TheDei Consentes

In Ancient Greek mythology, twelve gods and goddesses

ruled the universe from atop Greece's Mount Olympus.
Our main sources on the gods include Hesiod's Theogony
and the Homeric Hymns (although they probably aren't
by the Homer who wrote the Odyssey).

These Olympians had come to power after their leader,

Zeus, overthrew his father,Kronos(or Cronus), leader of
the Titans. All the Olympians are related to one another.
The Romans adopted most of these Greek gods and
goddesses, but with new names. There were many more
deities in the Roman and Greek pantheons. We've
included some of the more prominent deities below, in
addition to the main Olympians. You can find a more
complete list of Greco-Roman deities here.

12 Greek gods & Goddesses

WRITTEN BY
Richard Pallardy
Richard Pallardy received a B.A. in English from Illinois
State University in 2005. He was a research editor with
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. from 2008 to 2016 and
worked on Britannica Blog from 2010...
Aphrodite. Greek mythology. Sculpture. Aphrodite is the
Greek goddess of love and beauty.
AdstockRF
Cruel and fickle, passionate and vindictive, jealous and
insecure, petty and insane: the inhabitants of Mount
Olympus represent an attempt by the ancient Greeks to
explain the chaos of the universe through human nature.
Thus, like every deity invented before and since, these
gods and goddesses are embodiments of human
solipsism. (Of course lightning is caused by a giant, angry
man in the sky…obvi. I mean, what else could it be?) The
stories of their battles, bickering, and sexual conquests
have indelibly influenced the course of Western language
and narrative. Here is a selection of some of the A-list
names of the Greek pantheon.

Aphrodite

Venus and Adonis, about 1554, Oil on canvas, 177.9 x

188.9 cm by Workshop of Titian. Shows Aphrodite
(Venus) and Adonis. From the National Gallery, London.
Titian (Tiziano Vecellio or Vecelli) Italian Renaissance
painter, Venetian school. (see notes)
Titian: Venus and Adonis
Venus and Adonis, oil on canvas by Titian, 1554; in the
National Gallery, London, England.
© Photos.com/Jupiterimages
Aphrodite was the goddess of love, sex, and beauty.
Unsurprisingly for a love goddess, she was said to have
emerged from the foam generated when the severed
testicles of her father, Uranus, were thrown into the sea
by his son, the Titan Cronus. (Or is that surprising?) Kind
of makes Botticelli’s surreally lovely Birth of Venus—
which depicts Aphrodite’s Roman counterpart emerging
from the waves—a little more visceral, doesn’t it?

Athena.
© Sergey Rusakov/Shutterstock.com
Athena was the goddess of reason, wisdom, and war. She
famously sprung fully formed from the forehead of Zeus.
A major figure in the Odyssey, in which she instructed
Odysseus, she also guided Perseus and Heracles through
their trials. The Parthenon was her chief temple in
Athens, which is named in her honor. Her Roman
equivalent was Minerva.
Artemis

Artemis as a huntress, classical sculpture; in the Louvre.

Artemis
Artemis as a huntress; in the Louvre, Paris
Alinari/Art Resource, New York
Artemis was the fleet-footed goddess of the hunt. Often
depicted in painting and sculpture with a deer or a
hunting dog, she was both huntress and protectress of
the living world. Her Roman equivalent was Diana.

Ares

Ares, classical sculpture; in the National Roman Museum,

Rome
Ares
Ares, classical sculpture; in the National Roman Museum,
Rome.
Anderson—Alinari/Art Resource, New York
Ares was the god of bloodlust. (His half-sister Athena
represented the more "noble" aspects of combat and
civil conduct during war.) Though his fellow deities
weren’t particularly fond of him, the Spartans had no
problems, er, donating some prisoners of war to his
worship. And sacrificing dogs…yeah, that’s right, Ares
liked dead puppies. Jerk. His Roman equivalent was
Mars.

Apollo

Apollo Belvedere, restored Roman copy of the Greek

original attributed to Leochares, 4th century BC; in the
Vatican Museum, Rome
Apollo Belvedere, restored Roman copy of the Greek
original attributed to Leochares, 4th century bc; in the
Vatican Museum, Rome
Alinari/Art Resource, New York
The twin brother of Artemis, Apollo was among the most
important (read: feared) of the gods. Son of Zeus, he
disseminated the will of his divine compatriots through
various means, notably oracles. The Oracle at Delphi was
his mouthpiece; a 2001 study determined that the oracle
was likely hallucinating due to ethylene gas rising from
the rocks beneath the temple.

