Creusa (wife of Aeneas)

In Virgil's Aeneid, Creusa is lost in the confusion while their family is trying to escape, leading Aeneas to turn back to look for her; there he is met with her shade, which foretells of his future journey to Hesperia, where he is told he will marry a different woman.

As Troy is falling to the Greeks, Aeneas goes to his home to lead his father Anchises, Creusa, and their son Ascanius out of the city and into the countryside.

Anchises refuses to leave the house, prompting Aeneas to decide that he will stay in Troy so that he may die honourably in battle, rather than abandon his father.

The family leaves the home, Aeneas carrying his father and Ascanius holding his hand, while Creusa is to follow some distance behind them.

After reaching Ceres' temple outside of the city, Aeneas leaves Anchises and Ascanius there to go back in search of Creusa.

Detail of Aeneas' Flight from Troy , by Federico Barocci (1598), showing Creusa following behind her husband during the destruction of Troy