Fortuna (luck)

In Roman mythology, Fortuna (Greek equivalent Tyche) was the personification of luck, hopefully of good luck, but she could be represented veiled and blind, as modern depictions of Justice are seen, and came to represent the capriciousness of life.

Related Topics:
Roman mythology - Greek - Tyche - Justice

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Fortuna had a retinue that included Copia among her blessings. Under the name Annonaria she protected grain supplies. In the Roman calendar, June 11 was sacred to Fortuna, with a greater festival to Fors Fortuna on the 24th http://www.novaroma.org/calendar/junius2.html.

Related Topics:
Copia - June 11

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Fortuna was propitiated by mothers. Traditionally her cult was introduced to Rome by Servius Tullius.

Related Topics:
Rome - Servius Tullius

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Fortuna had a temple in the Forum Boarium, a public sanctuary on the Quirinalis, as the tutelary genius of Roma herself, Fortuna Populi Romani, the "Fortune of the Roman people", and an oracle in Praeneste where the future was chosen by a small boy choosing oak rods with possible futures written on them.

Related Topics:
Forum Boarium - Quirinalis - Roma - Oracle - Praeneste - Oak

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All over the Roman world, Fortuna was worshipped at a great number of shrines under various titles that were applied to her according to the various circumstances of life in which her influence was hoped to have a positive effect. Fortuna was not always positive: she was doubtful (Fortuna Dubia); she could be "fickle fortune" (Fortuna Brevis), or downright evil luck (Fortuna Mala).

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Her name seems to derive from the Italic goddess Vortumna, "she who revolves the year".

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