Notes on Major Roman Deities

Major Roman Gods and Goddesses

Jupiter

• Title: King of Gods

• Depiction: Has a beard, carries a scepter.

• Symbol: Eagle (his sacred bird).

Juno

• Title: Queen of Gods

• Relationship: Sister of Jupiter.

• Symbol: Peacock (her sacred bird) and Cow (her animal).

Minerva

• Title: Goddess of War and Wisdom.

• Depiction: Often illustrated with a helmet, shield, and spear.

• Symbol: Owl (her sacred animal).

Neptune

• Title: God of the Sea.

• Relationship: Brother of Jupiter.

• Equipment: Wields a trident and rides in a chariot.

• Symbol: Horse (his sacred animal).

Pluto

• Title: God of the Underworld.

• Relationship: Brother of Jupiter.

• Companion: Has a three-headed dog named Cerberus.

Venus

• Title: Goddess of Love.

• Symbol: Dove (her sacred animal).

Mars

• Title: God of War and Agriculture.

• Symbol: Wolf (his sacred animal).

• Relationship: Lover of Venus.

Volcanus

• Title: God of Fire, Arts, Crafts, and Metallurgy.

• Relationship: Husband of Venus.

Vesta

• Title: Goddess of Health and Home.

• Cultural Importance: Most cities in Italy would have a temple dedicated to her.

Ceres

• Title: Goddess of Grain and Agriculture.

• Relationship: Mother of Proserpine.

• Mythological Significance: The story of her daughter's abduction by Pluto has inspired people for thousands of years.

Mercurius

• Title: Messenger God.

• Depiction: Has wings on his helmet and sandals.

• Unique Item: Often carries a caduceus (herald's staff).

Apollo

• Title: God of Prophecy, Medicine, Sun, and Youth.

• Depiction: Often illustrated with a bow and is unlucky in love.

• Relationship: Son of Jupiter.

Diana

• Title: Goddess of Hunting, Forest, Animals, and the Moon.

• Relationship: Daughter of Jupiter.

• Depiction: Often illustrated with a bow, arrows, and a stag.

Bacchus

• Title: God of Wine and Theater.

• Association: Commonly depicted with big cats.