Roman Mythology PDF

ROMAN Mythology ORIGIN GODS & GODDESSES MONSTERS PRESENTERS Charity Milan Shania Maure  Question we will answer today: What is the What are Who are the origin of the monsters in Gods and Roman...

ROMAN Mythology ORIGIN GODS & GODDESSES MONSTERS PRESENTERS Charity Milan Shania Maure  Question we will answer today: What is the What are Who are the origin of the monsters in Gods and Roman Roman Goddesses? Mythology? Mythology?  Classical Mythology Classical mythology specifically refers to myths from ancient Greece and Rome. The myths center around many gods and goddesses interacting with mortals. Some of the topics explored are abstract concepts (love, war, wisdom) as well as natural forces (lighting, floods, volcanic eruptions). These stories entertained Greeks and Romans and taught them about the human experience. Roman Mythology The ancient Romans had a rich mythology and, while much of it was derived from their neighbors and predecessors, the Greeks, it still defined the rich history of the Roman people as they eventually grew into an empire. Roman writers such as Ovid and Virgil documented and extended the mythological heritage of the ancient Mediterranean to gives us such long- lasting and iconic figures as Aeneas, Vesta, and the twin founders of Rome itself, Romulus and Remus.  Roman Mythology Roman mythology, like that of the Greeks, contained a number of gods and goddesses, and because of the early influence of Greece on the Italian peninsula and the ever-present contact with Greek Culture, the Romans adopted not only their stories but also many of their gods, renaming a number of them. One exception is the god Apollo, the only god whose name is common to both cultures. Apollo was a Roman deity of Greek origin who inspired prophecy, medicine, music, poetry, and the civilized arts.  SATURN god of time, generation, dissolution, abundance, wealth, agriculture, and liberation Saturn (Saturnus) was a Roman god with a similar history to Cronus from Greek mythology. He was a son of Uranus and Gaea. Often depicted in art wielding a scythe he was considered an agricultural god, especially associated with seed-corn. Saturn was an important figure in Roman religion and mythology, representing various aspects of human life, nature, and the passage of time.  Ops goddess of the earth ,wealth and abundance Her name translates to “plenty”. She was the wife and sister of Saturn. The appearance of Ops is a direct representation of what she oversees. She is usually shown as a motherly figure with long flowing hair, often in a field or meadow surrounded by flowers and greenery. In some, she is nursing a baby, showing her connection to fertility and nurturing. Ops usually has a calm and serene look at on face. Her eyes are often closed and in almost every artistic representation, whether it’s day or night out, the moon can be seen in the background 12 MAIN ROMAN GODS & GODDESSES  JUPITER God of sky and storms, divination, political and social order KING OF THE GODS Jupiter was regarded as the Roman counterpart of the Greek God - Zeus. He was a son of Saturn and Ops. Jupiter was the brother of Neptune, Pluto, Ceres, and Vesta, and a husband of his sister, Juno. Jupiter was a sky god who ruled from the heavens and controlled the weather, especially thunder and lightning.  Jupiter was often worshipped in Rome as the deity who controlled the weather and nature. He was frequently portrayed in both Roman and popular depictions as hurling thunderbolts down from the sky. The Alban Hills, south of Rome, were a very ancient site of his worship. Jupiter was also a god of law and order and the protector of the Roman state, the Roman people, and the family. He was especially associated with oaths, treaties, alliances, and moral obligations. In Rome, his oldest and most important temple was on the Capitoline Hill, the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.  JUNO Goddess of marriage, home, and family QUEEN OF THE GODS Juno was regarded as the Roman counterpart of the Greek Goddess - Hera. With Jupiter and Minerva, she was a member of the Capitoline triad of deities. She was connected with all aspects of the life of women, most particularly married life. She is often depicted as majestic, wearing a crown and holding a scepter, symbolizing her royal status.  VESTA Goddess of family, hearth and home Patroness of bakers Vesta was regarded as the Roman counterpart of the Greek Goddess - Hestia. She was the first-born, but last to be freed, making her both the oldest and youngest sibling. She is one of the virgin goddesses in Roman mythology Vesta is represented as a fully draped woman, sometimes accompanied by her favourite animal, a donkey. As Vesta had chosen to remain a virgin and tend the home fire, there are not many stories about the goddess. Her sisters, Juno and Ceres, had many stories told about their quests and experiences in the world, while Vesta did not. The Temple of Vesta was a sacred space for the community to visit and worship. A religious festival in Rome is annually celebrated in honour of Vesta, held from 7-15 June. The Temple of Vesta in The Temple of Vesta in Tivoli Campitelli  NEPTUNE God of sea, earthquakes, and horses PATRON OF HORSES Neptune was regarded as the Roman counterpart of the Greek God - Poseidon. He was also the controller of winds and storms. Neptune married Salacia— goddess of spring and water — which served as a marital alliance that secured his dominion over the sea. Their son was the fish-tailed god Triton.  