Pales

Pales, a rustic deity in Roman religion, presided over shepherds, flocks, and livestock. Their watchful gaze ensured the health and prosperity of animals vital to Roman society.

The Festival of Pales by Joseph-Benoît Suvée, 1783.

Symbols: Sheep
Festival: Parilia

The exact nature of Pales remains shrouded in a bit of mystery. Some sources depict Pales as a male shepherd god, while others portray a female deity of flocks and livestock. The very name “Pales” can be singular or plural in Latin, further blurring the lines. At least one reference even suggests Pales as a pair of deities. This ambiguity adds to the intrigue surrounding this rustic protector of Roman herds.