A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

or MUTINUS, that is, the phallus, or Priapus, which was believed to be the most powerful averter of demons, and of all evil that resulted from pride and boastfulness, and the like. The name is probably connected with μυττὸς or μύτης, i. e. ὁ πρὸς τὰ ἀφροδίσια ἐκλελυμένος Mutunus is usually mentioned with the surname Tutunus or Tutinus, which seems to be connected with the verb tueri. A public Mutunus, that is, the one who averted evil from the city of Rome and the republic, had a sanctuary in the upper part of Velia, which existed there down to the time of Augustus, when it was removed outside the city. (Arnob. ad v. Gent. 4.7; August. De Civ. Dei, 4.11; Lactant. 1.20; Tertull. Apol. 25; Fest. p. 154, ed. Müller.)

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