Demeter
Marble statue of roman Ceres or greek Demeter in the
park of the Palace and park complex Estate of G.
Galagan. Sokyryntsi village, Ukraine
Demeter
Demeter, statue, mid-4th century bce; in the British
Museum, London.
© Magryt/Dreamstime.com
Demeter, an agricultural goddess, was mother to
Persephone, who was abducted by the underworld god
Hades to be his bride. While searching for her stolen
daughter, she accepted the hospitality of the royal family
of Eleusis. The Eleusinian Mysteries, perhaps the most
important religious rites in ancient Greece, are attributed
to her teachings. Her Roman equivalent was Ceres.

Dionysus

Dionysus Greek god of wine. Bust of Dionysius, known as

Bacchus in the Roman pantheon. Dionysus, Dionysos,
Liber
Dionysus
Dionysus.
© Photos.com/Thinkstock
Dionysus was a son of Zeus born to a mortal mother.
When Zeus accidentally killed her, he sewed the young
Dionysus into his thigh and, when the young god
emerged, passed him to the care of the maenads. The
cult of Dionysus revolved around intoxication, sex, and
savage ritual sacrifice. He was often symbolized by a bull
due to his association with the sacrificial animal.
Elements of his character are seen in the Roman god of
wine, Bacchus.

Hades

"Pluto and Proserpina" marble sculpture by

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, 1621-22; in the Borghese Gallery,
Rome. This work has also been referred to as
"Persephone abducted by Hades."
Bernini, Gian Lorenzo: Pluto and Proserpina
Pluto and Proserpina, marble sculpture by Gian Lorenzo
Bernini, 1621–22; in the Borghese Gallery, Rome.
Anderson—Alinari/Art Resource, New York
Hades ruled the world of the dead, with which he was
sometimes synonymous. The chilly lord of the
underworld was among the few Greek gods to come
across as dispassionate. He was not the ultimate judge of
the souls that wandered his domain nor did he mete out
their punishments for sins committed during their mortal
lives. He was, however, cunning; he tricked Persephone
into eating enchanted pomegranate seeds so that she
would have to remain with him for a portion of the year.
Hera

The gods on Olympus: Athena, Zeus, Dionysus, Hera, and

Aphrodite; detail of a painting on a Greek cup. In the
Museo Municipale, Tarquinia, Italy.
the gods on Olympus
The gods on Olympus: Athena, Zeus, Dionysus, Hera, and
Aphrodite. Detail of a painting on a Greek cup; in the
National Archaeological Museum, Tarquinia, Italy.
Alinari/Art Resource, New York
The queen goddess of Olympus, Hera was both sister and
wife to Zeus. Though she is often depicted as reserved
and austere, she was mercilessly vindictive when it came
to her husband’s [many] extramarital adventures.
Unfortunately for the objects of Zeus’s godly affections,
Hera tended to torment the "other women" (and their
offspring, including Heracles) rather than Zeus himself.
Her Roman equivalent was Juno.

Hermes

Hermes bearing a caduceus, Roman copy, c. 1st century

AD, of a Greek sculpture, c. 350 BC; in the British
Museum.
Hermes
Hermes bearing a caduceus, Roman copy, c. 1st century
ce, of a Greek sculpture, c. 350 bce; in the British
Museum.
Courtesy of the trustees of the British Museum
Like many gods in the Greek pantheon, Hermes presided
over multiple spheres. He was a pastoral figure,
responsible for protecting livestock, and was also
associated with fertility, music, luck, and deception. In
the Odyssey, he is depicted as a messenger god. His
Roman equivalent was Mercury.

Poseidon

(Top) Obverse side of a silver tetradrachm showing Nike

standing on prow of ship; (bottom) Poseidon hurling
trident on the reverse side, 306-282 BC. Diameter 28
mm.
Poseidon
Poseidon hurling his trident, coin (reverse), 306–282 bce.
Diameter 1.1 inches (28 mm).
WGS Photofile
Poseidon is best known as the Greek sea god, but he was
also the god of horses and of earthquakes. (Thus, many
of his temples were inland.) And he had some seriously
strange children. Though humanoid, he fathered both
the winged horse Pegasus (by Medusa, no less) and the
Cyclops Polyphemus, who is blinded by Odysseus and his
crew in the Odyssey. His Roman equivalent was Neptune.

