Before the rise of the one true faith and the collapse of a once powerful nation – let us cast our attention to the moment leading to the eventual fall of the Roman religion. I speak not of the many emperors and tyrants that would come and go, nor do I speak of the atrocities they committed amongst themselves and their rivals. Instead, I speak of the gods and goddesses that either fell or perished, as well as of the actions leading to the destruction of their world and of the people who worshiped them. I, like any other mortal, cannot sing of the accounts which lead to their demise; therefore, I shall pray to the nine daughters, whose legacy lives on through those of sound mind and creative thought.
The start of our story begins with a nightmare of sorts. Like his father before him, Jupiter, also known as Zeus, was in a state of fright and paranoia. Nightmares would persist his thoughts to no end, assaulting him whenever his eyes were shut. Those residing on Olympus believed them to be dreams brought on by his lordship’s addiction to winery and women. The ruler of the sky knew better, for these were no mere nightmares, but visions of a prophecy he thought long avoided:
Twelve unseen faces banding together to overthrow a beastly king who leads a nation of monsters. From there, they would bring about a new way of living lead by a bloodied and bruised lamb.
What terrified his grace concerning these visions was of the individual standing beside the godly creature. Though the face remained hidden, he knew the leader to be his son, born of Metis and sister to Pallas Minerva. A sensation he had not felt in years shook him to his core: it was the realization that one of his children might succeed his throne. Many times, the great Jove staved off threats to his reign, especially of prophecies that would prove a hindrance to him later in life. The sudden appearance of these visions, however, made Jove realize that his rule was in danger, and that the cycle of the son usurping the father would come to pass.
Many unanswered questions relating to this problem flooded the sky god’s thoughts, but none more so than of Metis, the first queen of Olympus and his first late wife before his union with Justitia, Eurynome, and lastly, the Spiteful Queen Juno. As daughter of the elder titan, Oceanus, and the embodiment of craft, cunning, and prudence, Metis had the qualities befitting an Olympian Queen by acting as both a counselor and tactician during the war, as well as saving Jove’s eaten siblings and overthrowing his father, Saturn. Pleased with her accomplishments, it was inevitable that Father Jove make the Titaness his wife and co-ruler. Alas, like his father before him, Jupiter soon grew weary of his wife due to a prophecy foretold by his ancestor, Terra. In a similar fashion, Jove would be forcibly dethroned by a son born from Metis, thus creating a cycle of treachery and domination. Despite his love for the Titaness, the ruler of Olympus did onto his wife as his father did onto his brothers and sisters to prevent a possible mutiny.
Many years would pass, and with the acceptation of a few tussles in and out of court, Jupiter would remain ruler over Heaven and man. That all changed as soon as the visions began appearing, as if to mock Jove’s foolhardy attempt at delaying the inevitable. In desperation, the father sought advice from various gods, daemons, and titans alike, in the hopes of uncovering more secrets relating to his dreams; the archaic ruler even went as far as visiting neighboring nations to better comprehend the threat before him. What he received from his endeavors, however, was nothing short of a cryptic warning:
“Try as you might, O ruler of the Heaven and skies, the answer you desire cannot be discovered. The secret behind this prophecy remains shrouded by an outside force.”
The knowledge of an unseen enemy, coupled with his possible ousting, did little to calm the sky god; if anything, it made him antsy and suspicious of everyone around him. Attendees and kinfolks alike suspected the influence of Saturn and Caelus taking root in Jove as many started to avoid him, which did little to alleviate His Majesty’s madden state. Only Her Highness, Queen Juno – also known as Hera – possessed the courage to approach her king and lover.
“Dearest husband,” Juno addressed him with utter respect. “What causes you such woe? For as long as we have known one another I have never seen you act so afraid. Even when facing off against a horde of monsters, or staving off a group of rebel giants, you remained steadfast in your convictions and beliefs. Was it not you who guided us to victory in our battle against the Titans? Did you not face off against the dreadful Typhos whilst everyone else fled for safety? Speak to me of your worries, for I am your wife, and I will assist you in any way I am able.”
