The father-son relationship of Aeneas and Iulus propels the plot of the Aeneid, allowing destiny and fate to unravel for them both to initiate the creation and establishment of the new empire of Rome. Everything Aeneas does is for the future of his son and the generation of his future lineage. He always mentions that he wants the best for his son and he deserves to have what is rightfully his which is the kingdom he is next in line to. For instance, one of the reasons he leaves the land Carthage and Dido the Queen of Carthage in her despair is because Mercury the messenger sent by Jupiter brings to light the reality and fact that Iulus's future is at stake and lies in his hands and that he is ruining his own sons future by wasting time on the land that is not destined for them. The god Mercury interrogates him by stating 'have you forgotten your own kingdom and destiny?' he begins his message by drawing upon Aeneas' own rites and aim that he is almost abusing by wasting precious time which could be spent searching for their destined land. Mercury stresses 'spare a thought for Ascanius (or Iulus) as he grows to manhood, for the hopes of this boy who is your heir' and 'You owe him the land of Rome and the kingdom of Italy'. This powerful dramatic speech foreshadows Aeneas duty as a father and leader to create a prime example of a hero so that his son can follow in his own footsteps and continue his ancestry and the descent of the Trojans. Mercury's speech starts off by reminding Aeneas of his own duties and then diverting to that of his son Ascanius or Iulus which has a greater impact on Aeneas, who lives for his son and dedicates all he has to his family. .
Aeneas immediately comes to the conclusion and understands that he must act quickly to ensure the fate of his son is sealed in becoming the future king of Rome and found the prominent empire which is his rightful duty.