Zeus

Ganymede and Zeus in the form of an eagle, antique

marble statue; in the Vatican Museum
Ganymede and Zeus in the form of an eagle, antique
marble statue; in the Vatican Museum
Anderson—Alinari/Art Resource, New York
With the assistance of Hades and Poseidon, Zeus
overthrew his father, Cronus, king of the Titans, and
became the chief deity in a new pantheon comprising
mostly his siblings and children. In addition to controlling
the weather, Zeus was noted for his chronic infidelity to
his sister-wife, Hera. Among the results of his weakness
for comely mortal women was Helen of Troy. His Roman
equivalent was Jupiter.

The Olympian Gods and Goddesses

Updated January 27, 2021 | Infoplease StaffUpdated by an Infoplease Editor on January 27, 2021
TheDei Consentes

In Ancient Greek mythology, twelve gods and goddesses ruled the universe from atop Greece's Mount
Olympus. Our main sources on the gods include Hesiod's Theogony and the Homeric Hymns (although
they probably aren't by the Homer who wrote the Odyssey).
These Olympians had come to power after their leader, Zeus, overthrew his father,Kronos(or Cronus),
leader of the Titans. All the Olympians are related to one another. The Romans adopted most of these
Greek gods and goddesses, but with new names. There were many more deities in the Roman and Greek
pantheons. We've included some of the more prominent deities below, in addition to the main
Olympians. You can find a more complete list of Greco-Roman deities here.

Zeus (Roman name: Jupiter)- The most powerful of all, Zeus was god of the sky and the king of Olympus.
His temper affected the weather, and he threw thunderbolts when he was unhappy. He was married to
Hera but had many other lovers. His symbols include the oak and the thunderbolt.

Hera (Roman name: Juno)- Hera was goddess of marriage and the queen of Olympus. She was Zeus's
wife and sister; many myths tell of how she sought revenge when Zeus betrayed her with his lovers. Her
symbols include the peacock and the cow.

Poseidon (Roman name: Neptune)- Poseidon was god of the sea. He was the most powerful god except
for his brother, Zeus. He lived in a beautiful palace under the sea and caused earthquakes when he was
in a temper. His symbols include the horse and the trident (a three-pronged pitchfork).

Hades (Roman name: Pluto)- Hades was king of the dead. He lived in the underworld, the heavily
guarded land where he ruled over the dead. He was the brother of Zeus and the husband of
Persephone, Demeter's daughter, whom he kidnapped.

Aphrodite (Roman name: Venus)- Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, and the protector of
sailors. She may have been the daughter of Zeus and the Titan Dione, or she may have risen from the
sea on a shell. Her symbols include the myrtle tree and the dove.

Apollo- Apollo was the god of music and healing. He was also an archer, and hunted with a silver bow.
Apollo was the son of Zeus and the Titan Leto, and the twin of Artemis. His symbols include the laurel
tree, the crow, and the dolphin.

See also: Night of the Hunters: Artemis and Apollo.

Ares (Roman name: Mars)- Ares was the god of war. He was both cruel and a coward. Ares was the son
of Zeus and Hera, but neither of his parents liked him. His symbols include the vulture and the dog, and
he often carried a bloody spear.

See also: Hephaestus and Ares.

Artemis (Roman name: Diana)- Artemis was the goddess of the hunt and the protector of women in
childbirth. She hunted with silver arrows and loved all wild animals. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus
and Leto, and the twin of Apollo. Her symbols include the cypress tree and the deer.

See also: Night of the Hunters: Artemis and Apollo.

Athena (Roman name: Minerva)- Athena was the goddess of wisdom. She was also skilled in the art of
war, and helped heroes such as Odysseus and Hercules. Athena sprang full-grown from the forehead of
Zeus, and became his favorite child. Her symbols include the owl and the olive tree.
Hermes (Roman name: Mercury)
Hermes
See also: First in War, First in Peace: Athena.

Hephaestus (Roman name: Vulcan)- Hephaestus was the god of fire and the forge (a furnace in which
metal is heated). Although he made armor and weapons for the gods, he loved peace. He was the son of
Zeus and Hera and married Aphrodite. His symbols include the anvil and the forge.

