Genius (mythology)

\nIn 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:\n*Iugalis - protected marriage\n*Matronalis - protected married women\n*Pronuba - protected the bride\n*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 genius dedicated to places were usually depicted as snakes. See also Lares, Di Penates, Genius loci

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In certain older translations of the Arabian Nights, a genius is a male jinni. Category:Roman mythology