roman gods sacred animals

Many of the Romans' own gods remain obscure, known only by name and sometimes function, through inscriptions and texts that are often fragmentary. The month of January, the beginning of the year, is still named after him. In fact, it was believed that his mount was a chariot drawn by hippocampi, horses with fish tails that can ride on the sea. Mercury was the youngest son of Jupiter, and his mother was Maia. He was also the father of the twins Romulus and Remus. Dogs, mans best friend, is also worshiped during the Kukur Tihar festival in few parts of Nepal. Venus was married to the Roman god Vulcan. Dolphins, pearls, doves, myrtles, scallop shells, roses, sparrows, mirrors, girdles and swans were Aprohdites symbols. Diana is the main Roman Goddess of the lunar light. There is a sense that while Rome is a cosmopolitan city that is more than open to outside influence, nothing will ever be quite so grand as the myths on which the city was initially founded. Throughout the Empire, the deities of peoples in the provinces were given new theological interpretations in light of functions or attributes they shared with Roman deities. Mars was represented as a strong male figure and has special significance in the history or Rome: via his union with Rhea Silvia, he gave birth to Romulus, founder of Rome, and Remus his brother, a Roman legend that connects the birth of the city directly with this powerful God. The ancient Romans worshipped a large number of Gods and Goddesses. Fauna is an old Roman Goddess of Prophecy and Fruitfulness, with ties to the forest and fields and the animals found there. Let us get right into it. Additionally, the Romans depict the goddess with a muscular build, adorning an armour and carrying a sword. A cow is held in high regard and is constituted as being one of the most sacred animals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. To glorify these treasured pets, wealthy families adorned them in jewels and fed them food fit for royalty. Goddess of the moonlight, Diana was associated with feral life, unspoilt nature and hunting and she was usually represented as a young girl with a bow and arrows in the company of wood animals such as deer. They would honor the greater pantheon with feasts and celebrations, but they were every bit as observant when it came to honoring the gods of their households, their businesses, and their neighborhoods. The son of Zeus and Hera, Ares was the Greek god of war and courage in Greek mythology. Wild celeries and pine trees were the sacred plants of Poseidon. [14] Although individual names are not listed, they are assumed to be the deities of the lectisternium. Lares and Penates were deities protecting the house and hte househols, the lares specificaly protectors of the house as a place and the penates protector of the livelyhood of the family members. The Hindusdo not consider thecowto be a god and thus they are not worshipped. I am a classics graduate for the University of Rome, with a degree in Roman History and, specifically, the relation between paganism and early Christianity. Vesta is an ancient Roma Goddess overlooking the prosperity of the household and therefore the state. 10. Greek origins In Greece, myths were derived from a rich old oral tradition: Homer 's Iliad and Odyssey and Hesiod 's Theogony. 555 Angel Number Meaning And Symbolism: A Detailed Explanation, Mormon Symbols: The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints Symbolism, Sideways Cross Meaning 3 Big Differences From Other Christian Crosses, Jewish Symbols And Their Meanings: The Symbols of Judaism Explained, Greek God Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants, Ancient Egyptian Symbols And Their Meanings. Here are some canine gods and goddesses who have been revered throughout time. He is usually associated with his Greek equivalent Hermes however, the two deities had little in common, roman Mercury being more associate with commerce than with the role of messenger of the gods. Who is Artemis in Greek Mythology? A combination of the two that is the eagle carrying a thunderbolt was often seen on Roman coins. The people of ancient Egypt worship the cats ability to control snakes and vermin made them a symbol of poise and grace. Often represented with running horses, representing the power of the sea, he was also the Gods of horses. The most famous is the little owl, which was associated with Athena because she was the patron goddess of the city of Athens, where owls were said to be common. According to Korean folklore, the majestic tiger is regarded as the guardian of the West and is also a divine spirit. Mercury is the messenger of the Roman deities. Hephaestuss symbols were hammers, anvils, tongs and quail birds. On coins, calendars, and other inscriptions, Mercury, Saturn, Silvanus, Fons, Serapis, Sabazius, Apollo, and the Genius are also found as Invictus. At the foot of the Soracte was the precinct of Feronia. Although