Literary notes about tutelar (AI summary)
In literature, the term "tutelar" is used to evoke a sense of protection and guardianship, often imbuing the referenced entity—whether a deity, saint, or ancestral spirit—with the duty of safeguarding a family, community, or even an entire city. Authors employ the word to stress the intimate relationship between the protector and those under its care, as when a tutelar deity is described as the guardian of a reigning family [1] or a city’s benefactor [2]. Its use extends to abstract or metaphorical protectors—for instance, a tutelar genius or spirit that inspires and defends [3], [4]—while also denoting localized guardians like the patron saints of specific groups or professions [5], [6]. Overall, "tutelar" serves as a literary device to highlight the sacred bond of protection that permeates cultural and spiritual life.
- [210] ) who, with Gorakhanath, is the tutelar deity of the reigning family.
— from An Account of The Kingdom of Nepal And of the Territories Annexed to this Dominion by the House of Gorkha by Francis Hamilton - In A.D. 26 eleven cities contended for the privilege of making Tiberius their tutelar deity, but he declined this honor.
— from A Smaller History of Rome by William Smith - “Your tutelar genius dreads that of Octavius,” said he constantly.
— from Cleopatra: A Study by Henry Houssaye - And he was joyned in commission With Tutelar Angels, sent to every one.
— from The Poems of John Donne, Volume 1 (of 2) by John Donne - As all professions and fraternities, in ancient times, made choice of a tutelar saint, Cecilia was elected the protectress of music and musicians.
— from The Works of John Dryden, now first collected in Eighteen Volumes, Volume 11 by John Dryden - “Call upon our Lady, my Liege,” said the Lady Fleming—“call upon your tutelar saint.”
— from The Abbot by Walter Scott
