Bellona is the ancient Roman Goddess of War. Of course she has a male counterpart, Mars, but she is associated with (1)destruction, bloodlust, war, and conquest which is usually what we only see with men. Her gear seems to be the same armor a man would wear which means that she isn't being sexualized in any type of way. Her shield is decorated with the face of Medusa. She is truly this badass woman that is a source of power and war. When going to war she can be seen (2) holding a spear and a flaming torch or riding in a chariot and waving a blood-stained sword. She highkey makes me wanna be her for Halloween. (3)The last century of the Roman Republic is when she was introduced to Roman soldiers in Asia Minor under General Pompey and Sulla. Bellona (3)ignited a warlike frenzy where Romans would fight with uncontrollable fury and rage. Now there isn't any mention of her in actual battle, however, her being a true symbol of war is almost greater than her being in battle stories. She's a symbol for one of the most powerful things known to mankind and her people celebrate her because she is this powerful woman who stands for rage and bloodshed.
I feel that her story does resonate with a contemporary audience. From a feminist view she's someone who resonates power and represents such a brutal event which we normally don't see coming from a woman. Men make themselves bleed for her and sacrifice themselves for her. (3) In ancient Rome they hold a festival in honor of her on March 24th, Bellona's Day, called Dies Sanguinis which means Day of Blood. I feel that she does represent her culture pretty well. There's always talk about Gods and Goddesses that are linked to the Romans and they were essentially war driver and were heavily involved in violence. Even though women are still seen as less valuable in the Roman culture they are completely worshipped and very few Romans would go against their Gods or Goddesses. Romans have built Temples dedicated to her where generals and military matters take place.
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I really enjoy the fact that Bellona was such a powerful war symbol. The fact that her war stories aren't spoken about, but is still seen as such a powerful women is pretty kickass. I appreciated that the men would sacrifice theirselves for Bellona, instead of it being the other way around - where women are usually seen as always taking their lifes for a man. Also, she's even more badass because she is symbol for blood and rage, which are stereotypical masculine characteristics.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that she was admired so much as a symbol since there are not any war stories of her fighting. I think it i awesome she that she symbolizes destruction blood lust war and conquest. Usually you only here of men accomplishing these things so it is cool to think that so many people worshiped her.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time encountering the roman goddess Bellona, and I can see why is commands great respect in symbolic war and destruction. The Romans, revered for their military prowess, were fitting in selecting a woman to be the figurehead of their greatest strength. I would like to have seen the festivities that were held in her honor at the height of her fame and reverence, I imagine they would have been glorious.
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