See also: Hephaestus and Ares.

Hestia (Roman name: Vesta)- Hestia was the goddess of the hearth (a fireplace at the center of the
home). She was the most gentle of the gods, and does not play a role in many myths. Hestia was the
sister of Zeus and the oldest of the Olympians. Fire is among her symbols.

See also: Home and Harvest: The Sisters of Hera.

Hermes (Roman name: Mercury)

Hermes was the messenger god, a trickster, and a friend to thieves. He was said to have invented boxing
and gymnastics. He was the son of Zeus and the constellation Maia. The speediest of all, he wore winged
sandals and a winged hat and carried a magic wand.

See also: The Little Rascal: Hermes.

?also sometimes included:

Demeter (Roman name: Ceres)- Demeter was the goddess of the harvest. The word ?cereal? comes
from her Roman name. She was the sister of Zeus. Her daughter, Persephone, was forced to live with
Hades each winter; at this time Demeter let no crops grow. Her symbols include wheat.

See also: Home and Harvest: The Sisters of Hera.

Dionysus (Roman name: Bacchus)- Dionysus was the god of wine, which he invented. In ancient Greece
Dionysus was honored with springtime festivals that centered on theater. Dionysus was the son of Zeus
and Semele, a mortal. His symbols include ivy, the snake, and grapes.

See also: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Dionysus.

The lesser Olympians

This isn't an official designation, but it's a handy catchall. These are the children of the Twelve
Olympians, either by each other, by lesser deities, or by mortal women.

These include Pan (son of Hermes and a nymph), Asclepius (son of Apollo), Aeolus (son of Poseidon),
Hebe (daughter of Zeus and Hera) and Heracles/Hercules (son of Zeus and a mortal woman). Fun fact, in
Classical literature, the term demi-god was basically unknown. Instead hero and half-god were largely
interchangeable. And, as in the case of Heracles, a hero could be elevated to full godhood.
The Titans

Greco-Roman mythology is replete with gods aside from the main bunch. The Romans had hundreds.
There are lesser deities the Muses of Mount Parnassus, who inspire artists.

The most important are the Titans, who were the gods before the Olympians. The Titans are the children
of Gaia, the earth, and Uranus, the sky. Like the Olympians, they consisted of a main twelve. They are
Oceanus, Coeus, Crius, Cronus, Iapetus, and Hyperion, Theia, Rhea, Themis, Tethys, Mnemosyne, and
Phoebe.

All of the main Olympians are the children and grandchildren of Cronus. The other Titans also had divine
children, including the titans/gods Helios, Atlas, Amphitrite and Prometheus.

Many of the Titans were condemned to punishment in Tartarus, although some escaped this fate.
Helios, for example, maintains a divine role in pulling the sun across the sky, and Amphitrite is the wife
of Poseidon.

Other gods

Then there are the other types of gods. There are:

Primordial deities, who predate the Titans. These include Nyx, the personification of night, and the
primordial Chaos.

There are the Chthonic deities who live underground beyond the River Styx. These include (sometimes)
Hades/Pluto and Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft.

And there are personified concepts, such as Nemesis (vengeance), Eros/Cupid (lust), and Nike (victory).

Top 10 Ancient Roman Goddesses

Last updated: April 29, 2019 by Saugat Adhikari

It is not only the Roman gods who are remembered in history, but the canon of Roman goddesses is
equally important, being no less powerful or popular than their male counterparts. They are indeed the
epitome of female strength. Mythological stories of the deities play a significant role in different
religious rituals in Rome. Ancient Rome is full of spirituality, but we generally hear more about the
Roman gods than the female deities. So now is the time for you to add some information about the
Roman goddesses to your treasure box of knowledge. Their divine nature, their strength, and their
beauty will surely leave you mesmerized! Here is a list of the top 10 Roman goddesses:

1. Juno, Queen of Goddesses

Roman goddess, Juno

The Roman equivalent of Hera, the Greek queen of goddesses, Juno is considered as counsellor and
protector of the state. The daughter of Saturn, Juno is both the sister and the wife of the king of gods,
Jupiter. She is the mother of the god of war and god of fire, Mars. Also the goddess of marriage and
childbirth, Juno connects the ideas of vitality, energy and eternal youthfulness. As the patron goddess of
the Roman Empire, she was named “regina” or queen and was a member of the Capitolina Triad in
Rome, along with Jupiter and Minerva. Wearing a diadem on her head, Juno is a majestic figure and she
is often pictured dressed in a goatskin cloak sitting with a peacock, which is her main symbol.

