We invite you to know the roman myths most outstanding since they were used by the Romans to measures that were extending and conquering territories until becoming a great Great Roman Empire. In this article we will tell you Roman stories and myths that have been very important for Roman mythology. Keep reading the article and learn more about Roman culture!
roman myths
The Roman myths are a set of beliefs that the Roman society of Ancient Rome had, which was formed because the Romans in that period of history were very ritualistic since they represented the original myths and cults.
Where it can also be said that the Roman myths were a fusion made by the Roman poets adopting myths and legends from other nations, such as that of the Greeks, accepting stories about gods and characters of great trend for those times. In this way, the Roman myths became more relevant as the Roman people gained power and became a great Empire.
As well as the participation of Roman writers such as Virgil and Ovid, who wrote Roman myths of great relevance and spread Roman mythology to many parts of the world, giving figures as iconic as they have lasted over time, such as Aeneas, Vesta, Juno and the founders of the Rome itself known as Romulus and Remus.
Origin and Characteristics of the Roman Myths
According to experts and researchers of Roman mythology. The Romans did not have sequential stories as their gods were compared to the Greek gods because the Roman poets decided to adopt Greek models to tell Roman myths at the end of the Roman republican period. But what you did have in the Roman Empire was:
- They had a very prosperous system of rituals and ceremonies, as well as a set of priestly schools and a pantheon where the gods interacted.
- A very rich set of Roman myths and history where they came together and from there the foundation and rise of the city was formed by the actions of various people with occasional interventions by the Roman gods.
Many researchers who have done work on the history of Rome have stated that the Roman Empire created a very singular and at the same time unique culture. But adding knowledge of other cultures, especially Greek mythology, is why the main characteristics of the Roman myths are the following:
- The Romans were very addicted to their beliefs and their gods.
- The Roman myths that relate the history of their gods begin to appear already culminating the republican period when the Roman poets begin to write stories similar to the religious models of Greece.
- The Roman gods had many characteristics and uses that made them different from other gods.
- The Romans had a number of different gods for each activity such as animal protection, nature, and agricultural activities.
- The Romans dedicated a specific role to each Roman deity that had a lot of connection with the activities of humans.
Most outstanding Roman Myths and Legends
The Roman Empire has been known for the Roman stories and myths that have been told through its foundation and the relationship it has had with the legendary gods that have been represented by the poet Ovid, who is one of the masters of Roman literature. about Roman legends and myths.
This is why the Romans have always believed in the supernatural and it has been reflected in the Roman legends and myths that have been told since the founding of Rome and the Roman Empire. That is why we have among the most outstanding Roman myths the following:
The Roman Myth of Romulus and Remus
The Romans boast a rich and varied Roman legends and myths about the foundation and expansion of their first city, the most important Roman myth being that of Romulus and Remus, in which it is said that these two brothers and twins were the children of Rhea Silvia and from Mars.
According to the poet Virgil, the adventures of these brothers Romulus and Remus are linked to the founding of Rome. Although the Roman myth begins when they are born in Alba Longa and are seen as a great threat by King Amulius, who to save himself ordered the twins to be abandoned on the banks of the Tiber River.
At that time the newborns were left to die in the river. But Tiberius the mythological father of the river. He let them be saved and they survived under the care of a wolf. This wolf decided to take care of them and nurse them in a cave near Lupercal.
Over time, both brothers were found by a shepherd named Faustulus. He found them and without knowing the identity of the twins, he took them to his house to take care of them together with his wife. The brothers grew up as two good shepherds.
But the roots of their parents did not leave them and they became important leaders and in this way the twins Romulus and Remus gathered many supporters. While these were becoming adults, they got involved in a discussion between the people who followed Numitor and Amulio.
As a consequence of this, Remo was imprisoned in Alba Longa. The place where he was born with his brother. In this way the King and grandfather of Remo was suspicious of the true identity of this boy. While Rómulo was devising a plan to free his twin brother.
While all this was happening, the twins were able to identify their true identity. These were united with their grandfather King Numitor. In order to face the one who had usurped the throne, King Amulio, between all these battles they managed to win and assassinate King Amulio and return the throne to its original owners.
When the twins Romulus and Remus returned to the seven hills with the intention of founding the first city. They found themselves at a crossroads which they were discussing. Since Romulus wanted to build the first city on Palatine Hill. He stopped his twin Remo was bent on building on Aventine Hill.
