Jupiter was in love with the nymph Juturna, but she avoided him in every possible way. She either hid in the forest or dived deep into the water. Then Jupiter, in despair, called all the nymphs of Latium and asked them to help him - to hold Juturna when she was hiding from him in the river. All the nymphs promised obedience to God. Among the nymphs was Almona, the daughter of the river god, nicknamed Chatterbox. She didn't know how to keep her mouth shut at all. Her father asked her more than once to be silent, but every time it was beyond her strength. And now Chatterbox told Juturna about everything. Moreover, she appeared to Juno herself and, pitying her deceived wife, told her that Jupiter was in love with Juturna. Upon learning of this, Jupiter became furious. He tore out Chatterbox's tongue and ordered Mercury to take her to the underworld so that she could become a nymph of the underground swamps. Following the order, Mercury entered the grove from where the terrible swamps began. At the sight of the unfortunate, but still beautiful nymph, he was suddenly overcome by love passion. The chatterbox tried to beg him, but she had no more tongue. In due time, the nymph gave birth to twins. These were laras guarding houses, crossroads, and cities. And the former Chatterbox herself became a mute goddess - Tacita, who averts bad words.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru