What is the guardian spirit of a boy known as?

The term that refers to the guardian spirit of a boy is "genius." In ancient Roman culture, the genius was considered a protective spirit that accompanied an individual throughout their life, particularly associated with males. The genius was believed to influence their character and fate, and it was customary to pay homage to this spirit during special rituals or celebrations, such as the birth or coming of age of a boy.

Juno, on the other hand, is primarily associated with marriage and childbirth, as well as being the queen of the gods. Diva refers more generally to a goddess or divine figure, which does not specifically pertain to the protective spirit of an individual. Vulcan is the god of fire and craftsmanship, particularly known for his role in metallurgy and blacksmithing, and is not related to the concept of a guardian spirit. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "genius" is the correct term for a boy's guardian spirit in Roman thought.