Myths make the world go around..

Although Roman mythology lacks the extensive list of literary work that documents Greek mythology, their oral myths have been noted, especially in their relation to Greek myths. The myths and stories played more of an important role in the religious system in Greece than Rome, where ritual and cult were valued. Although different names and myths (a full list of the different names and meanings can be found here), there were many of the same values reflected in them.

Some of the major Roman Gods include Venus (the love and fertility goddess), Pluto (god of the underworld and riches), and Mars (god off fertility and war), who is mentioned in a previous blog of mine is the supposed father of Romulus and Remus. Some prevalent values seen in the major gods of Roman mythology are wisdom, strategy of war vs. bloodshed, arts and crafts, marriage, childbirth, and honored chastity. These values of the “major” Roman gods in Roman mythology reflect the larger values, themes, or concerns of that society.

(take note of Romulus and Remus below the gods in the left bottom)

Now the “minor” gods, on the other hand, show us the less concerning ideas of the Roman society. Some of the minor gods include Moirae (the three goddesses of fate), and Cupid (who when mixed eros and chaos created the universe). Some other things that the minor gods were gods of were discord, season, and good fortune. These “minor” gods, not only show ideas possibly less valued by Romans, but also seem to have similar themes. Only from my observations, these stories of minor gods revolve around consistent things (fortunate times and bad times, seasons etc.).

Romans, like many other cultures had explanations for the seemingly unexplainable. Such myths include Helios, who drives a chariot with 4 fire-breathing horses across the sky each day. This might explain the consistency in sunrise, sunset, and why the world goes around.

From mother to children, friends and society, these myths were kept alive. They were satisfying explanations. Are the similarities/differences between us and other modern cultures similar to the Romans to Greeks (being transmitted through myth as they reflect the cultural values and explanations that society is looking for?)