A 17th c. English translation of the “Aeneid” rhymes “My soul remains” & “perpetual pains” with this 2-word place

Monday’s Final Jeopardy clue took contestants into the realm of classical literature and mythology. The category was Mythological Places, and the clue read: “A 17th c. English translation of the ‘Aeneid’ rhymes ‘My soul remains’ & ‘perpetual pains’ with this 2-word place.”

What is Elysian Plains?

This Final Jeopardy clue drew from both classical mythology and the poetic legacy of English translations. It required contestants to link a place from ancient myth with a rhyming couplet from a translated work of literature—a layered and nuanced challenge.

Understanding the Clue’s Literary Context

The clue references the Aeneid, an epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil in the 1st century BCE. This Latin poem traces the legendary journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he travels to Italy following the fall of Troy. The Aeneid was widely read and translated in early modern Europe, especially in England. One notable 17th-century English translation was completed by John Dryden, a major literary figure of the Restoration era.

Dryden’s translation is known for its poetic style, often using rhyming couplets to bring Virgil’s lines to life in English. The quoted rhyme—”My soul remains” and “perpetual pains”—is indicative of his rhythmic and dramatic approach. These lines appear in a section of the Aeneid where Aeneas visits the underworld, a key part of his mythological journey.

The Meaning Behind “Elysian Plains”

The Elysian plains, also known as the Elysian Fields, are a part of the afterlife in Greco-Roman mythology. They represent a paradise reserved for heroes and those favored by the gods. Unlike Tartarus, which is the realm of punishment and suffering, the Elysian plains are peaceful and blissful—fields of eternal rest, light, and joy.

In Virgil’s Aeneid, Aeneas visits the underworld and eventually reaches the Elysian Fields, where he meets his father Anchises. The Elysian plains are portrayed as the final reward for the righteous and the brave, a concept similar to the Christian idea of Heaven. The rhymed lines in the clue help locate the passage in the English translation and point directly to this mythological destination.

Why the Clue Was Tricky

While many viewers might recognize the term “Elysian Fields,” recalling that “plains” was used in the rhyming translation would have required both literary and mythological recall. Additionally, interpreting poetic structure—especially from a 17th-century version—added a layer of complexity. Contestants needed to recognize that the clue wasn’t asking for a modern synonym but rather the specific phrase used in the poetic rendering of Virgil’s work.

Moreover, rhyming couplets from that era were often altered or reinterpreted across editions. Contestants who weren’t familiar with Dryden’s work or with poetic translations of Latin epics may have found it difficult to parse the reference and arrive at the correct response.

Final Thoughts on the July 21 Jeopardy Challenge

This Final Jeopardy question blended literature, mythology, and poetry—requiring not just surface knowledge of mythological locations but also familiarity with classical texts and their historical translations. The correct response, Elysian plains, stood as a reminder of how Jeopardy often rewards deep interdisciplinary knowledge.

By calling on a specific translation of the Aeneid, the clue reached into a layered past where mythology and English poetic tradition intersect. It was a fitting challenge for the category and an elegant example of how Jeopardy connects the dots between language, culture, and myth.