Their story
Orcus was an older and more popular name than Dis for the god of death and the underworld, and could also mean the realm itself. Virgil speaks of the jaws of Orcus at the mouth of the underworld, and Horace describes greedy Orcus taking rich and poor alike. He was linked with the punishment of perjurers, and his name was often used in everyday speech. His cult seems to have been slight, and he was absorbed into Dis and Pluto.
Best times to give to them
- Parentalia, 13 to 21 February
- Lemuria, 9, 11 and 13 May
What they like being given
- Black beans
- Salt
- Water poured on the earth
How to honour them
- Keep your oaths, since he was said to punish oath-breakers.
- Honour him at a distance and do not summon.
- Mourn with honesty.
How they can help you
- Keeping promises
- Facing death
Symbols
- gaping mouth
- darkness
- cave
The claim that the English word ogre descends from Orcus is possible but unproven.
Sources
- Virgil, Aeneid 6
- Horace, Odes 2.18
- Festus, De Verborum Significatu
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