ancient Italian divinity (related to Telus), the patroness of woods and orchards, and the guardian deity of freedmen. Several groves were consecrated to Feronia; and in these, on the festivals of the goddess, great markets were held. Her chief sanctuary was at Terracina, near Mount Soracte. Strabo relates, that those who sacrificed to Feronia walked barefoot on burning coals without being hurt. She is variously represented—viz. as the goddess of liberty; of commerce and traffic; or as a goddess of the earth.