some of their gods are adaptations of the Greek gods, some are initially the god of two-faced doors and gates, Janus. The indigitamenta are deities known only or primarily as a name; they may be minor entities, or epithets of major gods. His symbols were the eagle and lighting. Even in invocations, which generally required precise naming, the Romans sometimes spoke of gods as groups or collectives rather than naming them as individuals. Jupiter, the king of the Roman Gods - A marble statue made around 150 AD, displayed in the Louvre Museum. In some case, they maintained their original characteristics, while in others, they mixed their Greek traits with those of ancient Italic deities. Greek God Symbols, Sacred Animals and PlantsWatch this video on YouTube, Carrying on with our series on the symbols of gods in Greek mythology, we will be discussing Hephaestus, the blacksmith of gods, who also happens to be the god of blacksmiths. Additionally, she was the ancestor of the Roman people through her son Aeneas. The people of ancient Egypt regarded pigs as sacred and as an important deity. Spirit or totem animals are Geri and Freki, his two gray wolves; Munin and Hugin, his two ravens, and Sleipnir, his eight-legged gray horse. Varro[18] gives a list of twenty principal gods of Roman religion: Varro, who was himself of Sabine origin, gives a list of Sabine gods who were adopted by the Romans[19]: Elsewhere, Varro claims Sol Indiges who had a sacred grove at Lavinium as Sabine but at the same time equates him with Apollo. During Nag Panchami, Hindus worship the serpent deities and offer their prayers and warm milk. 10. [1] For the cult pertaining to deified Roman emperors (divi), see Imperial cult. Her name, like Faunus's, is from the Latin faveo, "to befriend, support, or back up", from which we get our "favor"; an alternate . As a Roman Goddess, Minerva presided over science, arts and manual work as a goddess of knowledge in all forms although it also maintained some traits of the goddess of war that she used to have in Greek religion. Minerva was the Roman goddess of knowledge and science. Also known as the queen of the gods, Hera was the goddess of marriage, family, women, childbirth, and sky in Greek mythology. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. Apollo is the Roman Sun God, worshipped as Febo, son of Jupiter and Lato. His Greek equivalent is Eros. A number of temples were dedicated to her throughout the empire, some of which were used to practice sensual activities and licentiousness. The event is said to have taken place in Campus Martius, where Augustus, founder of the new Rome, later built his Mausoleum. He is Venus husband and often carries a hammer. She shares with Jupiter a dominant role over the other Gods and goddesses over the Roman Pantheon, of which she is essentially queen and mother. For example, the Roman god Mars was similar to the Greek god Ares, while the Roman goddess Juno was similar to the Greek goddess Hera. Like other major gods, he had many epithets. The other one is Pluto, who is the . Venus is a goddess with paramount importance in roman mythology and specifically for the roman empire. Ancient sources talk about this God as one of the most ancient of the Rome Pantheon: his festivals were held in the month of August and are at the origin of the still current festivity of Ferrragosto. Being one of the most important figures in ancient Greek religion, despite not always being at the forefront of the Greek pantheon, Demeter was the Greek goddess of the harvest, agriculture, grains, sacred law, Continue reading the article, If you are a real fan of mythology, you already know that some of the most interesting and entertaining myths involve the trickster gods. No ancient source, however, poses this dichotomy, which is not generally accepted among scholars of the 21st century. Recommended Veterinary Brands by Our Team, everything that you need to know when owning a pet pig, 12 Most Sacred and Worshiped Animals Around the World. Ancient Rome Animals. The ancient Rome society was a pastoral society and Rome Animals were of immense utility. After Continue reading the article, Carrying on with our articles series on Greek god symbols, we will be discussing the Greek goddess of wilderness Artemis, her symbols, sacred animals and plants in todays post. Though it was certainly heavily influenced by that of Greece, the major gods keep their place throughout the centuries of Romes dominance. Spirit animal is a great-horned owl. She is the Roman patron goddess of the countryside, the moon and the hunters. The goat has also been worshipped in Greek and Egyptian mythology. Remains of the temple of Isis in Rome are still visible in the city (via Labicana) in and we have at least one large statue of Isis dating from Roman times, which you can see in Piazza San Marco (Piazza Venezia). Zeus had eight wives, Hera, Metis, Themys, Eurynome, Demeter, Mnemosyne, Leto and Maia, although