NEPTUNE’S TROY Due to Neptune’s disobedience towards Jupiter, he was punished to serve a mortal. Together with Phoebus, they offered King Laomedon to build walls and stones all around the city. As for the payment, he promised the gods rewards. When the two finished their work, they went to King Laomedon to obtain their reward, but to disappointment, the king refused to give anything. This infuriated the two gods, swearing to bring ruin upon the city. Phoebus sent a The City of Troy (what is now Turkey) deadly plague. Neptune sent a flood to overwhelm the city. Out of this flood came a monstrous creature.  CERES Goddess of agriculture, harvest, fertility, and motherhood THE EARTH GODDESS Ceres was regarded as the Roman counterpart of the Greek Goddess - Demeter. She and Jupiter had a child named Proserpine— wife of Pluto. Her favor would bring humankind plentiful harvests and fruitful crops, but her wrath brought blight, drought, and famine.  MARS God of war, growth in nature, terror, revenge, and courage PROTECTOR OF CATTLE Mars was regarded as the Roman counterpart of the Greek God - Ares. He is a father to Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome He was the most prominent of the military gods that were worshipped by the Roman legions. Since he was believed to be the father of the founders of Rome, Romans believed that he would come to aid them during times of conflict of war.  Apollo god of music and medicine, sun and light the source of the gift of prophecy. Parents: Jupiter & Latona His twin sister is Diana. Apollo was much beloved by the Romans, who viewed him as a source of political stability and medical knowledge, as well as a guardian against infectious disease. Regarded as the ultimate bringer of law, reason, and peace, Apollo oversaw the creation of civil constitutions and maintained the social order. He was also the patron of many important cities, including Delphi and Rome. He was thought to reside at Delphi, the center of oracular thought in the ancient Mediterranean. Diana goddess of the hunt, the moon, and the underworld. Parents: Jupiter & Latona Her twin brother is Apollo. In Roman religion, Diana was known as Diana Triformis, or a goddess of three aspects. Diana was seen as a patron of hunters and protector of virgins. She was heavily associated with liminal zones, or crossroads, and was thought to reside in the sacred grove next to Lake Nemi, located a few miles outside of Rome.  Minerva goddess of intelligence, philosophy, craftsmanship, art, and inspiration Parents: Jupiter & Metis The wisest of the Roman deities Minerva ruled with Jupiter and Juno as part of the divine triumvirate known as the Capitoline Triad, the (three supreme leaders of the Roman pantheon). As a goddess of peace and the civilized arts, Minerva sometimes wore a chiton—a set of long robes worn to floor- length by a lady, and knee-length by men—and a crown of laurels. According to Virgil’s Aeneid Minerva initially opposed the founding of Rome and despised its founding hero, the Trojan warrior Aeneas.  Minerva Minerva’s grudge against the Trojans was tremendous and her vengeance severe. Virgil indicated that Minerva hatched the scheme that ultimately led to the sack of Troy. Using her gift of strategic inspiration, she implanted the idea of the Trojan horse into the mind of Ulysses (Odysseus in the Greek), who then directed the creation of the famous gift. Virgil called it “Minerva’s gift of death.” A far quirkier tale contained in Ovid’s Metamorphoses of the early first century CE told of Minerva and the creation of spiders. The Romans worshipped Minerva at several locations throughout the city. At the Temple of Minerva Medica on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, Minerva was observed as a patron of healing.Her chief Roman temple, however, was situated on Aventine Hill, near the guild halls for actors, writers, and other craftsmen. As “Aventine Minerva” she was celebrated as the bringer of skill and inspiration.  Mercury god of commerce, communication, and travel Parents: Jupiter & Maia The patron of thieves, messengers, and merchants & the chief messenger of the gods Mercury controlled the movement of all things—goods, ideas, words, and people. He was swift and clever, and his knowledge of major events often bordered on foresight. He possessed a winged helm that allowed him to fly and carried the potent caduceus, a wand with serpents wrapped around it; this latter symbol was frequently confused with the Rod of Asclepius.  