Individuals regard Roman mythology to be among the greatest in the world. Thus, Rome is a major tourist destination. It is the land of history as well as mythology. The Romans had several Gods and Goddesses. There was Jupiter, the King of Gods. Juno, the wife of Jupiter and the Goddess of women and fertility. Neptune, the God of Sea. Venus, Goddess of love and beauty. Each one of these gods and goddesses among several more had a significant role to play in Roman mythology. Some of them were believed to have great superpowers. Like ancient Romans had the saying that volcano would erupt if the God Vulcan became too angry.
ROMULUS AND REMUS: THE TWIN BROTHERS
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Romulus and Remus were twins born to Rhea Silvia in Alba Longa, a Latin city. It was located near the future site of Rome. Their mother’s father Numitor was a former king. His brother Amulius dethroned him in the past and rose to power. Thus, he saw them as a potential threat to his rule. So he ordered them to be killed and the twins were abandoned near the banks of Tiber. However, God Tiberius who was the Father of the river saved them. Soon after, a shepherd named Faustulus adopted the twins. Unaware of their true identity, the twins grew up tending flocks. Yet, they were natural leaders. As a result, they had a small group of followers from the community.
When they grew up they got in the middle of a dispute. This dispute initially was between the supporters of Numitor and Amulius. Due to this, Remus ended up in a prison in Alba Longa. Their grandfather and the ruling king began suspecting his real identity. His brother Romulus made arrangements for him to be set free. Eventually, the twins became aware of their true identity. They joined hands with Numitor to bring him back to the throne. Subsequently, Amulius lost his life and Numitor emerged victoriously.
Then the twins set out to construct their city. This is where a disagreement occurred between the two. It was regarding the selection of the appropriate hill for the city. Eventually, they went out to resolve this issue through gods’ approval. There was a contest where Romulus own. This triggered more conflict. In the aftermath, Remus lost his life. Romulus became the ruler and found the city of Rome.
JUPITER: THE KING OF GODS
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Jupiter plays an important role in Roman mythology. He was the King of Gods. There are engrossing tales in Roman mythology. Some of them carry important life lessons. One such tale is that of Jupiter and the Bee. One might consider it to be the Roman version of “Be Careful with What You Wish For.”
It is said that bee once visited Jupiter. He was tired of everyone trying to steal his honey. He wanted a weapon to ward them off. So he went to Jupiter. He also bought him a gift i.e. the honey which he made. Jupiter tasted it and liked it very much. Then he asked the bee what he wanted. The bee was nervous yet he mustered all his courage and explained his situation. He requested for Jupiter to grant his wish by giving him a stinger. That way, the bee would be able to sting whoever took his honey.
At this point, Jupiter got angry. He asked the bee if he ever wished to sting the gods. Consequently, the bee stepped back and bumped in Juno, Jupiter’s wife. Now, she tasted the honey too and agreed that something with such a great taste must be protected. However, she said that every bee requires a stinger. Although they must pay for it with their life. This way they would have two options: Protect their creation and die or share it. Jupiter agreed with his wife and granted the bee’s wish. Yet, by this time the bee was regretting his wish but it was too late.
OTHER MYTHOLOGICAL TALES AND THEIR RELEVANCE:
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Among various other gods in Roman mythology, there is Pluto. He is the God of the underworld. Hence, the Roman myth states that anyone who dies has to pass through the underworld. At first, they have to travel across the River of the Dead, also known as Styx. It was said that the dead person had to be buried with a coin in the mouth. This was for the payment to Charon, who will transport the soul. Also, the water of this river signifies a bad omen. Even the gods could not escape its consequences. So if anyone had any form of contact with it, they would lose their voice for nine years.
These mythological tales are relevant even today. Romans are proud of their mythology. It was important and it influenced their art and culture. An example of this could be the painting i.e., The Feast of Venus. This is a well-known painting that depicts the mythological scene. It portrays the Roman festival of Veneralia in honor of Venus Verticordia. It also had an impact on the solar system. Many planets received their name from that of Roman gods. Such as Pluto and Neptune. Thus, Roman mythology not only influenced Ancient Romans but also the art of Rome. It also taught certain moral values. For instance, the story of Jupiter and the bee.
CONCLUSION:
Roman mythology is popular and interesting. The Roman gods and goddesses are among the greatest in the world. Their actions became stories with a lesson for all. To some extent, it impacted the celebration of festivals. Few festivities were solely in honor of Roman Gods. Like Veneralia. All these mythological tales make Rome a major landmark. It is also an important tourist destination for lovers of art and mythology. Indeed, it is the land of remarkable tales that left a lasting impression on mankind.
Read more about mythology here.
