household god crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "household god" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers tailored to various word lengths, along with insightful explanations to help you complete your puzzle and expand your knowledge.
Solutions for "household god crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LAR: A Roman household deity, often represented by a small statue.
5 Letters
LARES: Plural of Lar, referring to the ancestral guardian spirits of a Roman household.
VESTA: The Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family, central to Roman household worship.
7 Letters
PENATES: Roman household gods, protectors of the pantry and domestic wellbeing.
More About "household god crossword clue"
The concept of a "household god" is deeply rooted in various ancient cultures, signifying deities or spirits believed to protect and bless a family and its home. In Roman mythology, the most prominent household gods were the Lares and Penates. Lares were ancestral spirits who watched over the entire household, including servants and property, often worshipped at a small shrine called a lararium. The Penates, on the other hand, were guardians of the household's pantry and provisions, ensuring the family's sustenance and prosperity.
Beyond Rome, many other civilizations had similar protective deities. The Greek Hestia (Vesta in Roman mythology) was the goddess of the hearth, symbolizing the center of the home and family unity. In Slavic folklore, the Domovyk is a house spirit, while in some Asian traditions, ancestors are revered as household protectors. These figures highlight a universal human need to imbue the home with a sense of security, blessing, and spiritual guardianship, making them fascinating subjects for crosswords and general knowledge alike.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: When encountering clues like "household god," always consider the cultural context. Roman, Greek, or general mythological terms are very common.
- Letter Count Matters: Pay close attention to the number of letters. This clue has several answers (LAR, LARES, VESTA, PENATES) that fit different lengths, so the given word count is crucial.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from solved clues to narrow down possibilities. If you have an 'L' and the clue fits 3 letters, 'LAR' becomes a strong candidate.
- Think Plurals: Many mythological terms, especially those ending in 'S' (like LARES or PENATES), are often pluralized in crosswords to fit different letter counts or clue phrasing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a household god in mythology?
A household god is a deity or spirit worshipped in a home to protect the family and ensure its well-being. These deities often represent ancestors, the hearth, or specific aspects of domestic life, such as the pantry or thresholds.
Are there different types of household gods across cultures?
Yes, many cultures have their own versions of household gods. In ancient Rome, these included the Lares (ancestral spirits) and Penates (protectors of the pantry). In Slavic folklore, there's the Domovyk, while in Japanese culture, kami (spirits) are associated with specific parts of the home.
How can "household god" be a common crossword answer?
Clues like 'household god' are common in crosswords because they often have short, specific answers derived from classical mythology, such as LAR, LARES, VESTA, or PENATES. These terms are well-defined and fit various letter counts, making them versatile for puzzle constructors.