Fortuna, the daughter of Jupiter and Greek counterpart Tyche, is the goddess of good luck, fortune and prosperity. The cornucopia is represented by a horn which was endlessly overflowing with fruits and vegetables symbolising Fortuna’s attribute of many gifts of fortune. The ship’s rudder was used to control fate, whether that be good or bad. Fortuna’s cult was widespread across the Roman Empire, she was acknowledged publicly for the protection of the state but also privately for voyages and individual fates. Many would worship Fortuna on the 1st of January in the hope the goddess would bless the new year. She had many temples placed around the Empire and was worshipped by all including soldiers, low class, upper class and even the Emperor, each for individual prosperity and good fortune.
To find out more about Roman goddesses, please visit our relevant blog post: Roman Goddesses in Mythology.
