The Minoan Genius (pl. Genii) spirit appears as a hybrid animal merger of animals which can include lion, hippopotamus, crocodile, and other creatures. The spirits often manifest as a duo or pair, a common motif in early mythology. As well as in Minoan Greek culture, Genii also show up in the myths of earlier Egyptians and later Romans.
See also:
Like the sukkals of the near East, genii are portrayed as benevolent helper spirits of a god or goddess, or they might be gods or goddesses themselves. They can also exist independently. Though they're called demons they are not known to be evil. In related artworks the snake is called Agathodaimon or 'good daimon'.
Genii are often shown carrying cups or vessels, interpreted as libations for the Gods. Cup bearers such as the Greek Hebe, Goddess of Youth, who serves ambrosia to the Gods, and demi-god Ganymede, cup bearer to Zeus, reflect the tradition of the Minoan Genius.
See also:
The earliest Minoan reference to Genii appears c. 1800 - 1700 BCE. The Minoan Genius has origins in the Egyptian Hippopotamus Goddess Taweret. In Egypt, Taweret is the deity of fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and protector of small children.
Her name translates to "She Who is Great". Taweret is a mix of lion and crocodile, with pendulous human breasts and toothy head of a hippopotamus, a powerful goddess who can be quick to anger. She is pacified partly with ephitets such as "Mistress of Pure Water" and "Lady of Heaven".
See also:
The fabulous piece above is a Taweret figurine with the favored brilliant blue color. The figure is treated with quartz crystals and heat in a sintering process (Ancient Egyptian: tjehenet) to achieve the beautiful glaze.
Sintering covers the base material in a vitreous or glassy coating. It can create bright lusterous color often in translucent blue or green. The Minoan Greeks are very fond of blue in art and fashion.
See also:
The Genius may be part of the sacrfiicial ritual. According to author Judith Weingarten:
"The Minoan Genius is also known for carrying large beasts of all kinds to sacrifice... rarely depicted in an act of violence; though closely linked to sacrifice, the demon is only once seen to do the deed: on a seal impression from Zakro ... it slaughters a huge upright bull with sword or spear.
The Genius moves indirectly on a cylinder from Kakovatos: a hero stabs an upright lion while the demon urges him on from behind."
See also:
Rome ardently adopts the theme. Genii in Rome of the 1st millennium BCE appear in murals, frescoes and other art, often with human aspects and protective powers. The snake is a popular depiction, linked to medicine, fertility and prosperity. Above, Bacchus takes the position as Genius of the fertile volcanic soil of Vesuvious. At least he gets out of town before the big blast.
The Genius might assume the role of plate or cup bearer to a God or, in art, a wealthy patron. As culture expands so does the identity and function of the Genius. Pairings can be for symbolic, ritual or aesthetic purposes.
See also:
To the Romans, Genius exists in the life spirit or essence of a person. It can also be a separate guardian spirit or God/dess, as the Goddess Juno is Genius to all women, and Jupiter to all men. Besides gender Genii, households and individuals may have their own Genius or two.
The Genius comes to be seen as a type of guardian angel. It often has wings, at first related to the Eagle, as seen in the Griffin; then more ethereal as the earthly monster influence falls away.
See also:
When Christianity spreads, theologians equate the human soul with the Roman Genius. The common depiction of the Genius is a human-shaped angel or angelic figure, with wings but otherwise human qualities.
See also: