Fama – in Greek and Roman mythology – is the goddess of rumour, report and gossip. In the words of Hesiod, Fama was “an evil thing“.

Her actions control the reputations of mortals and immortals alike. The people she favoured were notable and renowned. But Fama took revenge on those who displeased her. They were scorned and plagued by rumours. She would start by a dull whisper, but repeating it louder and louder, until everyone knew.

Virgil wrote that “her feet are on the ground, her head is in the clouds, making the small seem great and the great seem greater”.