Genius (mythology)

In Roman mythology, every man had a genius and every woman a juno (Juno was also the name for the queen of the gods).

This aureus of Hadrian shows the Genius of the circus.

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 genii dedicated to places were usually depicted as snakes.

See also

* Lares
* Di Penates
* Genius loci
* Angel
* In certain older translations of the Arabian Nights, a genius is a male jinni.