# Roman Divinities explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

This chapter introduces the distinct Roman deities, including Saturn, Faunus, Quirinus, Bellona, Terminus, Pales, Pomona, Flora, Lucina, Vesta, Liber, Mulciber, Janus, the Penates, the Lares, and the concepts of Genius and Juno, along with their roles and attributes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hospitality and Its Violation

The Saturnalia feast, where masters served slaves, illustrates a temporary inversion of social roles and the ideal of natural equality, echoing themes of hospitality and social order.

## Character check-ins

### Jupiter

Mentioned as the dethroner of Saturn, who fled to Italy after being overthrown.

### Vulcan

Referenced under the name Mulciber, the Latin name for Vulcan.

## Key lines

> Saturn was an ancient Italian deity. It was attempted to identify him with the Grecian god Cronos, and fabled that after his dethronement by Jupiter he fled to Italy, where he reigned during what was called the Golden Age.

Saturn, originally an Italian god, was later equated with the Greek Cronos; the myth says that after Jupiter overthrew him, he escaped to Italy and ruled there during the Golden Age.

_Explains the syncretism between Saturn and Cronos and the founding myth of Saturn's reign in Italy._

> In memory of his beneficent dominion, the feast of Saturnalia was held every year in the winter season. Then all public business was suspended, declarations of war and criminal executions were postponed, friends made presents to one another, and the slaves were indulged with great liberties.

To honor Saturn's benevolent rule, the annual Saturnalia festival was celebrated in winter, during which public affairs halted, wars and executions were delayed, gifts were exchanged, and slaves enjoyed unusual freedoms.

_Describes the customs of the Saturnalia festival and its social implications._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/roman-divinities
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters