What does the phrase arma virumque foreground in the epic's central premise?

• A. The hero's personal journey alone
• B. The twin themes of armed conflict and the founder as embodiments of heroism and national mission
• C. The role of the gods in funding cities
• D. Attention to the journey's narrative voice

Answer: (B)

The phrase arms and the man foregrounds two intertwined strands the epic will pursue: war and the founder as the embodiment of heroism and a national mission. “Arma” signals that martial conflict and struggle will drive the plot, while “virum” points to the hero at the center—Aeneas—whose character and leadership carry Rome’s future. By opening with “I sing of arms and the man,” the epic establishes that the hero’s martial journey is inseparable from the founding of a city and the destiny of a nation. Though the gods influence events, the central premise centers on how war and a virtuous founder together carve Rome’s origin and ideals.