Mercury Mercury’s best known consort was Larunda, a naiad nymph whose tongue was cut off by Jupiter. According to Ovid’s Fasti, Mercury and Larunda had two children—nameless deities known only as the Lares. Like their father, the Lares served as guardians of the crossroads. Mercury was known for his other lovers too. Mercury’s affair with the beautiful Venus produced an androgynous child known as Hermaphroditos. Later in life, Hermaphroditos would merge his body with that of his female lover, thus becoming a single entity with both male and female genitalia. The first lyre, an instrument Mercury had crafted from a turtle shell and tendons.  Vulcan god of fire and forge Parents: Jupiter & Juno Wife:Venus He is master of metallurgy and handicraft as well as the patron of artisans and smiths. He was believed to have created the strongest and most sophisticated items of ancient lore, including Jupiter’s lightning bolts and Mercury’s winged helm.  Vulcan god of fire and forge Raised by nymphs, Vulcan came of age in a cavern beneath the volcanic Mt. Etna on Sicily. There he gained the knowledge and skills that molded him into a master blacksmith. Known as the ugliest of the gods, Vulcan suffered from lameness in one leg due to an injury he sustained as a child. His deformed leg made him something of a pariah amongst the gods. It was this imperfection that compelled Vulcan to seek perfection in his craft. Working in his subterranean workshop, Vulcan mastered the art of the forge. Word spread of the master craftsman, and his services eventually became desired by the gods. The chief festival held in Vulcan’s honor was the Vulcanalia.  Venus goddess of love, maternal care, sexual reproduction, and erotic desire. Parents:Uranus & the sea Husband: Vulcan Venus had a fluid sexuality and embraced male and female lovers alike. She was also the guardian of lovers and prostitutes, and a major figure in Roman religion. The Birth of Venus (1485) by Sandro Botticelli. Venus was identified by a number of epithets, each indicating a distinct persona of the goddess.  Venus goddess of love, maternal care, sexual reproduction, and erotic desire. She is known as : Venus Caelestis(Venus of the Heavens) & Venus Erycina,(Venus of Eryx) her Carthaginian incarnation. Venus Felix, (Lucky Venus) for her role in turning the tides of battle, as she did during the Second Punic War. Venus Genetrix, (Venus the Creator,) a title promoted by none other than Julius Caesar, based on the goddess’ role in the creation of the Roman state. Venus Murcia (Venus of the Myrtle) for being a loving protector of Rome, Venus Obsequens (Venus who Dotes) Venus Victrix,(Venus who Brings Victory) Though she was married to the blacksmith god Vulcan, Venus had a voracious sexual appetite that could not be satisfied by a single man.  Venus goddess of love, maternal care, sexual reproduction, and erotic desire. In Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Venus carried on an affair with Adonis, a mortal male known for his unrivaled beauty. As the poet explained, Venus was nicked with the arrow of Cupid, one of her sons, while she bent to kiss the child. The wound went deep into her heart and caused her to fall in love with the mortal Adonis. In the mythic tradition of Virgil’s Aeneid, Venus was cast as the lover of Anchises, a member of the royal family of Troy. According to this tradition, Venus disguised herself as a comely virgin and seduced Anchises, only revealing her true identity after she had become pregnant. She soon gave birth to Aeneas, who grew to be a mighty Trojan hero. Following the Venus and Adonis by the Italian painter Titian. fall of Troy, Aeneas ventured into the Mediterranean to fulfill a prophecy that he would one day found a great Italian empire.  Venus goddess of love, maternal care, sexual reproduction, and erotic desire. The Romans held three festivals in honor of Venus each year. Held on April 1, Veneralia was dedicated to Venus Verticordia, or “Venus who Changes Hearts.” Vinalia Urbana, held on April 23, was a wine festival shared with Jupiter at which prostitutes assembled before the Temple of Venus, offering myrtle and mint and receiving blessings in return. August 19, the Vinalia Rustica was yet another wine festival and celebration of fertility at which pious worshipers of Venus offered a female lamb for sacrifice. Venus at the Forge of Vulcan (1704) by Italian artist Francesco Solimena OTHER GODS OF ROMAN MYTHOLOGY  Pluto god of the dead and lord of the underworld. Parents: Saturn & Ops Wife:Proserpina A figure of enormous dread and terrible might, Pluto dispensed luck and controlled the fates of all mortals. As commander of the subterranean realms, he was the master of ores, metals, and the precious stones found within them. For this reason, he was celebrated by many as the bringer of wealth. Pluto seldom involved himself in godly affairs. He rode a chariot, carried a staff, and was often depicted wearing a warrior’s helm. Pluto was often accompanied by Cerberus.. Due to his mysterious nature and association with death, Pluto was not a central figure of worship in the Roman state religion. No state festivals were held in his honor.  