Fortuna

Fortuna (Latin: Fortūna, equivalent to the Greek goddess Tyche) was the goddess of fortune and the personification of luck in Roman religion. Fortuna is often depicted with a gubernaculum (ship's rudder), a ball or Rota Fortunae (wheel of fortune) and a cornucopia (horn of plenty). She might bring good or bad luck: she could be represented as veiled and blind, as in modern depictions of Justice, and came to represent life's capriciousness.

Etymology

The etymology of Fortuna is connected to the Latin word fors (chance), and was named Fortuna by the Romans because of her unpredictable nature. The term Fortuna then came to signify the capriciousness of life and luck.

Depictions

Fortuna was often depicted holding a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, from which all good things flowed in abundance, symbolizing her ability to bestow prosperity. She was also frequently shown holding a rudder, symbolizing her control over destiny, and standing on a ball, indicating the unstable nature of fortune.

Cult

Fortuna had a cult in Rome as well as many shrines in the provinces. Fortuna was worshipped by mothers who wanted to bear children, by soldiers who wanted victory, and by merchants who wanted success in their businesses.

Related Terms

• Gubernaculum: A ship's rudder, a symbol of control over one's destiny.
• Rota Fortunae: The wheel of fortune, a symbol of the capriciousness of life.
• Cornucopia: The horn of plenty, a symbol of abundance and nourishment.

See Also

• Tyche: The Greek equivalent of Fortuna.
• Roman Religion: The religious beliefs and practices of Ancient Rome.

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