In the temple of Diana lie mountains of gold. However, this sanctuary is nestled within a sacred forest, a realm where mortals should tread only with utmost necessity…
The Goddess of the Hunt
Diana is one of the many gods and goddesses venerated by the ancient Romans. Often depicted with a magical bow, she is the patroness of hunters, common folk, and runaway slaves, favoring the former more than the latter.
The Sacred Forest
The sacred forest belongs to Diana, which teems with diverse wildlife—beasts, game, and wild animals abound! Nonetheless, mortals are strictly forbidden from hunting within the goddess’s domain.
Only her priest, who constructed the temple and offered sacrifices in her honor, is permitted to enter the sacred forest. On the festival day dedicated to the goddess, people are allowed to bring gold to her sanctuary. The priest, residing there, literally sleeps on piles of Roman denarii.
Divine Weaponry
Diana regards her treasure not as gold, but as the bow capable of striking down any living creature. Neither beast nor man can withstand the goddess’s weapon!
However, she only hunts animals—encounters with mortals are exceedingly rare. Occasionally, there are madmen who engage in poaching within her sacred forest or attempt to rob the goddess’s temple. Diana punishes these audacious wretches severely, often leaving them to rot in the woods, transforming into fertilizer for the bountiful soil.
The Doomed Hunter
Yet, the threat of death does not deter humanity. Once, a governor named Tatius yearned for the antlers of a magical stag, which could only be hunted in Diana’s forest.
He dispatched a hunter named Flavius to procure this coveted trophy. Naturally, the servant pleaded for mercy, begging not to be sent into the goddess’s domain to meet his demise, but Tatius was one of those Romans who skeptically regarded the gods, thus disregarding the desperate pleas of the unfortunate hunter.
Who does not believe in the power of the gods?…
Flavius ventured into the sacred forest, fervently imploring Diana for forgiveness. He also hoped for luck: sometimes mortals succeeded in hunting a beast and swiftly exiting the forest—the key was not to venture too far into the sacred grounds! Perhaps this was the only chance to escape retribution.
As he tracked the magical stag at the forest’s edge, Flavius was blissfully unaware that the goddess was already watching him. When he spotted the noble creature and raised his bow to release an arrow, Diana manifested before him and sternly inquired why a mortal dared to hunt in her sacred woods. Trembling with fear, Flavius recounted the will of his master. Upon learning that Tatius did not believe in the gods’ might, the mistress of the enchanted forest resolved to teach him a lesson…
Severe Retribution
Diana permitted Flavius to shoot the stag and carry the carcass back to his master; however, she forbade him from entering her lands again under the threat of death. The hunter returned with his prize. Receiving his reward from Tatius, he vowed never again to defy the laws of the gods.
Tatius commanded his servants to carve the carcass. That very evening, he desired to dine on venison. As the entire family gathered around the table, Tatius was the first to taste the meat of the noble beast – at that instant, the governor transformed into a stag!
The Wealth of Diana
The finest physicians in Rome attempted to cure the governor, but all efforts to restore his human form were in vain. In despair, Tatius retreated to live in the enchanted forest. Years later, Diana took pity on him and made the mortal her priest, naturally restoring his former appearance.
The thought of seizing the goddess of the hunt’s treasures, lying within her temple, seems like a most enticing idea! You can attempt this feat right now, but be exceedingly cautious and do not attract Diana’s attention…
