Juturna

Definition

Juturna is a Roman goddess associated with springs and fountains, often connected to the themes of water and healing. In the context of Book XII, she plays a pivotal role in the narrative by intervening in the conflict between the Trojans and Latins, showcasing her divine influence over human affairs and the significance of water in Roman mythology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Juturna is specifically invoked by Turnus, the leader of the Rutulians, seeking her help during a crucial moment in battle.
2. In Book XII, she uses her powers to alter the course of events, demonstrating how gods can manipulate fate within the epic.
3. The goddess is portrayed as a nurturing figure, representing the life-giving aspects of water that can both heal and cause strife.
4. Her connection to springs reflects the Roman belief in the sanctity of natural water sources and their importance in rituals and daily life.
5. Juturna's actions underscore the theme of divine influence over mortal choices, emphasizing how deities can sway human destinies.

Review Questions

• How does Juturna's role in Book XII illustrate the concept of divine intervention in human conflicts?
  • Juturna's role in Book XII highlights divine intervention by actively influencing Turnus during his battle against Aeneas. By calling upon her powers, she alters events to favor Turnus, showcasing how gods can manipulate circumstances to support their favored mortals. This dynamic emphasizes the broader theme of divine will impacting human actions throughout the epic.
• Analyze the symbolism of Juturna as a goddess of springs and fountains within the context of Roman beliefs about water.
  • Juturna symbolizes not only the life-sustaining qualities of water but also its dual nature as a source of healing and conflict. In Roman culture, springs were sacred spaces that represented nourishment and fertility. Juturna embodies this duality, as her actions can lead to both rejuvenation for her devotees and chaos in battle. This reflects a complex understanding of nature where divinity intersects with human experiences.
• Evaluate Juturna's impact on Turnus' fate and its broader implications for the themes of fate versus free will in the epic.
  • Juturna's impact on Turnus raises important questions about fate and free will within the narrative. While she empowers Turnus with divine assistance, it also suggests that his choices are ultimately influenced by external forces beyond his control. This interplay between divine intervention and personal agency reinforces the epic’s exploration of whether individuals shape their destinies or if they are merely pawns in a greater cosmic game directed by the gods.

Related terms

Nymphs: Mythological spirits of nature, often associated with various aspects of water, including springs, rivers, and forests.

Aeneas:

The Trojan hero and central character in Virgil's epic, who is destined to found the city of Rome.

Divine Intervention: The involvement of gods in human affairs, often influencing the outcomes of events and the fates of characters.