The Multifaceted Goddesses of Death in Roman and Greek Mythology

Myths from antiquity often explored the concept of death in various forms, with deities uniquely associated with different types of finality. In the vast pantheon of Greek and Roman mythology, several deities embodied the idea of death. This article delves into the multifaceted roles of some of these fascinating figures, including Psychopomps, Dea Tacita, and the Keres, to uncover the nuanced ways in which ancient cultures conceptualized death.

Psychopomps: Guides of Souls

Psychopomps, meaning “guide of souls,” were not singular entities but rather a broad category of deities with the responsibility of guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife. In Greek mythology, Thanatos, the god of death who also kept the realm of Tartarus, was one of these guides. However, the term 'Psychopomp' is often applied to a few specific deities who carried this role more explicitly.

Nike, the goddess of victory, was associated with death when it came to the deaths of heroes. Limos, the emaciated goddess, represented death by starvation. Meanwhile, Keres, the death spirits, were responsible for violent deaths in battlefields, symbolizing sudden and gory demise. Achlys, the goddess of sorrow, manifested when someone took their own life. Erinyes were the Furies, taking the souls of those who died as a result of vengeance.

Dea Tacita: The Silent Goddess of Death in Roman Mythology

In Roman mythology, Dea Tacita, also known as Dea Muta or Muta Tacita, was the goddess of death. Her significance lay not only in her role as the silent guardian of the dead but in her ability to be invoked for dark purposes.

According to Roman folklore, Dea Tacita warned the nymph Juturna that she should flee from the impending rape by Jupiter. When Juturna did not heed the warning, Jupiter became enraged and tore out her tongue, a punishment attributed to her inability to advise Juturna further. The name 'Tacita' itself derives from the Latin word for silence, highlighting Dea Tacita's essential role as the silent one.

Dea Tacita was worshipped on December 23 during the festival of Larentalia. In inscriptions, worshippers would invoke the goddess to bring harm or destruction to a hated person. A specific invocation emphasizes the dark intent:

“ut mutus sit Quartus” (that Quartus be mute) and “erret fugiens ut mus” (and wander fleeing like a mouse)

These phrases invoke the goddesses for muteness and a desperate, mouse-like flight, underscoring the malevolent nature of her invocation. Numa Pompilius, an early Roman king, attributed the oracular vision to Dea Tacita, and Plutarch referred to her as a Muse, adding layers of mysticism to her character.

Keres: Spirits of Violent Death

The Keres, in Greek mythology, were death spirits known for their role in violent deaths. They were often depicted as dark, fierce, and powerful figures, associated with battles and the violent deaths that occurred on the field of war. The Keres did not have the power to kill the living, but rather, they were manifestations of ongoing death and decay.

A vivid description of the Keres can be found in the Shield of Heracles where they are described as:

“The black Dooms gnashing their white teeth grim-eyed fierce bloody terrifying fought over the men who were dying for they were all longing to drink dark blood.”

Further, the text elaborates on their nature:

“As soon as they caught a man who had fallen or one newly wounded one of them clasped her great claws around him and his soul went down to Hades to chilly Tartarus. And when they had satisfied their hearts with human blood they would throw that one behind them and rush back again into the battle and the tumult.”

The Keres were often seen alongside the Fates (Moirai) and Thanatos, collectively representing various aspects of death. Later Roman authorities, such as Cicero, referred to the Keres as Tenebrae, meaning darkness, emphasizing their role in the shadows of death.

In conclusion, the deities of death in ancient mythology, such as Psychopomps, Dea Tacita, and the Keres, reflect the complex and often frightening nature that these ancient cultures attributed to the ultimate end of life. Through detailed descriptions and vibrant imagery, these deities bring to light the multifaceted and often terrifying aspects of death that intrigued and frightened ancient peoples.