household god crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "household god crossword," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "household god crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LARES: In ancient Roman religion, Lares were guardian deities who watched over the household and protected it.
MANES: Less common for 'household god' but can sometimes refer to the deified souls of the dead, worshipped within a household context.
7 Letters
PENATES: In ancient Roman religion, the Penates were household deities, gods of the household and the state, worshipped privately as cults of the home.
More About "household god crossword"
The concept of a "household god" is deeply rooted in various ancient mythologies and religions, particularly Roman and Greek cultures. These deities were believed to protect the home, family members, and the domestic sphere from harm, ensuring prosperity and well-being. Their worship often involved daily rituals and offerings made at the household altar, typically found within the home itself.
In Roman mythology, the most prominent household gods were the Lares and Penates. The Lares were often associated with the boundaries of the property and the hearth, symbolizing the physical space of the home. The Penates, on the other hand, were guardians of the pantry (penus) and the family's provisions, ensuring the household's sustenance and economic security. Understanding these distinctions can often help discern the correct answer in a crossword puzzle, especially when other clues hint at specific aspects of their roles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Pay attention to the origin or specific mythology implied by the clue. "Household god" is broad, but if the puzzle has a Roman theme, you'll narrow down options significantly to Lares or Penates.
- Check for Plurals: Many crossword clues will hint at a plural answer (e.g., "gods" instead of "god"). Both LARES and PENATES are plural forms, so this is an important detail to watch for.
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters you have available in your grid with potential answers. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities.
- Cross-Reference with Other Clues: Sometimes a trickier clue can be solved by first filling in surrounding letters from easier clues. This can reveal crucial letters for your "household god" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a household god?
A household god, or domestic deity, is a divinity or spirit that protects the home, the household, or the family. These deities were commonly worshipped in ancient cultures, such as the Romans (Lares, Penates) and Greeks.
How do I identify the correct household god for my crossword?
Consider the number of letters required for the answer, the historical or mythological context provided by other clues, and whether the puzzle focuses on Roman, Greek, or other mythologies. Common answers include LARES and PENATES.
Are 'Lares' and 'Penates' the same?
No, while both are Roman household gods, they had distinct roles. Lares were guardians of the crossroads, hearth, and boundaries, often associated with ancestors. Penates were more specifically gods of the larder, protecting food and the inner sanctity of the home.