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The Cornucopia — a Symbol of Prosperity and Wealth

The CornucopiaThe Cornucopia

The cornucopia is a symbol of prosperity and wealth, depicted as a horn-shaped vessel filled with fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It is also known as the Horn of Amalthea and the Horn of Fortuna (after the Roman goddess Fortuna, goddess of fortune).

According to Greek myth, the goat Amalthea, who nursed the infant Zeus with her milk, broke off one of her horns (in another version, the powerful god-child broke it himself while playing), and one of Zeus's nymph guardians filled the horn with fruit and gave it to the god. Later, Zeus gifted Amalthea's horn to the nymphs, promising that it would always produce whatever they desired.

According to another version, the creation of the cornucopia is linked to Heracles and his clash with the river god Achelous. Achelous could transform into various animals, and while he was in the form of a bull, Heracles tore off one of his horns. The naiads then transformed this horn into the cornucopia.