Also called Deus Sol Invictus Mithras.
Their story
Mithras was the god of a mystery cult that spread through the Roman army and trade from the late first century AD. Initiates, all men, met in small cave-like temples, the mithraea, and advanced through seven grades, from Raven to Father. The central image shows Mithras slaying a bull, with a dog, snake and scorpion, while the Sun and Moon look on. Though named after a Persian god, the cult as known is largely a Roman creation.
Their day
Sunday. In modern practice, Sunday, for his close link with Sol.
Best times to give to them
- No reliable festival calendar survives
- In modern practice, at sunrise
What they like being given
- Bread and water
- Incense
- A lit lamp
How to honour them
- Keep promises strictly, since loyalty was central to his cult.
- Share a simple meal of bread with friends.
- Greet the rising sun.
How they can help you
- Loyalty and trust
- Discipline
- Brotherhood
Symbols
- bull
- Phrygian cap
- dagger
- torch-bearers
- cave
The cult left almost no texts, so its beliefs are reconstructed from images and remain uncertain.
Sources
- Jerome, Letter 107
- Roger Beck, The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire (2006)
- Manfred Clauss, The Roman Cult of Mithras (2000)
More Roman gods
- Jupiter Best and greatest, guardian of Rome
- Mars Father of Rome and guardian of fields
- Mercury Patron of merchants, messages and journeys
- Janus Two-faced god of doors and beginnings
- Saturn King of the golden age and lord of the harvest
- Sol Invictus The unconquered sun, reborn at midwinter
- Neptune Lord of fresh water and the sea
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging