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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).

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 Snake s.

See also Lares , Di Penates , Genius Loci




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