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His Lordship pondered on his sister-wife’s statement. Normally the queen would show no interest in his duties, lest it involved her interfering with his womanizing escapades. The only time Her Highness engaged with him was when it proved convenient for her; the queen’s failed coup attempt, subtle manipulation and violent attacks toward his children made even the sky god suspicious of her actions. It wouldn’t be wise on Jupiter’s part to reveal his dreams to Juno until he was certain she was trustworthy. Perhaps, once he was of sound mind His Lordship would alleviate his worries to his beloved wife, but not a moment sooner.
“There are no troubles, my dear,” Jove lied. “Any troubles I have are nothing of importance. Anyhow, what brings you before me, my dear: any newsworthy of my attention?”
Despite Juno’s stoic expression, Lord Jupiter could make out emotions ranging from rage, uncertainty and fear. “Try as we might,” Juno explained. “This rebel group of zealot masochists refuse to submit. Our forces within Heaven and on earth lay waste to these apostates and their monotheistic cousins, yet they do not falter. Some escape our righteous fury, retreating to neighboring towns and gathering more followers along the way. Despite fair warnings from our proxies, these heathens remain steadfast in their devotion.”
A brood expression fell on Jove’s brow regarding his sister-wife’s revelation. Like many others, Jove thought this group as nothing more than foolhardy mortals paddling on some pompous ideology. That notion changed when citizens once loyal to the Dii Consentes began converting in large number. With great haste, Jove sought to bring stability back to his kingdom by stamping out these rebels, but for every martyr made another would take up arms, all the while those in service to the Roman Pantheon were fighting amongst themselves. The Father of Olympus shook his head in annoyance, unable to comprehend the asinine tendencies of this generation of humans. Time was, humans were more respectful and obedient – knowing their place and easier to guide. Alas, that was of a simpler era before this rebellious age came into existence.
Another issue Jove had to contend with was the Pantheon’s dwindle in power. The banishment of Bloodlust Mars and Multi-talent Apollon, along with the madness brought upon Lubentina Venus, has caused lesser gods to question Jove’s power; his attempt to appease the masses by reinstating Vesta and promoting Cupid and Hercules changed little minds, however.
Deep in thought, Jove found himself standing on a balcony overseeing his kingdom. From a distance, the ruler of the sky caught sight of a group of minor deities intermingling with one another in one of Juno’s many garden spots. His majesty recognized the faces of Zagreus, Melinoe, and Macaria, children to Dis Pluto. Beside them were Cyprus and Aphros, followed by their half kin Forte – all children of Venus. Accompanying the three was Eclipse, supposed child of dreary Nox, who was being followed by a servant of the moon named Lyra. Pallas, an adopted child of Mineva, was also in attendance with Sanus and Kohl, twins of Bacchus, gossiping on about some unimportant event. Lastly was the young but overtly hyper Anemoi, child of Mercury and a foreign woman. Jupiter stared intently at the young deities like one would a cornered prey.
For reasons unknown to him, every fiber of Jove's immortal flesh told him to remain ever vigilant when interacting with that generation of gods. Though he could not explain it, Jove's gut feeling was telling him that those minor deities would alter the course of his kingdom. For better or worse – he knew not.
“Dearest husband,” Juno suddenly appeared behind him, nearly shocking the old god. “Forgive my intrusion but I thought it wise to check on you. Are thou ill in any way? Do you require help or support? Perhaps some company to alleviate any dark thoughts plaguing your mind. Come my dearest husband, whom I am ever loyal to – let us return to bed and direct your attention toward something more appealing.”
The arrangement was enticing but so much uncertainty lingered in Jupiter’s mind. In addition to his kingdom being a shell of its former glory, His Lordship had to contend with the prospect of an uprising caused by these lesser deities. Jove wanted to act, believing in his hunch and wanting to end the threat before it flourishes. However, he lacked proof and it would be unwise to make such allegations on those who have shown nothing but loyalty to him.
Admitting defeat, the elder god took hold of his wife and led the way to their room. “Come with me,” Jove spoke. “Let us rest and make merry for it has been many years since I’ve known you in such a way.”
With an uncharacteristic nod Juno followed behind Her Lord, both turning away from the troubles placating his highness.