The Aeneid of Virgil is an exploration of the behavior of man when he is tested through different trials. Virgil creates an array of characters that range from pious to impious. These characters also have varying amounts of furor that are revealed at times. It is through the tests that Virgil presents to these characters that they reveal the level of their fury. In several situations characters that have previously been very pious display fury that is uncharacteristic of them. Although pious individuals may resort to furious acts in times of crisis, piety is still a stronger virtue than furor because absolute furor will eventually bring destruction.
Virgil is able to demonstrate this struggle between piety and furor through distinct passages throughout the poem. One of these passages is the conflict that arises between Hercules and Cacus in book VIII after Cacus steals four bulls and four heifers. Here Virgil has created two very opposing characters. Cacus is the example of pure furor, while Hercules is the pious one. Virgil describes Cacus as being "half- human", and having a "mind driven wild with frenzy" (VIII, 258-271). Hercules on the other hand is by nature a good and pious man. Virgil illustrates the poise of Hercules by saying no shape could panic you [nothing] could rob you of reason" (VIII, 392-395). He also details the praise that Hercules receives for his numerous victories over his previous opponents. Cacus is demonstrative of a complete lack of piety and total furor, while Hercules is a warrior as well as a decent man.
In the ensuing conflict between Cacus and Hercules, Hercules is momentarily swept up in a moment of furor. Here Virgil demonstrates that Hercules, who is normally a gracious and pious man, can become furious while in the midst of battle. It is through this fury that Hercules is able to overcome Cacus and defeat him. Virgil describes the rage that overwhelms Hercules by writing, "Hercules now showers shafts from overhead, calling on every kind of weapon", and later, "Hercules grips him as in a knot and, clinging, squeezes out his strangled eyes, his throat run dry of blood" (VIII, 325-341).