Her traditional appearance gives her a warlike aspect. Also known as Juno Moneta, she is seen as
guiding the finances of the Roman Empire. Furthermore, the month of June is named after her. Her
theology is one of the most complex and this is the reason why she has many significant and diverse
epithets, names, and titles, each having a different meaning. Some of these are Juno Lucina, Juno
Caprotina, Juno Curitis, Juno Sospita, and Lucina.

2. Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom

Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom

Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, commerce, poetry, handicrafts, and even strategic warfare. Due to
her artistic powers, Minerva was part of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. From the second century BC, Minerva
has been seen as the equivalent of the Greek goddess Athena. After impregnating Metis, Jupiter
recollected the prophecy of his child overthrowing him. Due to the fear of his unborn child eventually
surpassing him in power, he swallowed Metis, and before Minerva was born she is said to have caused
Jupiter a constant headache from within. To get rid of the pain, Vulcan split Jupiter’s head open with a
hammer and from it emerged Minerva as an adult bearing full armor and weaponry.

Minerva was also known as Minerva Medica meaning goddess of medicine and physicians. The coinage
of many different emperors had her figure on the reverse side. She is often depicted holding an owl and
a spear.

3. Flora, Goddess of Flowers and Spring

Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and spring

Representing the beauty of flowers and nature, Flora’s association with spring made her an important
Roman goddess. Not only is she connected with the season of rejuvenation but also with budding youth.
Chloris is her Greek counterpart. Flora’s name is derived from the Latin word flos meaning flower. The
Romans used to celebrate the renewal of the cycle of life, flowers, and drinking with the festival of
Floralia which took place on April 28 and May 3 and was first started in 240 BC. May 23 was the date of
another festival in her name, the Rose Festival. Flora also became a prominent figure among
Renaissance humanists, but she is said not to have enjoyed having such a powerful image.

4. Vesta, Virgin Goddess of Family, Home, and Hearth

Vesta, the Roman goddess of family, home, and hearth

Just like Hestia in the Greek pantheon, Vesta was rarely depicted in human form, instead being
represented by the fire of her temples. Only the priestesses, known as Vestas, were allowed into her
temples and myth has it that her followers could be miraculously impregnated. She was the daughter of
Saturn and Ops, and sister of Jupiter, Neptune, Juno, Pluto, and Ceres. Her worship first began in
Lavinium, which was also the first Trojan settlement.

As well as being known for her purity and virginity, she was also the mother who granted fertility.
Despite her purity, she is often contradictorily associated with the phallus. Ovid said that she is the same
as the earth, as they both have perennial fire in common.

5. Venus, Goddess of Love, Desire, Sex, and Prosperity

Venus, the goddess of love, desire, sex, and prosperity

Venus, one of the central deities of Rome, is the mother of Cupid and Aneas. The Romans adopted the
mythology and iconography of her Greek equivalent, Aphrodite. Embodying sex, charm, and allure,
Venus has been described as the most original creation in the Roman pantheon. She is said to have
absorbed the male essence which results in the union of the opposite sexes and mutual affection. Her
counterparts are Vulcan and Mars. She is seen as a watery symbol who maintains the balance of life.

Venus is of the utmost importance in Roman mythology, and her followers celebrated many festivals
throughout the year. Veneralia was celebrated on April 1 and was dedicated to both Venus (seen as
Venus Verticordia, the changer of hearts) and Fortuna Virilis, the goddess of fortune. Next, Vinalia
Urbana was celebrated on April 23 which was a wine festival dedicated to both Venus and Jupiter. Last
but not least was Vinalia Rustica on August 19. This was originally a rustic Latin harvest festival
celebrating wine, food, and fertility.

