Fons
Fons, the Roman god of wells and springs, wasn’t just a dispenser of water; he symbolized its very essence. He was the lifeblood of the land, the source of refreshment and fertility.
Parents: Janus and Juturna
Festivals: Fontinalia
In this sense, Fons stood in stark contrast to Liber, the Roman god of wine (identified with Bacchus). Whereas Liber represented the intoxicating and celebratory aspects of fermented beverages, Fons symbolized the vital, cleansing power of pure, natural water.
Fons Perennis
Water wasn’t just a physical element in the enigmatic Mithraic mysteries; it symbolized regeneration and life itself. Archaeological evidence strengthens this connection. Inscriptions dedicated to Fons Perennis, the “Eternal Spring,” have been found within Mithraea, hinting at the sacred status of water. One scene frequently depicted in Mithraic art showcases the powerful god Mithras himself striking a rock, from which a gushing spring emerges. Mithraic texts further illuminate the symbolism, describing this water source as a life-giving elixir and a source of eternal refreshment.