only Hera was known to be his legal wife. She is the wife of the Roman god Jupiter and the mother of Vulcan, Mars, Juventas and Bellona. When the felines died, they were mummified. Daughter of Jupiter, she is the sister of Apollo, and somewhat his female equivalent. She may have originated as a local goddess, but later became affiliated with the Greek goddess Artemis. Aegina. Dating back thousands of years are stories of wolf gods and goddesses. The sacred animals to him were the bear, wolf and woodpecker. Vesta is the Roman deity of hearth and home. Varro grouped the gods broadly into three divisions of heaven, earth, and underworld: More common is a dualistic contrast between superi and inferi. He is the Roman god of Volcanoes and forging. The Romans portray Mars as clean-shaven or with a beard, carrying a spear and adorning a helmet, these elements show his warrior nature. Frigga, the primary goddess of wisdom, strategy, war, motherhood, and queens. 4. Vulcans oldest shrine was located at the Forum Romanum. Wildlife was sacred in ancient times. Aztec Numbers Guide What Numbers Did the Aztecs Use? In Hinduism alone deities like Lord Shiva whose steed was a bull called Nandi, cows are honored in sacricity by having statutes erected in their reverence. All over southern India, the majestic elephants are worshipped in the temples. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Bulls and eagles were the sacred animals of Zeus while his sacred plants were oak and olive trees. The Confucian Perspective on Sacred Animals. Female animals should be offered to female deities, and male animals to male gods. Venus is a goddess with paramount importance in roman mythology and specifically for the roman empire. While not part of the original Rome Pantheon, the worshipping of Isis started in Rome in the I century BC, when Egypt became Roman province, and grew ever since. Venus is the Roman goddess of Love and the equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. He was a fearsome and powerful god and even his fellow gods feared him. The worship of Janus traditionally dated back to Romulus and a period even before the actual founding of the city of Rome. [14] The planet Venus is named after her as well. Their deity appeared as a pig with erect bristles who kept an eye on storms, chaos, deserts, and darkness. The bear is one of the most powerful and most feared of the animal kingdom. These religious feasts were held in the month of February and involved boys running . This is one of the most famous sculptures in Rome and it is now kept in the Borghese Gallery. The dog is also capable of great affection and compassion, which goes far beyond the understanding of humans. On May 15, the festival Mercuralia was celebrated annually in his honour. Below are examples of the god's animals as depicted in ancient Greek art and photos of his sacred plants:-1. Everything in the Roman world was divinely touched, and any new discovery would carry with it a touch of divinity. As war was kind of a big thing for the Romans, they logically created a party to launch the date (around mid-March). Ares: vultures, venomous snakes, dogs, boar Aphrodite: dove, sparrow Hephaistos: crane, donkey Hermes: tortoise Hestia: no idea Poseidon: horse, dolphin Hades: screech owl, black ram Dionysus: tiger, leopard Demeter: pigs Athena: owl Artemis: deer, bears, and wild boars Apollo: swans, ravens, hawks, mice, cicadas 24 4 Quora User Gods such as Mithra and Goddesses such as Isis also had a strong following in Rome. Heras symbols were royal scepters and thrones, just like Zeus, the ornamented headbands/crowns known as diadems, pomegranates (as they represented fertility), lotus flowers, lilies, peacock feathers, cows, lions and panthers. Roman couples often had themselves painted as the passionate divine couple Mars and Venus. From the she-wolf who suckled its twin founders, Romulus and Remus, to the outstretched eagle which symbolizes the vast territorial reaches of the Roman Empire, many Roman symbols have survived the centuries to become part of our collective visual culture.This article takes a look at some of the most well-known symbols of Roman history, sharing some juicy . Vesta is commonly associated with the donkey and fire. Venus is the Roman deity of love and all things beautiful. Diana is the Roman goddess of wild animals and the hunt. Her worship dates from the very foundation of Rome and her temple used to have a central position in the Roman Forum, where it is still possible to see the house of the vestals, her priestesses. Venus was the Roman goddess of the home and hearth. