Tuchulcha

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In Etruscan mythology, Tulchulcha was a chthonic daemon (mythology) (not to be confused with the Christian term "demon") with pointed ears (perhaps that of a donkey), and had hair made of snakes and a beak (perhaps that of a vulture), that lived in the underworld known as Aita.

Many scholars refer to this deity as male^[1] because of masculine features, such as animalistic facial hair that may resemble a beard. According to Nancy de Grummond, "This monster is often referred to as male but in fact is very likely female (or neither gender), for she wears a woman’s dress, has decidely pale pinkish skin (compare the standard brick-red male flesh of These), and even appears to have breasts." ^[2] She also identifies the diamond-marking of her serpents as that of the adder (Vipera berus berus). Emeline Hill Richardson and Graeme Barker and Tom Rasmussen also state that Tuchulcha is female. However, Tuchulcha's garment is known to classical historians as a chiton and is worn by both men and women. As well, the same clothing is worn by another male deity, Charun.

The only known rendering of Tuchulcha is identified in the tomb of Orcus II. The deity appears in a depiction of the story of These (Greek Theseus) visiting the underworld. These and his friend Peirithous (only his head visible in the surving portion of the image) are playing a board game, attended by Tuchulcha.^[3]

[edit] References

1. ^ Larissa Bonfante and Judith Swaddling. Etruscan Myths. University of Texas Press, 2006
2. ^ p.230
3. ^ de Grummond, Nancy. Etruscan Myth, Sacred History and Legend. Philadelphia: University of Philadelphia Museum, 2006. pp. 229-230)