Laocoon (Laoc′oon). One of the priests of Apollo, who was, with his two sons, strangled to death by serpents, because he opposed the admission of the fatal wooden horse to Troy.
Laomedon (Laom′edon), son of Ilus, a Trojan king. He was famous for having, with the assistance of Apollo and Neptune, built the walls of Troy.
Lapis (Lap′is). The oath stone. The Romans used to swear by Jupiter Lapis.
Lapithus (Lap′ithus), son of Apollo. His numerous children were called Lapithae, and they are notorious for their fight with the centaurs at the nuptial feast of Perithous and Hippodamia.
Lares and Penates (La′res and Pena′tes) were sons of Mercury and Lara, or, as other mythologists say, of Jupiter and Lamida. They belonged to the lower order of Roman gods, and presided over homes and families. Their statues were generally fixed within the doors of houses, or near the hearths. Lamps were sacred to them, as symbols of vigilance, and the dog was their sacrifice.
Lark, see Scylla and Nysus.
Latona (Lato′na), daughter of Coelus and Phoebe, mother of Apollo and Diana. Being admired so much by Jupiter, Juno was jealous, and Latona was the object of the goddess’ constant persecution.
Laughter, see Momus and Venus.
Laverna (Laver′na). The Roman patroness of thieves.