Roman Folklore: Jupiter and the Bees

Myths often provide more than just the origins of animals, plants, and other aspects of nature. They also offer a moral or lesson for the listener or reader to take away. It is often clear what the intended message was meant to be. Sometimes that message still resonates in modern times. Other times, reading an old myth might bring up questions about the reason behind the message and if it is still the best lesson.

In the myth of Jupiter and the Bees, the message is supposed to be that you should be careful what you wish for. And some might still get that message when reading. But others might wonder why the powerful were so against the powerless gaining the means to protect themselves.

As you read this retelling of the myth, ask yourself what message you learn and how you can apply it to yourself this year.

When dealing with beings as powerful as the king and queen of the gods, it is important to remember that wishes do not come for free. You cannot ask to take without offering to give.

One creature learned the hard way that misspeaking and making a wish without thinking through the consequences can have disastrous results. The greatest alchemist in nature, the honeybee, gathered pollen and transformed it into an elixir coveted by the gods.

Long ago, when the gods lived among all creatures, honeybees lived much longer than they do now. The honeybees not only had no enemies, they had not received their stingers, so no animal, man, god or insect feared them. From the moment they woke until they sleepily returned to their hive, honeybees buzzed from blossom to blossom, gathering the pollen they needed to make honey. Though the work was hard and long, they took pride in it and happily persisted each day.

Spending hours burrowed in flowers left the bees covered in pollen, which left a glowing trail leading back to their hive when they returned each night. Soon, the luminescent trail revealed what the bees had been able to keep hidden for so long—their honey production. Creatures came from all over and demanded that the bees share their honey.

The queen offered to share some, but only what was left over after her subjects were fed. This was not enough for the greedy creatures, and they began to trespass on the bees’ territory and steal their elixir, leaving little for the bees themselves. Try though she did to again hide the hive and protect the honey, the pollen continued to lead the trespassers back.

Frustrated that they could not adequately protect themselves, the queen had her workers create a special pot of honey. Infused with orange blossom and jasmine, the queen knew it was the best elixir the hive had ever produced. She had it made as an offering to Jupiter, the ruler of all gods, that he might help the bees with their plight.

The Bee Queen flew to the great palace of Jupiter and his wife, Juno. She requested an audience with them, and it was granted. She gave the king and queen the special pot of honey. In moments, they had devoured it all. Jupiter so loved the taste of this elixir he told the Bee Queen, “as a reward for an offering that far surpasses expectations, you may ask for anything, and I will grant it.”

The Bee Queen told Jupiter and Juno of her subjects’ plight and how their hard work was stolen from them each night. “It is not that we don’t wish to share,” the Bee Queen explained, “But we are so plundered each night that very little remains for us. So, I wish for a way to protect my hive, that we might choose who to share our elixir with and how much.”

Jupiter grew concerned about what the Bee Queen was asking. “You wish for a weapon to attack other creatures?” he inquired.“Only those that would steal from us!” the Bee Queen tried to explain. “You would deny other creatures the fruits of your labor?” Juno asked.

“Only those that would steal and leave us with nothing!” the Bee Queen replied.

“You would use this weapon against all creatures, even man?” Jupiter was growing irritated now and worried about the promise he had made to grant her any request.

The Bee Queen sensed that Jupiter and Juno weren’t understanding and became flustered. “We are happy to share our honey with you. And with man. And other creatures! We just want to protect ourselves against those who would trespass and steal.” She tried to explain that her bees could make better honey and more amounts if not for the thefts, that her desire for protection was born from love.

But Jupiter and Juno were concerned that the weapon would be used against the gods if granted to the bees. How could Jupiter keep his promise to grant her wish without worrying about harm coming to his fellow gods or to man, whom he treasured?

Seeing his concern and confusion, Juno leaned to her husband and whispered an idea in his ear.

Jupiter nodded and told his wife she was wise. She smiled and sat back as Jupiter addressed the Bee Queen.

“Bee Queen, you will have the protection you desire for your hive.” He raised his hand to silence her as the Bee Queen was about to thank them. “But you shall not have it without cost.”

“Cost?” The Bee Queen was confused. “Was the pot of honey not payment for the gift?”

Jupiter laughed, “No, Bee Queen, it is not payment enough for the gift you have requested. But you shall have your weapon. Each bee shall be given a dagger at the end of its body. One stick from this dagger—this stinger—and those that would steal your honey will feel pain and retreat in fear of further stings.”

He held his hand up to silence her from thanking him once again. “But know, Bee Queen, that should a bee choose to use this weapon, the cost will be their life.”

Shocked, the Bee Queen began to buzz with rage, “How is that a fair trade? We are only trying to protect our elixirs. And those who do so will give their life for it?”

But Jupiter would not change his mind. And so, bees must either share their honey with the world or defend it with their lives to this day.