PLUTUS (blind god of wealth)
Divine power · Greek god of wealth
- Parents
- Iasion, Demeter
- In the sources
- 16 ancient passages
Plutus, son of Demeter and Iasion, was a kindly god who granted great wealth to mortal men who found him.1,2,3,4,5 Blind, the god traveled across both the land and the wide sea, sent by the goddesses as a guest to the houses of men they favored.6,4,5 The Cretans claimed Plutus was one of the gods born in their land, specifically in the thrice-ploughed fallow field in the city of Tripolus.3,4 Accounts differ on the origin of his name, with some stating it referred to the abundance of fruits, while others say it denoted the wealth derived from corn.2,3
He introduced diligence in acquiring and safeguarding property to humans.3 Attic miners were said to dig with such energy that they seemed to be trying to dig up Plutus himself.7 Posidonius suggested that the subterranean regions of Iberia should be viewed as Plutus's realm rather than Hades's.7
Plutus appeared on the stage in a play by Aristophanes, where he heard the poet's request for alms for the jackdaw.8,6,9 In response to the request, he caused a serving maid to bring out figs.9 Held by Eirene, Plutus remained a kindly god, described as one who gives wealth to mortal men.10,5,4
The codex facts behind this entry
Plutus is a god who gave his name to a play by Aristophanes. Athenaeus 6.16 +1 Plutus is described as a kindly god. The Theogony ll. 969-974 The name Plutus actually refers to the wealth derived from corn. Diodorus 5.49
Appearance
Plutus is described as being blind. Theocritus, Idyl 9 ¶4
Powers
Plutus has the power to grant great wealth to mortal men who find him. Hymn II to Demeter ll. 483-489 +1 Plutus travels across both the land and the wide sea. The Theogony ll. 969-974
In the myths
Plutus is sent by the goddesses as a guest to the houses of men they favor. Hymn II to Demeter ll. 483-489 Attic miners were said to dig with such energy that they seemed to be trying to dig up Plutus himself. Strabo 3.2.9 Plutus introduced diligence in acquiring and safeguarding property to humans. Diodorus 5.77 The god Plutus appeared on the stage in Aristophanes' play. Athenaeus 6.16 Plutus heard the poet's request for alms for the jackdaw. Athenaeus 8.59 Plutus caused a serving maid to bring out figs in response to the request. Athenaeus 8.59