Since they could not reach an agreement, these two twin brothers decided to ask the gods for help by using divinations or being able to interpret omens. In this way Romulus managed to see twelve birds in the sky. While his brother Remo only managed to see six.
This led to a new argument between the twins who began to fight, ending as a consequence with Remo's death. In this way Romulus ended up founding the city of Rome.
The mother of Rome. She was the legendary Rhea Silvia who was the mother of the twins Romulus and Remus, who was the daughter of Numitor the King of Alba Longa. But her uncle named Amulius who usurped her throne forced her to serve as a priestess or vestal virgin. She in this way she was forced to respect chastity.
With this the usurper of the throne Amulio would achieve that Rea Silvia would not have children and would secure the throne for a long time. But Rea Silvia was seduced by the God Mars who appeared to her during the night and she kidnapped Rea Silvia and raped her in a forest.
In this way Rea Silvia became pregnant giving birth to two twins named Romulus and Remus who were thrown into the Tiber River shortly after birth by orders of the usurper Amulius. After this she ordered her mother to be buried alive.
Jupiter and the Bee
With respect to one of the most prominent Roman myths, it is that of Jupiter and the Bee, although several versions have already been told, it is one of the most popular myths since it tries to be careful with what you ask for or wish for.
According to Roman myths, this story is told that a long time ago a little bee lived very upset and tired since people and animals always stole the honey it produced. That's why the little bee wanted to have a weapon to be able to fight against these honey thieves.
The little bee prayed very often so that some god would listen to her prayers. But time passed and nothing happened for which the little bee came up with the idea of speaking personally with the God Jupiter who was the king of all gods.
Although she could have gone with another lesser god. But the only one the little bee could find was the god Jupiter. That is why she undertook her journey flying with determination towards the skies and beyond and with the buzz that the little bee emitted she caught the attention of the God Jupiter.
When the little bee was finally able to start a conversation with the God Jupiter, he told her "My King, I have brought you a rich gift of honey." The face of the God lit up with joy and happiness to which he replied "andThis gift is very tasty and wonderful” After this the God Jupiter asked the little bee "What can I do for you little bee?
The little bee was very scared that, trembling with fear but very determined to try, I explained to her all the problem that the little bee had regarding the honey. Although the God Jupiter listened carefully to the claim of the little bee, he had no idea how to help her.
But he did realize that the taste of honey was very delicious and that he liked honey very much. In that the God Jupiter thought what to do with the little bee. When the bee said the following:I could protect my honey against thieves if I had a weapon, something like a stinger!”
The God Jupiter, listening to the little bee, got very angry and replied "Would you bite me?" The frightened little bee responds immediately to the god Jupiter "I would never do it” although the little bee was very alarmed that she leaned back and collided with the body of the goddess Juno who was listening carefully to the conversation between the God Jupiter and the little bee.
After that the Goddess Juno intervened saying the following “Such wonderful taste needs protection!” After this, the goddess once again suggested that each bee have a stinger to be able to defend itself when their honey is being removed. Although there must be some payment for this gift.
In this way the God Jupiter told him that the payment should be with his life. Since after using the stinger the bee has to die and therefore must make the best decision to protect and die or share with others.
Although the bee didn't like the weapon they gave him very much. Wave goddess Juno was already congratulating the God Jupiter for the decision she had made. Although he made decisions so that the goddess Juno was always very happy. With a wave of her hand she told the bee "there is your weapon your wish has been granted"
The bee, very upset by the gift that the god Jupiter had given him, thanked him and began to descend towards earth. When the bee was in the hive, she hid behind it. This way she wouldn't be asked any questions hoping the other bees would ignore her forever.
When the bees noticed the sting they began to make a loud buzz as a sign that they had a sting and the bee decided to tell what she had done and since they are loyal they did not say anything. They only had the option of being grateful for the gift that the God Jupiter gave them, but it is a gift that when used, they pay with death.
This gift did not disappear since today every bee that uses the stinger dies since part of the stomach nerves detaches. Therefore, it is left without a vital part of its small body and it tends to die after a short time.
