Genius_(mythology) Genius_(mythology)

Genius (mythology) - Definition and Overview

Related Words: Mishnah, Sunna, Talmud, Western, Westerner, Allegory, Apologue, Custom, Fable, Fabliau, Fantasy, Fiction, Folklore
Topics in Roman mythology
Important Gods:
Legendary History
Roman religion
Greek/Roman myth compared
Other minor Roman deities:


In Roman mythology, every man had a genius and every woman a juno (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 each genius/juno of individuals, regions, families, households and cities 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


In certain older translations of the Arabian Nights, a genius is a male jinni.

Example Usage of (mythology)

Cassidy_182: @katetuholske norse mythology is awesome.
JonasFiel: in greek mythology who was a real mama's boy? #1vs100 Answer: Oedipus. *groans*
JonasFiel: oh two Norse mythology questions in a row, and i got them right too! and a greek one right after
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