They may not be throwing thunderbolts, and sending storms, but the minor gods of Greco-Roman myth had their own (very odd) parts to play.
When people talk about the Greek and Roman gods, there are probably a few who spring instantly to mind. Zeus (Jupiter) God of lightning is very well known, as is Artemis (Diana), Hades (Pluto) and Apollo (who, for some reason, keeps the same name in both Roman and Greek mythology.)
It’s easy to see why people in ancient times would pray to these gods – pray to Hades to ensure your loved ones’ safe passage in his kingdom. Apollo, whose attributes include both medicine and plague, might be prayed to for healing, or (if you are in a vengeful mood) to strike down your enemies. In a drought – they may pray to Zeus for rain. But – while these gods are all there to help with the big issues, who would you pray to for the little ones? Luckily – the Greeks and the Romans had a solution! In addition to the heavy hitters, the Greco-Roman pantheons included a litany of minor gods – responsible for the smallest, and most oddly specific areas!
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