Cornucopia
The Horn of Plenty, Source of Infinite Abundance
Description and Nature
The Cornucopia, Latin for "horn of plenty" (cornu copiae), is one of the most enduring symbols of abundance and prosperity in Western culture. This magical goat's horn possesses the divine power to produce unlimited food, drink, and wealth for its possessor, overflowing eternally with the bounty of nature.
Unlike limited treasures that can be spent or consumed, the Cornucopia represents inexhaustible divine generosity. Whatever is taken from the horn is immediately replaced, making it the ultimate symbol of abundance without scarcity, giving without depletion.
Powers of the Cornucopia:
- Unlimited Food: Produces any food or drink desired by its holder
- Eternal Supply: Never empties regardless of how much is taken
- Divine Abundance: Represents the blessing of the gods upon its bearer
- Prosperity: Brings wealth and good fortune to those who possess it
- Fertility: Associated with agricultural abundance and fruitful harvest
Origin Mythology
The Goat Amalthea
The most common origin myth connects the Cornucopia to Amalthea, the goat (or goat-tending nymph) who nursed the infant Zeus when he was hidden from his father Cronus on the island of Crete. The young god accidentally broke off one of Amalthea's horns while playing.
In gratitude for her care, Zeus blessed the broken horn with the power of inexhaustible plenty, so that it would always overflow with whatever food or drink its possessor desired. When Amalthea died, Zeus honored her further by placing her among the stars as Capella, and he used her hide to make his aegis shield.
The River God Achelous
An alternative myth involves Heracles' battle with the river god Achelous for the hand of Deianira. During their wrestling match, Achelous transformed into a bull, but Heracles seized one of his horns and tore it off. The river god exchanged this horn for the original Cornucopia (or in some versions, nymphs filled the broken horn with flowers and fruits, creating the Cornucopia).
— Ovid, Metamorphoses
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Roman Religious Use
The Romans adopted the Cornucopia as a primary attribute of several deities and personifications. Fortuna (Luck) and Abundantia (Plenty) were frequently depicted holding the horn, as were Ceres (goddess of harvest), Plutus (god of wealth), and various local fertility spirits.
Modern Symbolism
The Cornucopia remains a powerful symbol today, appearing on coats of arms, state seals (including the Great Seal of North Carolina), corporate logos, and most famously as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving celebrations in North America, symbolizing gratitude for abundance and harvest blessings.
Related Articles
Bibliography
- Ovid. Metamorphoses. Trans. A.D. Melville. Oxford World's Classics, 1986.
- Graves, Robert. The Greek Myths. Penguin Books, 1955.
- Seznec, Jean. The Survival of the Pagan Gods. Princeton University Press, 1953.