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign, Roman Gods vs Greek Gods: Roman deities and their Greek equivalent. Aress sacred animals were dogs and serpents while there is no clear information as to what was considered his sacred plant. The Heliopolitan myth of creation states that in the beginning there was nothing but an endless sea. From the beginning Roman religion was polytheistic. Cuckoo birds, peacocks (her mount was a chariot drawn by peacocks), cows and lions were sacred to Hera. Hydra is said to keep a vigil at the gates of heaven and hell. As one of the 12 major Roman gods, Mercury also had various names and epithets. Janus and the nymph Camasene were the parents of Tiberinus, whose death in or by the river Albula caused it to be renamed Tiber. The first animals in ancient Roman history and legend are the wolf and sheep. The Incredible Dunkirk Evacuation- in rare pictures, Elizabethan Food and Drink- Brief History & Key Facts, 10 Famous Female Warriors Who Made Their Mark On History. The Roman God Vulcan then cracked open Jupiters head to relieve him of the pain. Goddess of beauty and love, Venus is a powerful symbol of all-natural forces of generation and birth. Janus, in Roman religion, the animistic spirit of doorways ( januae) and archways ( jani ). There is a temple in The Valley of Nepal, in the Kathmandu region, called the Swayambhunath temple. The son of Zeus and Hera, Ares is the god of courage, war, civil order and battlelust in Greek mythology. The 12 major Romans gods were called the Dii Consentes and their statues stood in the Roman Forum. Hestia is the Greek goddess who is equivalent to Vesta. Symbols of Apollo are the lyra (musical instrument), the laurel tree and the sun chariot. Wolf medicine is strong medicine. Other Athena symbols include spears, helmets, armor, snakes, owls and olive trees. From the middle Imperial era, the reigning Empress becomes Mater castrorum et senatus et patriae, the symbolic Mother of military camps, the senate, and the fatherland. Who is Hera in Greek Mythology? Who is Hestia in Greek Mythology? Fire: Color - Red. Her attribute was a snake or a bowl and her festival was celebrated on March 30. The sacrifice of a sheep or lamb, in the symbol of purity, was also part of the more traditional marriage ceremony known as Confarreatio used by the Patrician (noble) class. User Experience Workshop. It was he and Roman goddess Minerva who invented the chariot. The Romans celebrated the festival of Neptunalia on July 23 every year, a two day festival in the gods honour. This connection between the Rome founder and Venus had strong symbolic power as associated the birth of Rome with the generating power of love. She was of special importance to peasants and farmers of ancient Greece as she had the power to influence the yield of their crops according to their belief. These the ancient author Ovid and other ancient writers, who are a first hand source of information. Indian God. Additionally, she bestowed upon the gift of agriculture on humans. One of the most significant and popular deities in ancient Greece, Poseidon is the god of the seas, storms, flood, earthquakes, droughts and horses in Greek mythology. Animals sacred to Apollo included wolves, dolphins, roe deer, swans, cicadas (symbolizing music and song), hawks, ravens, crows, snakes (referencing Apollo's function as the god of prophecy), mice and griffins, mythical eagle-lion hybrids of Eastern origin. Her myth is strongly associated with that of her daughter Proserpina, taken by Pluto to the underworld and only given back to her mother for six months of the year. In many societies, ancient and modern, religion has performed a major role in their development, and the Roman Empire was no different. Athena has close ties to the city of Athens. Here is everything you should know about Poseidons symbols, sacred plants and animals, his family tree and myths involving him. She possessed a sacred forest near Minturnae (Minturno) on the border of Latium and Campania[8] The Romans also worshipped him as an agricultural god. Hephaestus/Hephaistos is the son of Zeus and Hera while some sources suggest that is the parthenogenous child of Hera, meaning Hera gave birth to him by herself. But cats took the spot as the favorites so nothing has changed over the centurieshahahaha! God of fire, metalworking, and crafts. Ancient Greeks Continue reading the article, Todays post is about Zeus, one of the most important figures in Greek mythology, if not the most important. In the Sumerian religion, Marduk is the "bull of Utu".In Hinduism, Shiva's steed is Nandi, the Bull.The sacred bull survives in the constellation Taurus.The bull, whether lunar as in Mesopotamia or solar as in India, is the subject of various . This was to appease the god, and auger blessings for fruitful crops. He belonged to a very ancient state of the Roman religion called the Varro. The Romans honoured her at the festival of Vestalia, which was one of the most important Roman holidays. This god is often depicted armed with an arrow which makes the victim fall in love. The God overlooks the solar and therefore the power of light and the alternating between day and night, Apollo in Rome was worshipped largely for his power of foresight, then for his healing power and finally