The Goddess Fortuna is an ancient Roman goddess believed to shower luck and good fortune on the citizens of Rome who worshipped and respected her. The Greek God Hermes is believed to bring wealth and good luck to sportsmen whilst he protected traders and herds. Hermes was the son of Zeus and he wore winged sandals and a winged hat and carried a golden Caduceus (magic wand), intertwined with snakes. The Egyptian Good Luck God was the dwarf Bes who's female counterpart was Beset. Together they protected against the evil eye and black magic. The Japanese believe in seven Gods of good luck; The first God Hotei carries a bag of treasures around with him to distribute amongst fans and believers. He looks a bit like a jolly Buddha. The second is Bishamon, he brings luck in battle and defence. Benten is the third and she is the goddess of luck in love, the arts, music, and literature. She represents all womanly aspects, and is always seen with a sea serpent and playing a Japanese lute. Daikoku the fourth of the luck gods looks after farmers and wealth and money matters. The fifth, Ebisu, is the patron of fishermen and hard work. The sixth is Jurojin and he is the god of luck through wisdom and ancient age. He appears as a very old man surrounded by wild animals, which he takes care of. Finally, the seventh is Ukurokujo, the god of miracles and amazing events. He has short legs, a short chest, and a very large head.
