One day Juno was very offended by her husband Jupiter. In revenge, she decided to give birth to a son without her husband's help. Juno went to the shore of the Ocean, a mighty river flowing around the entire universe, to begin her search for a potion that would help her fulfill her desire. On the way, Juno stopped near the house where the goddess Flora lived. She called out to Juno and began to ask her where she was going and why. Juno told Flora about her offense and swore that she would go around all the expanses of the universe, descend into the depths of the underworld, but still find the treasured potion and give birth to a son. Saying this, she cried loudly. Flora sympathized with the sobbing goddess, but was very afraid of the wrath of Jupiter. Juno immediately realized that Flora could help her, and began to beg for mercy on her. Three times Flora was ready to help Juno, but each time she was stopped by her fear of Jupiter. Then Juno swore the most terrible and unbreakable oath that the gods only take, that she would never betray Flora if she helped her. And Flora could not stand it. She said that she has one, just one flower that can help any living creature get pregnant. And again Juno began to beg Flora to give her the flower. Flora could not bear the tears and prayers of the great goddess. She took the branch with the treasured flower out of the house. Juno picked a flower and touched her body with it. As soon as she did this, she immediately felt that a baby was stirring in the depths of her womb. Joyful, she went east to Thrace, and there her son Mars was born. And when Mars grew up, he, remembering Flora’s great service, ordered that she should live with him in the great Rome, founded by his son Romulus.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru