Introduction To Plutus
Right then, gather round, mythology buffs and curious minds! Today on The Pagan Club, we’re diving deep into the coffers (figuratively speaking, unless you’ve got actual coffers, in which case, smashing!) to explore the enigmatic figure of Plutus.
Now, you might be thinking, “Plutus? Who’s he when he’s at home?” Well, pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and let’s have a chinwag about the Greek god of wealth himself.
Meet Plutus: More Than Just Gold Coins
Plutus, in the grand tapestry of Greek mythology, is the personification of wealth. Simple enough, you might think. But like most things in mythology, it’s a bit more nuanced than just piles of loot and overflowing piggy banks.
He’s not just about the shiny stuff twinkling in caves; Plutus embodies prosperity, abundance, and the fruitful bounty of the land. Think of him as the chap responsible for the good stuff in life – the kind that makes you feel comfortably off, rather than just ridiculously rich.
He is often depicted in art as a youthful man, sometimes winged, carrying a cornucopia (horn of plenty) overflowing with fruits and grains, symbolising the abundance he bestows.
Family Matters: Who Are Plutus’s Parents?
Now, parentage in mythology can be a right old tangle, and Plutus is no exception. Generally, the most widely accepted parentage is that he is the son of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and the harvest (makes sense, right? Wealth often comes from a good harvest!) And Iasion.
Iasion, for those not in the know, was a mortal youth with whom Demeter had a bit of a… moment in a thrice-ploughed field. Zeus, being Zeus and not exactly thrilled by divine-mortal hanky-panky, zapped Iasion with a thunderbolt. A bit harsh, mate!
However, some stories muddy the waters a bit (as myths often do). Some versions suggest his father was simply Zeus himself, or even Hades, the god of the underworld (intriguing, given the connection to wealth hidden beneath the earth). Regardless of the exact paternity, Demeter being his mum is a pretty consistent thread, and it firmly links Plutus to the earth’s abundance and the cycle of growth and harvest.
This connection to the earth further reinforces his association with the riches that come from the land, not just precious metals.
What Does Plutus Actually Do? The Job Description of a Wealth God
So, what does a god of wealth actually do all day? Does he just sit around counting drachmas? Well, not quite. Plutus’s role is less about being wealth itself, and more about distributing it. He’s the fella responsible for ensuring prosperity flows.
Historically, and particularly in ancient Greece, wealth wasn’t just about gold. It was closely tied to agricultural success. A good harvest meant wealth – enough food for the winter, surplus to trade, and a thriving community. So, Plutus was deeply connected to the land’s fertility and the rewards that sprung from it. Think of him as the cosmic gardener, ensuring a bountiful yield.
Unlike some other deities who might be more interventionist and dramatic (we’re looking at you, Zeus and your thunderbolts!), Plutus is often depicted as a more passive force, influencing fortune rather than directly controlling it. He’s the potential for wealth made manifest, the seed of prosperity waiting to sprout.
The Blind God: A Bit of Dodgy Distribution?
One of the most intriguing and enduring aspects of Plutus’s portrayal is that he is often depicted as blind. Yes, you read that right, the god of wealth is visually impaired! Now, this isn’t just some random quirky detail. The blindness of Plutus is packed with symbolic meaning and has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries.
The most common interpretation is that Plutus being blind symbolises the random and indiscriminate nature of wealth. Wealth, in this view, doesn’t necessarily go to those who are most deserving, the wisest, or the most virtuous.
It’s often seen as a bit of a lottery, landing on people seemingly at random, regardless of their character or merit. Think about it – how many times have you seen someone incredibly hard-working struggle, while another bloke seems to just stumble into riches? That’s Plutus’s blind distribution in action!
However, some less cynical interpretations exist. Some suggest his blindness represents the idea that wealth shouldn’t be prejudiced. Plutus, being blind, doesn’t favour anyone based on looks, social standing, or cunning. He simply bestows his gifts without bias. A slightly more optimistic take, perhaps. However, this view is less in line with the often-perceived unfairness of wealth distribution in the real world!
