PENATES. In the Latin world di penates (always in the plural) were spirits protecting a house or a city. The etymological connection with penus in the sense of "storing-place of the household" raises problems. The cult of the penates was...

(Di Penates) In ancient Rome, originally the divine protectors of the store-room (penus) and the supplies therein; later widened to signify house and family spirits in general. They were venerated, together with the Lares, at the household hearth....

In Roman mythology, the Di Penates or briefly Penates were originally patron gods (really geniuses) of the storeroom, later becoming household gods guarding the entire household. They were related to the Lares, Genii and Larvae. Penates are referred to...