[LXVI.] Hecate, the goddess of the lower world, sometimes identified with Proserpina, and sometimes with Diana. She was worshipped at cross-roads by night.
For Avernus, see note on [Book VI. stanza xviii.]
The ancients believed that foals were born with a lump on their foreheads. The name given to this was hippomanes, and it was supposed to act as a powerful love-philtre.
[LXXXII.] By the 'unknown Avenger' Virgil clearly points to Hannibal.
NOTES TO BOOK FIVE
[IV.] Eryx was the son of Venus and Butes, Aeneas son of Venus and Anchises, hence they are called brothers here. Eryx is the legendary founder of the town of that name on the west coast of Sicily, near Mount Eryx.