Genius (mythology)
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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 snakes.
See also Lares, Di Penates, Genius loci
In certain older translations of the Arabian Nights, a genius is a male jinni.