Terra (mythology) facts for kids

Terra was a very important goddess in ancient Roman mythology. She was known as the goddess of the Earth. The Romans believed she was like the Greek goddess Gaia.

Who was Terra?

Terra was the Roman goddess who represented the Earth itself. She was often called Terra Mater, which means "Mother Earth." People in ancient Rome believed she was the source of all life and growth on the planet.

Terra's Family

Terra's husband was Caelus, an ancient Roman god of the sky. Together, Terra and Caelus were the parents of many powerful beings. These included the mighty Titans and the giants.

The Story of Caelus and Saturn

Long, long ago, Terra convinced her son, Saturn, to do something drastic. She asked him to use his scythe (a large curved blade) to defeat his father, Caelus. Saturn did as his mother asked. He scattered pieces of Caelus across the cosmos.

When one of these pieces landed in the water, it led to the birth of Venus. Venus became the goddess of love. This story means that Venus was one of the oldest gods and goddesses in the Roman myths.

Images for kids

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  A dedicatory inscription to Terra Mater fulfilling a vow (votum), 1st century CE.

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  The attributes of the central figure on this panel of the Ara Pacis mark her as an earth and mother goddess, often identified as Tellus.

See also

In Spanish: Tellus para niños