Bacchus god of of fertility and wine Parents: Jupiter & Semele Other names: Liber/Liber Pater In Rome, the cult of Liber was centered on the Temple of Ceres, located on the Aventine Hill. Liber was one of the members of the “Aventine Triad,” along with the agriculture goddess Ceres and the more obscure goddess Libera. Liber was an Italian nature god who supervised fertility, vegetation, and wine. He was sometimes invoked as a source of inspiration for poets or as a protector of lovers.  Bacchus god of of fertility and winee Liber was usually imagined as a young man wearing a crown and carrying a thyrsus (a stem of narthex or fennel topped by a pinecone).The thyrsus was one of Dionysus’ most distinctive attributes and was therefore adopted by the Romans for their Liber. Liber was accompanied wherever he went by an entourage of revelers and beasts, who were said to engage in orgies at night. This entourage included frenzied worshippers known as maenads, as well as satyrs and pans—creatures that were half-human and half- animal. In Roman literature, Liber was also sometimes associated with the half-human, half-goat fauns. His main festival was the Liberalia, a fertility festival in which a large phallus was paraded through the streets of Rome.  Cupid god of love and desire Parent: Venus Wife: Psyche (goddess of soul) He is usually represented as a winged boy or even a baby wielding a bow and arrow. Because Cupid could make any person or god fall madly in love, he came to be seen as a powerful being. Cupid once scratched himself with one of his own arrows by mistake. He was looking at a woman called Psyche, and fell in love with her. Has adaughter named Volupta (goddess of pleasure).  Proserpina goddess of Spring & Queen of the Underworld Parents: Jupiter & Ceres Husband:Puto The myth of Proserpina and Pluto, as detailed in Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”, is a non-consensual union of the god of the Underworld to the daughter of Ceres, goddess of the harvest. This union was brought on when Cupid shot Pluto with a golden arrow of immediate attraction at the behest of the Goddess of love, Venus. She claimed that her powers of inducing mad love had guided the hearts of Jove and Neptune, rulers of the sky and sea. In an attempt to bring love to the Underworld, she united the land of the living The Rape of Proserpine by with the domain of the dead. Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1621/1622).  Proserpina goddess of Spring & Queen of the Underworld It is unclear whether or not Pluto had committed rape in that moment but regardless, he tore her clothes off in his “rush of love” and was called a ravager by Ovid. MONSTERS & CREATURES  Cerberus Cerberus was the offspring of Typhoeus and Echidna and the guard dog of the Underworld. A servant of Pluto, Cerberus prevented the inhabitants of the Underworld from returning to the land of the living. He was well suited to this task: in most traditions, Cerberus was a gigantic hound with three heads and a mane of snakes. In some versions he was even more terrifying, with fifty or even one hundred heads. Cerberum domat Hercules ("Hercules Tames Cerberus"), etching by Antonio Tempesta (1606)  Faun Faunus (“Kindly One”) was a Roman god associated with forests and woodlands, where he acted as a protector of flocks. He was typically represented as part-human and part-goat. Diana with Faunus by Albert Freytag (ca. 1900)  Pegasus, an immortal winged horse, was born Pegasus when Perseus beheaded Medusa; he emerged from the Gorgon’s blood along with the Giant Chrysaor. Eventually, Pegasus was tamed and bridled by the Corinthian hero Bellerophon, and together they fought and killed the monstrous, fire-breathing Chimera. Pegasus’ great hoof struck the ground on Mount Helicon, the sacred home of the Muses, and created a spring called the Hippocrene. For hundreds of years, Greek and Roman poets Minerva restrains Pegasus with the help regarded the waters of the Hippocrene as a of Mercury by Jan Boeckhorst (ca. 1650–54). source of divine inspiration. Monoceros Pliny, a Roman writer of “Natural History”, refers to this animal as the monoceros and says that it has the thick, stumpy feet of an elephant, a boar's tail, and the body of a horse. Its head, said to be shaped like a deer's, sports a single large, black horn. He said that it makes a low-pitched noise. It's also apparently so aggressive — or at least so desperate not to find itself in human hands — that no one's managed to catch it alive.  Cacus KAKOS (Cacus) was a monstrous, fire- breathing giant who dwelt in a cave on the Aventine Hill in Latium--later the site of Rome. He was slain by Herakles as the hero was on his way back to Greece after fetching the cattle of Geryon from Erytheia (Spain). Hercules defeating Cacus Master of 1515  THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!  Works Cited https://historycooperative.org/roman-mythology/ https://mythopedia.com https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/roman-mythology-251305470/251305470? fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2vXZGmtFp6Ox- GaV8wfTQQNLwLdc6GdcAr_XXkHwypy03cKXEle4QUqzs_aem_UWCGY6fXhWmv 8j6UnynC3w https://classictales.co.uk/metamorphoses