Welcome back to another edition of Deities of Good Fortune. In our previous discussions, we have explored figures such as St. Anthony, Ekeko, Lakshmi, Mami Wata, and the Seven Lucky Gods. Today, we shift our focus to the ancient Roman Empire and examine the Roman Goddess known as Fortuna.
To understand Fortuna, we must appreciate the essential role that chance and fate played in the lives of the people from this era. The belief that many aspects of life were determined by random occurrence became a widely acknowledged concept, leading to the personification of this belief in the goddess Fortuna, known as Tyche in Greek mythology. While many refer to Fortuna and Tyche as goddesses of good fortune, it is important to realize that they were responsible for the full spectrum of luck—both favorable and unfavorable. Thus, it may be more fitting to describe them as goddesses of chance, luck, or fate.
But what about Nemesis, the adversary of Tyche? Isn’t she the one who dispenses misfortune? And what about The Fates, who are charged with control over “fate”? Let’s clarify this complex web.
Fortuna
Fortuna, considered the daughter of Jupiter, held a significant place in ancient Roman society, serving as a major deity in both public and personal contexts. She was revered as a guardian of the state and was often sought after for blessings in endeavors like travel or new ventures. Fortuna’s influence was also tied to the cyclical nature of existence, with her ability to sway the outcomes of events being widely recognized.
This goddess became a prominent figure in art and literature, and her cult extended across the Roman Empire. In artistic representations, she is frequently shown alongside a wheel of fortune (symbolizing fate), a rudder (indicating control over destiny), or a cornucopia (representing abundance). Some depictions portray her as blindfolded and sometimes standing on a globe, underscoring life’s capriciousness and the randomness of luck. A notable festival in her honor took place on June 24, likely aligned with the summer solstice, with many of her devotees being newlywed women—a reflection of her association with the Egyptian goddess Isis.
Tyche
Conversely, Tyche is the Greek goddess who embodies luck, fortune, and chance. While Fortuna’s legacy is closely tied to state prosperity, Tyche focuses more on safeguarding cities, often depicted with a mural crown that symbolizes city walls. Revered particularly in Athens, Tyche shared similar traits with Fortuna concerning the unpredictability of fortune. Common representations include her holding a cornucopia or a rudder, highlighting her power over events.
The popularity of figurines of Tyche during the Roman Imperial era suggests her esteemed status, as evidenced by numerous archaeological discoveries.
Nemesis
Now, let us look at Nemesis, the Greek goddess known for administering retribution and vendetta. She embodies justice and punishes those who act with hubris or violate moral laws. Often depicted with a rod or sword—as symbols of enforcement—Nemesis was frequently illustrated with wings. She has a connection with the notion of moira, pivotal in determining life outcomes and individuals’ fortunes.
As a divine arbiter, Nemesis represents justice for wrongdoings and was often called upon by those seeking retribution. She embodies the principle that divine powers oversee and correct acts of arrogance.
The Fates
The trio known as the Moirai in Greek and the Parcae in Latin governs human destiny. These formidable figures map out an individual’s life from birth through death. They are frequently depicted as spinners of fate, manipulating strands that symbolize human lives. Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, the three Fates of Greek mythology, undertake distinct roles: Clotho spins the thread of life, Lachesis measures it, and Atropos ultimately cuts it, signifying the end.
In Roman tradition, their counterparts—Nona, Decima, and Morta—also partake in life’s tapestry. They are impartial and final in their decisions, unaffected by mortal or divine appeals; even powerful deities like Jupiter are bound by their decrees.
The Fates underscore the theme of an unchangeable destiny, a belief that has deeply inspired literary narratives throughout history.
Conclusion
What can we conclude from this exploration? Fortuna and Tyche connect with the notions of luck—both good and bad—and tend to display whimsical behaviors. Although these goddesses can shape specific outcomes, they have less overarching authority than the Fates, whose control stretches across the entirety of an individual’s life journey. While Nemesis fulfills the role of retribution, ensuring justice is served, the Fates govern the inevitable path each life follows.
Interestingly, a noteworthy aspect is the gender representation in these deities. Women have often been linked to fertility and birth, resonating with concepts of luck and fortune. Historically, they were perceived as having intrinsic abilities to perceive the unseen forces that dictate chance and fortune. Perhaps, this association explains why these dynamic forces of fate are embodied by female figures rather than male deities.
