Vertumnus and Pomona: Love, Deception, and the Untrustworthy Gods of Rome
Roman mythology didn’t exist to comfort anyone. The Mos Maiorum or “Way of the ancestors” existed in the Roman world to explain why life felt unpredictable, unfair, and occasionally cruel. The traditional gods weren’t moral examples to follow, they were forces to be managed, bargained with, or avoided, representing a complex web of human emotions and experiences.
The world was full of deities that were mutable shape changers, not just Vertumnus and Pomona and every square inch of earth and sea was governed by a god, spirit or other spiritual entity.
Each deity embodied both the virtues and vices of humanity, illustrating how easily one’s fate could shift from fortune to misfortune. Myths served as cautionary tales, warning those who dared to defy the divine order or take the gods’ favour for granted.
The narratives of gods and mortals intertwined, revealing the harsh realities of existence and the fragile nature of human aspirations amidst a capricious universe.
- Want peace? Offer something to the correct entity.
- Want protection? Strike a deal make an appropriate offering.
- Want love? Prepare to lie and say anything to get what you want.
This is the world Vertumnus steps into, a world where deception isn’t a flaw, it’s a strategy for happiness
A shapeshifting god with one goal: get the girl
AI Generated
Vertumnus, was an ancient deity with origins forgotten in time. The omnipotent god of seasons and change. He possessed the extraordinary ability to transform into anything he desired, whether it be a young man, an old woman, or even the very trees that populated the orchards.
Rather than wielding his immense power to vanquish monsters or protect fledgling cities from turmoil, he chose instead to focus his affections on Pomona, the enchanting goddess of orchards.
Beautiful Pomona
AI generated
Pomona, goddess of fruitful abundance and plenty, wasn’t only revered for her divine beauty but also celebrated as one of the most dedicated gardeners in all of mythology, tirelessly tending to her bountiful fruits and vibrant flowers. His heart yearned for her companionship, and through countless transformations, he sought to win her love, adorning himself with the subtle fragrances of blossoming petals and the lush greenery of her beloved gardens, all while hoping that one day she might see him not just as a fleeting admirer but as a worthy partner in both nature and spirit.
Pomona wanted nothing to do with romance. She wanted her trees, her tools, her quiet. Every suitor failed, until Vertumnus decided to cheat the system.
Vertumnus didn’t approach Pomona honestly; that would be too easy for the gods of Rome. Instead, he cleverly masked his identity, choosing not to reveal himself directly. Vertumnus became whoever Pomona might trust, embodying different personas that appealed to her deepest desires and fears. Vertumnus adopted the guise of a humble gardener, a charming suitor, and even a sage advisor, each time weaving intricate lies that captivated her heart and mind. In this elaborate game of deception, he patiently observed her reactions, learning about her hopes and dreams, all while remaining hidden in the shadows of the grove, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal his true self and declare his undying love
Vertumnus even adopted the shape and form of an old woman, skillfully mimicking her features and attire to gain the trust of Pomona, as he believed that by embodying the wisdom and experience associated with age, he could navigate the complexities of the world more effectively.
Each disguise came with praise, persuasion, and subtle pressure. Each visit nudged her closer to the idea of marriage, without her ever knowing who was speaking.
The big reveal: love or manipulation?
When Pomona still refused, Vertumnus dropped the final mask. He appeared as a handsome youth crowned with wheat, holding a horn of plenty, radiating divine power. Only then did she see the truth: he had been with her all along, shaping her garden and her fate.
Pomona accepted Vertumnus, but the question lingers: did she choose him, or did he engineer her choice?
The Romans didn’t care about morality, only results
To us, Vertumnus’ behaviour looks manipulative. To the Romans, it looked clever. Their gods weren’t expected to be good. They were expected to be effective. Jupiter cheated. Juno raged. Mars fought. Venus schemed. These weren’t role models for everyday humans, they were weather systems with personalities.
A festival for a trickster
On 13 August, Romans celebrated the Vertumnalia with fruits, flowers, and garlands. It marked a turning point in the agricultural year, a reminder that change is constant, unpredictable, and not always gentle.
The real message of the myth
The story of Vertumnus and Pomona isn’t a romance. It’s a warning wrapped in a love story. Remember, Pomona was doubtless also able to change shape and backstory as she wishes.
The moral? Change in the Roman world can be creative and transformative. Change can be fruitful, leading to new opportunities and growth; it can also arrive in disguise, smiling, persuasive, and impossible to resist. In this ever-evolving society, a slave could be sold without warning, often uprooted from familiar surroundings, while a child could tragically die in a plague, leaving families shattered and communities reeling from the loss.
Furthermore, the threat of barbarism could break into the empire at any moment, presenting an imminent danger that challenged the very foundations of stability and security. Such unpredictable occurrences encapsulated the dynamic nature of human experience and the constant flux that permeated life in ancient Rome, reminding us that change, whether embraced or feared, was an intrinsic part of the human condition.
Pomona’s shift mirrors the seasons: from refusal to acceptance, from dormancy to abundance, but the path there is anything but pure.
FAQ
Vertumnus resorts to disguises because Pomona is famously devoted to her orchard and uninterested in romance. Disguises let him get close without being rejected outright. His shifting forms also highlight a core theme of Roman mythology: gods often manipulate mortals through trickery rather than honesty.
Pomona stands out because she isn’t a wanderer or a temptress; she’s a caretaker. Her identity is rooted in cultivation, boundaries, and control. Unlike many nymphs pursued by gods, she actively guards her space, which makes Vertumnus’s deception feel more intrusive and raises questions about consent and divine entitlement.
The story reinforces a recurring Roman idea: gods are powerful but not necessarily moral. Vertumnus’s trickery is rewarded, not punished, and Pomona’s eventual acceptance is framed as destiny rather than choice. The myth exposes how divine desire often overrides mortal autonomy, making the gods both fascinating and fundamentally untrustworthy.