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Genius (mythology)

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In Roman mythology, every person had either a genius (for men) or a juno for women. Juno was also the name for the queen of the gods.

Originally, the genius/juno were ancestors who guarded over their descendants. Over time, they turned into personal guardian spirits, granting intellect and prowess. Sacrifices were made to one's genius/juno on one's birthday.

The juno was worshipped under many titles:

Iugalis - protected marriage
Matronalis - protected married women
Pronuba - protected the bride
Virginalis - protected virginity

In addition to the genius/juno of individuals, regions, familes, households and cities each had a genius. The genius of the Roman race was a winged, naked youth. The genius dedicated to places were usually depicted as snakes.

See also Lares, Di Penates, Genius loci[?]

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