Throughout Book VI, Virgil reinforces that Aeneas's future is fated despite the hardships he must endure along the way. To enter the underworld, Aeneas must present a golden bough from a tree, which he can do "easily, if you are called by fate." Aeneas breaks a bough from a tree without difficulty. Later in Book X, Aeneas is described as "the God-fearing captain" because his aim with his spear is steady. Because Aeneas is submissive to the gods, he will win in battle and will ultimately reach his goal — to build a city where he and his fellow countrymen can live peaceful, ordered lives.
Aeneas easily fulfills the patriotic role as leader of his people. He provides for his people when they find a safe harbor on the North African coast of Libya by making sure they have food to eat, and he comforts and motivates them by reminding them of their destined homeland. In Book III, Aeneas becomes more comfortable with his role as leader. When he is in Thrace, Aeneas tells, "I plotted out / On that curved shore the walls of a colony — / Though fate opposed it — and I devised the name / Aeneadae for the people, my own." By dividing the land into homesteads, Aeneas attempts to bring order and security to his people. Even though Polydorus advises Aeneas to leave Thrace, he first consults other leaders of the people before making a decision; he does not abuse his power.
Aeneas's people never question his judgment; they consistently acquiesce to his decisions, for example, during the athletic games when Aeneas declares Euryalus the winner of the foot race in spite of Salius being tripped by Nisus. Aeneas gives gifts to all the participants and exhibits his savvy as a leader by saying all the right things at the right time. When the Trojans reach Lavinia, Aeneas continues to act as the good ruler. He sends gifts to Latinus and makes plans for a new orderly city. All he asks Latinus for is "A modest settlement of the gods of home, / A strip of coast that will bring harm to no one, / Air and water, open and free to all." Virgil portrays Aeneas and his people as peaceful.
