.¹¹ Though he wanted to rush forward to embrace his friends, he held back due to doubt, keeping the discovery secret and watching from behind a cloud veil.¹¹ He hoped to learn the fate of his friends and the location of their fleet while maintaining this cautious distance.¹¹ Later, he greeted King Evander with a handshake and morning salutation, sitting in the courtyard to converse with the king and Aeneas.⁴

Aeneas asked him to bring spears for the fight against the Rutulians, and later helped carry the wounded hero back to camp.^12,13 Feeling sad at heart while musing on upcoming perils, he stood as a steadfast pillar of loyalty until the end.^5,1,2 His life concluded when he was killed by Epulo, who cut off his head.¹⁴