Aventinus (mythology)

Aventinus was a son of Hercules and the priestess Rhea mentioned in Virgil's Aeneid, Book vii.

656, as an ally of Mezentius and enemy of Aeneas (Dryden's translation): Next Aventinus drives his chariot roundThe Latian plains, with palms and laurels crown'd.Proud of his steeds, he smokes along the field; His father's hydra fills his ample shield: A hundred serpents hiss about the brims; The son of Hercules he justly seems By his broad shoulders and gigantic limbs; Of heav'nly part, and part of earthly blood, A mortal woman mixing with a god.

For strong Alcides, after he had slain The triple Geryon, drove from conquer'd Spain His captive herds; and, thence in triumph led, On Tuscan Tiber's flow'ry banks they fed.

For arms, his men long piles and jav'lins bore; And poles with pointed steel their foes in battle gore.

Like Hercules himself his son appears, In salvage pomp; a lion's hide he wears; About his shoulders hangs the shaggy skin; The teeth and gaping jaws severely grin.