Date: 27 August 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
The fifth session of “Katha: The Folklore Circle” convened on 27 August 2025 for an evening devoted to the founding myth of ancient Rome. Titled “A She-Wolf, Two Twins & Seven Hills”, the session explored the dramatic story of Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf, locked in rivalry, and fated to shape the destiny of a city that would become an empire.
Our Master Storyteller for the evening was Mr. Lorenzo Parrulli, Second Secretary (Political Affairs) at the Delegation of the European Union. Drawing on his diplomatic experience and deep appreciation for cultural history, Mr. Parrulli rendered the ancient tale with clarity, theatrical timing and vivid imagery. His narration moved effortlessly from intimate moments- the twins’ upbringing and rivalry, to the grander mythic sweep of foundation, city-building and destiny.
The highlights of the session included a close reading of the Romulus–Remus narrative, tracing the abandonment and rescue of the twins by the she-wolf, their upbringing, the tragic conflict that culminated in fratricide, and the eventual foundation of Rome on the Seven Hills. The discussion further reflected on how the myth functions not only as a civic founding story but also as a vehicle for larger themes—leadership and the mythic legitimization of power. Connections were also drawn with material culture, including statues, coinage and civic rituals, underscoring how the founding myth persisted across Roman identity and continued to shape European cultural memory.
The session was highly interactive: attendees were invited to reflect on the moral and political ambiguities of the tale, and several participants offered cultural parallels from Indian and other world traditions. A lively Q&A explored the modern afterlives of the Romulus-Remus myth, including questions about its use in art, national symbolism, and the ways founding myths shape civic self-understanding. Mr. Parrulli offered thoughtful responses to all the audience questions.
By the close of the evening, listeners left with a renewed appreciation for how a single origin story can carry multiple meanings- personal, political and symbolic, across centuries. The session reinforced Katha’s mission: to use storytelling as a bridge between histories and cultures, and to invite contemporary reflection through ancient narratives.
