Also called Portumnus.
Their story
Portunus was an old god of the harbour on the Tiber and of doors, and he held a key as his symbol. He had his own flamen, the flamen Portunalis, and his festival was on 17 August. His small temple still stands by the old river harbour near the Forum Boarium, often misnamed the temple of Fortuna Virilis. Later writers linked him with the Greek Palaemon.
Best times to give to them
- Portunalia, 17 August
- Moving into a new home
What they like being given
- A key laid on the altar
- Incense
- Grape juice or wine
- Water
How to honour them
- Bless the keys of a new home in his name.
- Ask for safe arrival before a journey.
- Oil a sticking lock with a word of thanks.
How they can help you
- Safe arrival
- Home security
- Access and opportunity
Symbols
- key
- harbour
- dolphin
Sources
- Varro, De Lingua Latina 6.19
- Festus, De Verborum Significatu
- Virgil, Aeneid 5
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