Myths and Stories: Plutus in Action (or Inaction?)
Unlike some of the big hitters in the Greek pantheon, Plutus doesn’t have a massive collection of myths centred solely around him. He tends to pop up as a supporting character or as an allegorical figure. However, there are a few notable appearances.
Perhaps the most famous work directly featuring Plutus is the comedy “Plutus” by Aristophanes. In this play, Plutus is depicted as being blind and unfairly distributing wealth.
The plot involves a righteous farmer, Chremylus, who encounters Plutus and, with the help of Hermes, gets him cured of his blindness at the temple of Asclepius (god of healing). Once Plutus can see, he begins to distribute wealth fairly, only to the virtuous. Sounds great, right? Well, not exactly.
Aristophanes’ play is a satire, and the consequences of Plutus gaining sight are actually quite disruptive and, ironically, lead to their own form of societal imbalance. The play cleverly explores the complexities and potential downsides of wealth, even when distributed “fairly.” It highlights that wealth is not a simple solution to all problems. The play also highlights that even good intentions can have unforeseen consequences.
Outside of Aristophanes, Plutus is often invoked or depicted in artwork alongside figures like Demeter, Persephone, and other deities associated with agriculture and prosperity. He sometimes appears as a youthful figure. He is often shown carrying a cornucopia (horn of plenty). This is a classic symbol of abundance and wealth derived from the earth, overflowing with fruits and grains.
Worship and Invocation: How to Butter Up a Wealth God
Did the ancient Greeks have temples dedicated solely to Plutus? Not in the same way as, say, temples to Athena or Apollo. Plutus wasn’t typically a central figure of widespread public worship. However, he was certainly recognised and acknowledged, especially in contexts related to agriculture and prosperity.
He might have been honoured in association with Demeter’s festivals. This was likely as part of rituals seeking a good harvest and general well-being. Statues of Plutus were likely present in homes and perhaps smaller shrines. These statues often showed him with his cornucopia and sometimes with Tyche, representing hopes for prosperity and good luck.
In Modern pagan practice, particularly amongst Hellenic pagans, Plutus might be invoked in rituals focused on prosperity, abundance, and gratitude for the good things in life. He’s not necessarily seen as a deity to be prayed to for instant riches (remember the blindness and random distribution!). Instead, he is more a figure to honour for the potential of wealth and the blessings of a bountiful life.
Plutus Through Time: From Antiquity to Today
Plutus’s influence hasn’t ended with ancient Greece. He’s continued to pop up in art, literature, and even in our language throughout history. During the Renaissance, he was rediscovered and became a popular figure in allegorical paintings and sculptures. In these works, he often represented earthly wealth and prosperity (sometimes in contrast to spiritual riches).
We still grapple with the complexities of wealth distribution, the idea of “deserving” wealth, and the seemingly random nature of fortune. Consider situations like the stock market and lottery wins. Even the general economic climate highlights these complexities. In all these cases, the blind, cornucopia-carrying figure of Plutus still offers a potent symbol for considering our relationship with wealth and prosperity.
Connecting with Plutus Today: More Than Just Money
So, what can we take away from our exploration of Plutus? Well, he’s certainly more than just a god of money in the bank. He represents a broader concept of prosperity. This prosperity is linked to the land, to the fruits of our labour, and to the flow of abundance in our lives.
For those interested in paganism, particularly Hellenic traditions, Plutus offers a fascinating figure to contemplate. He invites us to consider our own attitudes towards wealth, to reflect on how prosperity is distributed (or misdistributed) in the world, and to perhaps cultivate a sense of gratitude for the abundance we do have, whether it’s monetary, material, or simply the richness of life itself.
So next time you see a picture of a cornucopia, or hear someone talking about the mysteries of wealth, spare a thought for Plutus. He is the blind but bountiful god of prosperity. He might just offer a little bit of insight into the sometimes-baffling, always-fascinating world of riches and fortune.
And that’s your lot for today on The Pagan Club! Let us know in the comments what you make of old Plutus, and if you’ve ever felt the touch of his blind, bountiful hand! Until next time, keep exploring those myths!
