Hercules is one of the best-known mythical heroes in history; his associations with adventure and violence illustrate why audiences are so interested in him. Virgil writes briefly about Hercules in The Aeneid, showcasing his heroic qualities in a climactic event with the monster Cacus. Through the characterization of Hercules and Cacus, Hercules' displays of anger, and instances of vivacity, Virgil's account of the battle between Hercules and Cacus in Book 8 of The Aeneid illustrates an element of impact, intensifying the conflict between the two characters for entertainment purposes. The conflict between Hercules and Cacus in The Aeneid illustrates their characterizations, contrasting them through their moral positions. The epic depiction of Hercules as a moral individual appeals to the audience's view of him as a hero of the passage. Hercules' moral character is highlighted when King Evander presents the story of Hercules and Cacus, stating: “Here…. . . It was once a cave that the sun's rays never reached. It was the home of the half-human monster with loathsome features named Cacus. . . We prayed for a long time and at the end we also received help and the presence of a god” (Virgil 8.193-6, 199-200). Besides Evander's story, he also illustrates the morality of Hercules' heroism by emphasizing Cacus's fear: "Never before had our people seen Cacus afraid. Never before had there been terror in those eyes” (8.222-4). Evander delineates Hercules' morality by emphasizing his heroic element and recognizing his divinity; these attributes, along with his act of instilling fear in Cacus, solidify his morality. Hercules' virtues appeal to the audience, allowing them to...... middle of paper ... which exacerbates and adds to the conflict between the two adversaries. The characterization of Hercules and Cacus, the anger of Hercules, and the vividness and realism of the passage strengthen the actions within, further entertaining the audience. By contrasting the characters of Hercules and Cacus, recognizing the tension that Hercules' anger incites the audience to endure, and seeing how the vividness and realism affect the setting and action of the episode, the audience is able to intensify not only the conflict between the two enemies. , but rather increase their appreciation of the epic. Virgil, through Evander in this case, uses descriptive words that encapsulate a feeling of emotion in the audience, allowing for grounding in the characters, setting, and action. Works cited by Virgil. The Aeneid. Trans. David Alexander. West. London, England: Penguin, 1990. Print.