as patron of music. A List of the most sacred animals around the world for the Fun of it! Essential guide to the main Roman Gods: their names, symbols and festivities. Jupiter - God of the Sky Juno - Queen of the Gods Saturn - God of Time Neptune - God of the Seas Pluto - God of the Underworld Venus - God of Love and Beauty Minerva - Goddess of Wisdom Mars - God of War Mercury - Messenger of the Gods Apollo - God of the Sun Diana - Goddess of the Hunt 1. The most extensive lists are provided by the Church Fathers who sought systematically to debunk Roman religion while drawing on the theological works of Varro, also surviving only in quoted or referenced fragments. HEPHAESTUS Roman Name: Vulcan 40. Goats, donkeys, lions, serpents, and wild bulls were also considered sacred to the god. When it comes to Greek Gods and dogs as sacred animals, Greek mythology reveres in a three-headed dog, named Hydra. This is particularly true of those gods belonging to the archaic religion of the Romans dating back to the era of kings, the so-called "religion of Numa", which was perpetuated or revived over the centuries. They performed a wide measure of functions and were of immense utility to the Romans. She is known as the Queen of Gods, and the goddess of women, marriage, skies, stars and childbirth. Often represented coming out of water, Represented in full armor and with an owl, like Greek Athena, Goddess of wilderness, nature and hunting, Represented as a man busy with metallurgic work, Represented as a mature woman with a sceptre, Asian and then Roman God of the light, sun and agriculture, Represented as a man slaying a bull with ears of corn sprouting from it, The ancient God of Rome, associated with Romulus, Often represented as a bearded young man, his symbol seems to have been the plant of the myrtle, God of beginnings and endings, of doors and change, A head with two faces looking opposite ways, His symbols were the 3 headed dog Cerberus and the snake, Wine, horticulture, ambiguity and theater, Represented as a hawk or as a woman with eagle eyes, The Muses, 9 Greek/Roman deities overlooking the arts, The three Graces, representing all that is beauty and grace, Juventus, the Greek Goddess Hebe, Roman symbol of youth, Aesculapius, God of medicine and health, whose work is represented by a snake around a rod, shedding his skin (symbol of renewal), Cibeles originally arrived in Rome from Crete and Asia Minor, she represented mountain life and the generating power of soil and nature, Bacchus God of wine and horticulture, often represented with grapes and vines, in the company of Satyres, Felice Ramorino Classical Mythology, Hoepli Milan, Lana and Fellin: Latin Literature Anthology. In ancient Egypt pigs were considered as sacred to the god. In Hinduism, monkeys are regarded as culturally significant. Mars was the god of war. Isis is a female Goddess from Egypt with many followers in Ancient Rome. Pig. He is depicted in many ancient Greek artworks as holding the lightning bolt in his hand like a spear. A god would have many different guises, some of which might explain why that god or goddess was worshipped in one country under one name and another country under a different name. Venus / Aphrodite Goddess of Love and Beauty Goddess of Passion and Desire, Venus was the most beautiful Goddess. Most sacred animals are not reflective of the animal itself, but rather the god it represents. The Romans annually celebrated a 7-day festival in her honour known as Cerealia. A lake near Minturnae was named after her. In the Metamorphoses of Apuleius,[3] the protagonist Lucius prays to the Hellenistic Egyptian goddess Isis as Regina Caeli, "Queen of Heaven", who is said to manifest also as Ceres, "the original nurturing parent"; Heavenly Venus (Venus Caelestis); the "sister of Phoebus", that is, Diana or Artemis as she is worshipped at Ephesus; or Proserpina as the triple goddess of the underworld. [8] See also Magna Mater (Great Mother) following. Jupiter Jupiter was chief among Roman gods and goddesses. As the empire expanded, the Romans refrained from imposing their own . In describing the lectisternium of the Twelve Great gods in 217 BC, the Augustan historian Livy places the deities in gender-balanced pairs:[13], Divine male-female complements such as these, as well as the anthropomorphic influence of Greek mythology, contributed to a tendency in Latin literature to represent the gods as "married" couples or (as in the case of Venus and Mars) lovers. . When a god is represented by an animal and worshipped as such, an animal cult is established. Following the Etruscan tradition, the ancient Romans made varied and extensive use of animals in fortune-telling, with mainly the birds employed for this purpose. What was Athena's sacred animal? Animal and Human Sacrifice. Vulcano and his Greek equivalent Aephestus was the roman god of fire, overlooking metallurgic art and therefore weaponry. Ceres was the Roman equivalent to the