Fortuna (mythology) facts for kids

A statue of Fortuna

Fortuna was a very important goddess in Roman mythology. She was known as the goddess of fortune, luck, and fate. People believed Fortuna could give both good luck and bad luck to anyone.

Sometimes, artists showed her with a veil over her eyes or as being blind. This was to show that luck can be random and doesn't pick favorites. Fortuna was also thought to be the daughter of Jupiter, who was the king of the gods. Like her father, she was seen as someone who could be very generous to everyone.

Who Was Fortuna?

Fortuna was a powerful goddess who controlled how things turned out for people. She decided if someone would have good times or face challenges. Her name itself means "fortune" or "luck" in Latin.

Fortuna's Symbols

Fortuna was often shown with a few special items:

• A rudder: This is like a steering wheel for a ship. It showed that she guided people's lives and their destiny.
• A ball or wheel: This represented the changing nature of luck. Just like a wheel spins, luck can go up and down.
• A cornucopia: This is a horn filled with fruits and flowers. It symbolized her ability to bring wealth and good things to people.

Fortuna and Fate

In ancient Rome, people believed that Fortuna played a big role in their fate. Even emperors and powerful leaders would pray to her. They hoped she would bring them victory in battles or success in their rule. She was seen as a goddess who could change everything in an instant.

Fortuna in Art and Culture

Fortuna has appeared in many artworks and stories throughout history. She reminds us that life can be full of surprises.

The Wheel of Fortune

One of the most famous ways Fortuna is shown is with the "Wheel of Fortune." This wheel represents the ups and downs of life. People on the wheel might be at the top, enjoying success, or at the bottom, facing difficulties. Fortuna is often shown spinning the wheel, showing that she controls these changes.

Related pages

• Tyche - This is the Greek mythology version of Fortuna. The Greeks had a similar goddess who controlled luck and fate.
• The Wheel of Fortune - Learn more about this famous symbol of changing luck.

Images for kids

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  Fortuna controls the circle of the four stages of life, the Wheel of Fortune, in an old book called Carmina Burana.

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  The defeat of Emperor Valerian by king Shapur I of Persia (in 260 AD) was seen as an example of how Fortuna can change things. This drawing by Hans Holbein (1521) shows this idea in a modern setting.

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  An illustration by Al-Biruni (973-1048) showing different phases of the moon, from the Persian book Kitab al-tafhim.

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  Lady Fortune in a manuscript by Giovanni Boccaccio.

See also

In Spanish: Fortuna (mitología) para niños