Etruscan Mythology
Etruscan Mythology
iron-age
Etruscan mythology comprises a set of stories, beliefs, and religious practices of the Etruscan civilization, originating in the 7th century BC from the preceding Iron Age Villanovan culture, with its influences in the mythology of ancient Greece and Phoenicia, and sharing similarities with concurrent Roman mythology.
The Etruscan civilization existed in ancient Italy from around the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE, and its myths and religious beliefs have been largely lost to time. However, some of the myths that have been reconstructed from the surviving evidence include:Famous Myths of Etruscan Mythology
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The myth of Tages
Tages was a child-god who emerged from the plowed fields and taught the Etruscans divination and the art of reading the will of the gods.
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The myth of Charun
Charun was the Etruscan god of death, and was often depicted as a fearsome figure with a hammer, ready to strike the souls of the dead.
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The myth of Turms
Turms was the Etruscan equivalent of Hermes, the Greek messenger of the gods. He was known for his speed and agility and was often depicted with winged sandals.
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The myth of Menrva
Menrva was the Etruscan goddess of wisdom, war, and the arts. She was often equated with the Greek Athena and the Roman Minerva.
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The myth of Laran
Laran was the Etruscan god of war, and was often depicted as a fierce warrior, ready to defend his people.
Etruscan Mythology Legends
Lars Porsena
A legendary Etruscan king known for his wars with Rome, featured in Roman and Etruscan folklore.
Turms
The messenger of the gods, depicted with wings on his heels and holding a caduceus.
Calu
A goddess of the underworld, associated with death and the afterlife in Etruscan mythology.
Vetis
A malevolent deity associated with chaos and destruction, often depicted as a monstrous figure.
Tages
A divine child who emerged from a plowed field and taught the Etruscans the art of divination.
Selvans
The god of the forest and wildlife, often depicted with a bow and accompanied by woodland creatures.
Achle
A female deity associated with healing, often depicted with snakes and medicinal herbs.
Fufluns
The god of plant life, happiness, and health, associated with wine and fertility.
Aruns
A divine youth who could see the future and often accompanied the god of war, Tinia, in battles.
Celsclan
A mythical hero known for his strength and bravery, featured in various Etruscan tales.
Etruscan Mythology Creatures
Charun
Death, underworld guardian
Charun was a demon of death and an underworld guardian in Etruscan mythology. He was depicted with a hammer and was responsible for punishing the souls of the wicked.
Etruscan-mythology
Vanth
Guidance of the dead, underworld guardian
Vanth was a winged female demon in Etruscan mythology, associated with the underworld and the afterlife. She guided the souls of the deceased to the afterlife and served as a guardian.
Etruscan-mythology
Tuchulcha
Transformation, prophetic powers
Tuchulcha was a female demon with a beak and bird-like features in Etruscan mythology. She was believed to have the power of transformation and was associated with prophecy.
Etruscan-mythology
Culsu
Fate, destiny
Culsu was a goddess of fate and destiny in Etruscan mythology. She was often depicted holding a pair of shears, symbolizing her role in determining the length of human life.
Etruscan-mythology
