ASCANIUS, ASCANYUS, ASKANIUS was the son of Aeneas and Creusa. When Aeneas arrived at Carthage, he left his son behind with the ships and went ashore. Later, he sent messengers to fetch the boy, and Venus substituted Cupid in his place. Thus Cupid arrived at the palace in the guise of Ascanius, and he caused Dido to fall passionately in love with Aeneas (Aeneid I.657-722; IV.105).

When Chaucer tells the story, HF I.171-180, he adds Askanius as a second son of Eneas, "eke Askanius also," Iulo being the first son. Eneas flees with his son Ascanius and his father Anchises from burning Troy, LGW 941. Eneas sends Achates to bring Ascanyus to Dido's court, LGW 1128-1133. [Creusa: Dido: Eneas: Iulo]

Ascanius occurs in final rhyming position, LGW 941, 1138; Ascanyus also occurs finally, LGW 1138; Askanius occurs medially, HF I.178.