6. Ceres, Goddess of Agriculture and Motherly Relationships

Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and motherly relationships

Ceres’ love of and service to mankind is the equivalent of the Greek goddess, Demeter. As the goddess
of cultivation, she taught people not only how to grow crops but also how to grow as a person. She gave
the gift of agriculture to mankind. This benevolent goddess was the only goddess to be involved in the
day-to-day lives of ordinary people. She was the protector of maidenhood, womanhood, and
motherhood. She shared a dual relationship with the god of law and order, Jupiter. She was both a sister
and a wife to him and together they had a daughter Proserpina, whom she is said to have lived her life
through. Ceres was worshipped on Aventine Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome, where her
temple stood.

One of the festivals dedicated to Ceres, the Cerealia, was celebrated on April 19. Another special time of
the year for the goddess of agriculture and fertility was Ambarvalia, a Roman agricultural fertility rite
which took place at the end of May. In fact, she is the only one of Rome’s many agricultural deities who
is named as part of the Dii Consentes, the Roman equivalent of the Greek’s Twelve Olympians, their
leading deities.

7. Diana, Goddess of the Hunt and the Moon

Diana, goddess of the hunt and the moon

Diana’s association with woodlands and the animals gave her the power to communicate with animals
and also control them. She was widely worshiped in ancient Rome and was revered in pagan religions
such as stregheria and Roman neopaganism. She was one of the three maiden goddesses along with
Minerva and Vesta and is closely associated with childbirth and women. Like the other two, she swore
never to get married. She was the daughter of Jupiter and Latona and was born on the island of Delos
with her twin brother Apollo. As a goddess, she depicts the heavenly world with her sovereignty,
impassibility, and supremacy.

Her celestial nature is showcased in her connection with virginity, inaccessibility, light, and her
preference for dwelling in sacred woods and high mountains. She is often seen wearing a short tunic and
hunting boots, carrying a quiver on her shoulder, and accompanied by either hunting dogs or a deer.
Moreover, she is always portrayed as being young and beautiful. She was a universal deity in Latin, and
many sanctuaries were dedicated to her worship. King Servius Tullius, in his devotion to her, created her
shrine on Aventine Hill. She has also been the subject of many artworks and dramas.

8. Salacia, Goddess of Salt Water

The female divinity ruling the world of the oceans, Salacia was the wife of Neptune as indicated by the
ancient writer, Varro. The god of the sea, Neptune, wanted to marry her, but she loved another, and
managed to flee when he proposed to her. She hid in the Atlantic Ocean to preserve her virginity.
Neptune then sent one of his dolphins to persuade her to come back and be his queen. Salacia finally
agreed to the marriage proposal, leaving Neptune so happy that he awarded the dolphin a separate
place in the heavens, now forming a constellation called Delphinus.

Salacia is portrayed as a beautiful nymph wearing a crown of seaweed. She is either seen sitting beside
Neptune or driving in a vibrant pearl shell chariot with him, drawn by seahorses and dolphins. The
goddess of salt water is dressed in regal robes and has nets in her long hair. She is the personification of
calmness. Her name is derived from the Latin sal, meaning salt, a reference to the seas and oceans that
she rules.

9. Luna, the Embodiment of the Moon

Luna, the embodiment of the moon

Luna is considered as a female counterpart of Sol, the sun god. Luna, along with Proserpina and Hecate,
is part of the Diva Triformis or the Roman triple goddess. In Roman art, she is represented with a
crescent and a chariot with two yokes. Varro distinguished Luna and Sol from the invisible gods. She was
among the deities whom the philosopher Macrobius propounded as secret protectors of Rome.

During the imperial era, both Luna and Sol were seen to reflect Roman rule in their flourishing religion
which was synonymous with tranquility and peace. Selene is her Greek counterpart and the myths
related to Luna are drawn from the goddess Selene. Her temple on Aventine Hill, built in the sixth
century BC, was destroyed in the great fire of Rome during Nero’s reign.

10. Fortuna, the Goddess of Fortune

Fortuna, the goddess of fortune

As the personification of fortune, Fortuna is said to bring either good or bad luck and was widely
worshiped by the Romans. Portrayed as blind and veiled, she represents justice and is also the goddess
of fate. She was as bountiful as her father, Jupiter.

Fortuna is depicted holding a cornucopia, or a horn of plenty, in one hand from which all good things
flowed in abundance. This side represented her ability to bestow prosperity on her followers. In the
other hand was a ship’s rudder which indicated her power to control fate. She could also be seen
enthroned, with the same attributes, but with a wheel built into the chair to represent the ups and
downs of fortune.