Etruscan Mythology - Their Trinity

topic posted Fri, July 15, 2005 - 6:15 PM by  Domina
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Any modern discussion of Etruscan mythology will have to be based on the publication of the Praenestine cistae: some two dozen fascicles of the Corpus Speculorum Etruscorum have now appeared. Specifically Etruscan mythological and cult figures appear in the Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae. Etruscan inscriptions have recently been given a more authoritative presentation by Helmut Rix, Etruskische Texte.

The primary trinity included Tinia, Uni and Menrva.

In Etruscan mythology, Menrva was the goddess of wisdom, war, art, schools and commerce. She was the Etruscan counterpart to Athena and Minerva from Greek and Roman mythology, respectively. Like Athena, Menrva was born from the head of her father, Tinia. Menrva, Tinia and Uni were part of a triumvirate.

In Etruscan mythology, Tinia was the highest god of the skies, husband to Thalna or Uni.

He was part of the powerful triumvirate of gods, including Menrva and Uni. He was associated with lightning, spears and scepters.

With Uni, he was the father of Hercle.

Tinia was the equivalent of the Roman Jupiter and the Greek Zeus.

In Etruscan mythology, Uni was the supreme goddess of the pantheon. She was the patron goddess of Perugia as well.

With her husband Tinia and Menrva, she was part of a powerful triumvirate.

With Tinia, she was the mother of Hercle.

Uni was the Etruscan equivalent of Juno and Hera in Roman mythology and Greek mythology, respectively.

One of the things that led me to my interest in Roman Mythology is what the Roman's "borrowed" from the Etruscan's.

Domina Roma
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Domina
Oregon
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