Fortuna: Roman Goddess of Luck & Fate

Speaking of Lady Luck the Roman Goddess Fortuna or Fortūna in Latin certainly has earned her title. She may have been a former Latin or Etruscan goddess Servius Tullius. Fortuna represents the vital spark of luck, abundance, fate and chance that humans all hope and pray for at one time or another. Augustus Ceasar declared he was her favourite chosen son even if he was not it’s a great way to psyche out your enemies. Fortuna was popular, not as famous as Diana of Juno. Roman soldiers brought her adoration to England where she was revered there. Fortuna was known as a oracular goddess, many would have their fortunes told at her shrine.

April 1st just happens to be her hallowed day. It is a day for women  to ask her to invoke their mate’s virility and desire. She is often represented by the wheel of fortune, a cornucopia (abundance) or a ship’s rudder or a ball. Her father was allegedly Jupiter, Lord of Light and plenty. Her temple was dedicated to her on June 11th. The Festival of Fortuna was celebrated on or near the Summer Solstice.

Source & Reference:

• Billington, S., Green, M. ‘The Concept of the Goddess’ (London, New York, 1996), 133-134.
• Lesley Adkins, Roy A. Adkins (2001) Dictionary of Roman Religion
• Featured Illustration of Lady Fortune in a Boccaccio manuscript Public Domain

Author: Nifty Buckles Folklore

Nifty Buckles is a folklorist, and poet who brings to life enchanting cultural legends and fairytales. View all posts by Nifty Buckles Folklore