Pluto and the king one of the roman myths but also greek
Although it is a Greek myth, the Romans modified it so that this story is remembered as one of the Roman myths. This story is about a very intelligent king who was the ruler of the Greek city of Corinth. Although this story was told by the Greeks in a first version. The Romans decided to count it as one of the most important Roman myths in Roman culture.
The Romans decided to replace the names of the Greek gods that participated in this story, one of the gods they replaced was Zeus, who had the role of being the king of all the Greek gods, and the Romans placed the God Jupiter as the king of the gods. Romans.
Similarly, the Greeks had Hades brother of Zeus as the God of the underworld and the Romans replaced him with the God Pluto who was the god of the Roman underworld.
Although the story remained as told in ancient Greece, although the Romans were completely sure that the center of the world was Rome. The Roman myth is based on the fact that a king who was very intelligent was busy thinking about how he could solve the problem of fresh water that his people had.
While this king was looking for a way to devise a plan, he stared at the sky at that precise moment when he realized that he was flying past the God Jupiter and he was carrying something in his hands that could not be distinguished. Seeing this strange situation he was intrigued since the God Jupiter very rarely leaves the sky.
But the king shrugged his shoulders and again began to think about how to solve the matter that he had to solve about fresh water. At that time the town of Corinto did not have aqueducts or that problem had already been solved.
But as he continues to think about the problem, he starts looking up at the sky again. He observes that another God is passing but he stops and asks the King a question "Have you seen my daughter?"
The king, as he was very intelligent, answered the following:: “If you give my city a source of fresh water, I will tell you what I saw“. On At that moment a great stream of crystal clear and fresh water gushed out in front of the king. The king was very pleased and replied to the God as follows "Jupiter had something in his hands and it could have been your daughter."
The God Jupiter was very angry as he did not allow humans to interfere in his affairs. When he heard what the King had said and that he had accused him against another god. He told his brother the God Pluto that he will take the king to the world of the underworld.
The king, upon hearing what the God Jupiter said, told his wife the following: "When they tell you that I am dead, do not put a gold coin under my tongue" this woman, being very correct, listened to her husband so that he had asked.
Then the same god Pluto met the king dressed as a beggar, since not having the gold coin under his tongue showed that he was a very poor person. The god Pluto asks you the following question “Where is your gold coin?Pluto claimed to know. “How can you afford a trip across the River Styx and get to the underworld?"
The king replies as follows form “My wife was too poor to pay the ticket“. The slightly annoyed god said the following to the king "Go back there and teach the women some manners." In this way the god Pluto sent the king back to earth immediately, where he was magically alive.
The harvest goddess Ceres
In all Roman myths it is said that the God Jupiter is the king of all Roman gods and he had three sisters. The first was Juno who was his wife and her sister she was known as the goddess of marriage and the queen of all the Roman gods.
The second sister was known as the goddess Vesta who was cataloged as the goddess of the home and was a goddess that all the women of Rome loved and worshiped. The third sister of Jupiter was known as the goddess Ceres, she was responsible for all the crops. It is said that the goddess Ceres if she bothered the crops could wither and die.
All the people and gods must have worked hard to keep this goddess content and happy even though what she loved was spending time with her beautiful daughter Proserpina.
The story of the God Apollo with Cassandra
It is one of the Roman myths that is based on the famous Temple of Delphi, one of the most important temples of the God Apollo. But this was not the only temple where the god Apollo was worshiped. Since there was an important temple in the city of Troy that was built by its inhabitants in honor of the God Apollo before the Trojan War happened.
In this Roman myth, the story is told that the God Apollo appeared in the temple that they had built in the city of Troy and one day he saw the beautiful Cassandra, a priestess who worked in that temple.
At that moment that the God Apollo saw the beautiful Cassandra, he fell in love with her. The God Apollo offered a deal to the priestess Cassandra which was that she would give him a great gift that would be the gift of seeing her future if she gave him a kiss.
The priestess accepted the deal with a beautiful smile and in that instant she could see the future which was that the God Apollo was destroying the city of Troy. When the God Apollo approached for her to give him the kiss. She reacted by spitting in his face in a very furious way.
The god Apollo was angry at that gesture he made and tried to take away the gift he had given him but he couldn't. In return what he made of her was curse her in a way that no one would believe what she said. So the priestess begged her people to be careful with the wooden horse. But no one in the city of Troy believed him.
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