Libera
Roman goddess of female fertility and freedom, consort of Liber, sometimes identified with Proserpina
The Myth of Libera
Libera was the female counterpart to Liber Pater and was worshipped alongside him and Ceres in their great Aventine temple, one of the most politically important shrines in Rome. While Liber governed male fertility and freedom, Libera presided over female fertility and the freedom of women. She was sometimes identified with Proserpina and sometimes with Ariadne, reflecting the fluid way Romans syncretised deities. Her worship at the Liberalia involved women making offerings of honey cakes. Though she received less individual attention than Liber or Ceres, her inclusion in this triad was significant — it placed female reproductive power and liberty under divine protection. The Aventine triad served as a religious counterweight to the patrician Capitoline Triad.
Parents
None recorded
Symbols
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
Explore Further
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