gree Goddes Demetra and represented the productive power of the soil, agriculture and, in general prosperity. A very interesting one is at the lower levels of the Basilica of San Clemente, which is also one of the most interesting churches in Rome. The di indigetes were thought by Georg Wissowa to be Rome's indigenous deities, in contrast to the di novensides or novensiles, "newcomer gods". Oxen and donkeys were used mainly for lifting purposes, which may be used for plowing and tilling the land or for running machinery in the construction industry. Their virility kept up herds, generating wealth . The palm tree was also sacred to Apollo because he had been born under one in Delos. Within the home and garden, the range of animals kept as pets was almost boundless, including dogs, ducks, geese, caged birds, rabbits, hares, tortoises, goats, quail and mice. He is depicted holding the trident in most of the artworks created throughout history. The She Wolf, or lupa, was reputedly the animal which took in the baby twins Romulus and Remus as her own and fed them her milk. So Planck said he did not want to discover anything & just wanted to learn the fundamentals. The three brothers rule over the realms of the Earth, Heaven and the Underworld respectively. They are symbolic of power and courage and are believed to ward off evil and bring about good luck. She was believed to be the protector of women and their marriages. 2023 Symbols and Meanings - Your Ultimate Guide for Symbolism, Greek God Hephaestus Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants The God of Fire, Blacksmiths And The Forge, Greek Goddess Hera Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants The Goddess of Marriage, Women, Family And Childbirth, Greek Goddess Demeter Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants The Goddess Of Harvest, Fertility And Agriculture, Hermes Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants, The Trickster God In Greek Mythology, Poseidon Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants The God of Oceans and Earthquakes In Greek Mythology, Artemis Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants The Goddess of Wilderness In Greek Mythology, Athena Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants The Goddess of Wisdom And War In Greek Mythology, Greek God Zeus Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants, Greek Goddess Hestia Symbols, Sacred Animals And Plants, The Full List, Hummingbird Symbolism, Spiritual Meaning And Spirit Animal Explained, Ask and Embla The First Humans in Norse Mythology. Hera, the wife of Zeus, is the other half of the archetypal divine couple in the Greek mythology. Cicero considers it a normal epithet for Jupiter, in regard to whom it is probably a synonym for Omnipotens. The name Juno is now a very popular Roman name for girls, evocative of the feminine powers of this Goddess. Juno Caelestis was the Romanised form of the Carthaginian Tanit. Some groups, such as the Camenae and Parcae, were thought of as a limited number of individual deities, even though the number of these might not be given consistently in all periods and all texts. 03 He has a three-headed guard dog named Cerberus. The Roman gods had majestic personas and great powers. . The Romans had gods for everything imaginable. He was the king of gods and the chief deity of the ancient Roman Empire before Christianity became dominant. Giano didnt have special temples as all doors and passageways were considered sacred to him but he did have an arch in Rome devoted to him and still visible: the arch of Janus. She was feared by Ares and sought after for advice from the other Greek gods and goddesses. One only needs look at the names of our planets to see this: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and even poor little Pluto are all named for Roman gods. Pain, Deception, Anger, Mourning, Lying, Oath, Vengeance, Self-indulgence, Quarreling, Forgetfullness, Sloth, Fear, Arrogance, Incest, Fighting, Ocean, Themis, Tartarus, and Pontus; and the Titans, Briareus, Gyges, Steropes, Atlas, Hyperion and Polus, Saturn, Ops, Moneta, Dione, and the three Furies ( Alecto, Megaera, Tisiphone ). Helmets, swords, shields, spears, chariots, flaming torches, vultures, dogs and boars were his symbols. His main festival was called Saturnalia and happened between 17-19 December. Consus is an Ancient Rome God of agriculture, traditionally worshipped in the Circus Maximus with races of donkeys. Hermes is the son of Zeus and Maia the Plead and the god of speed, messengers, trade, athletics, herds, shepherds, boundaries, roads, travellers and thieves in Greek mythology. Her sacred animal was the donkey, which was the animal used by bakers to turn mill stones in order to make flour. In this post we will provide you with vital information about the Olympian goddess including her family tree while also giving you the full list of Hestia symbols, her sacred animals and plants.