Genius of Palermo

Its origins are probably pre-Roman,[citation needed] but there is no accepted archetype of this legendary and mysterious patron deity.

According to the myths passed down from Ovid in the first century it symbolizes the genius loci, or the metamorphosis of an animal spirit into a masculine figure.

In gratitude, Scipio is said to have gifted the city with a golden basin, with a central statue of a warrior with a serpent feeding on his chest.

Personifying the ideals of the city, the Genius took on a role as a lay patron, complementary to that of Santa Rosalia.

«Panormus conca aurea suos devorat alienos nutrit» (Palermo the golden dell, devours hers and feeds the foreigners.