Tuchulcha

Faith in the spirit of Tuchulcha is derived from the Etruscan religion. This people was conquered by the Roman Republic in the 4th century BC and naturally assimilated with the new culture. As a result, some beliefs penetrated Roman mythology. The Etruscan belief system was based on polytheism.

Tulchulcha lived in the underground world, had pointed ears (possibly donkey-like), and his hair, like that of a jellyfish, was in the form of snakes . There are different interpretations of Tuchulch’s sex. Since no myths describing this character have been preserved, researchers of Etruscan culture rely on surviving frescoes. Tuchulcha has on them facial features more similar to men’s, however he is depicted in a woman’s dress, has pale pink skin and visible outlined female breasts.

Tuchulcha history

Among the proponents of such a thesis are many recognized people such as Nancy de Grummond, Emeline Hill Richardson, Graeme Barker and Tom Rasmussen. Nevertheless, Tuchulch’s robe is received by many historians as chitoni, a garment worn by both sexes.

The other male deity Charun is depicted in the same dress. Unfortunately, the only known image of this underground deity / ghost has been preserved in a wall painting in the Tomb of Orcus 2 in Tarquinia, Italy.

It is not without reason that we speak of Tuchulcha in the words spirit/deity. As we have mentioned, unfortunately we are not able to get to know the Etruscan culture in a sufficient level.

There is not so much information left on this culture as about the Egyptians. Tuchulch should not be interpreted as a demon in the Christian sense, it is either a spirit of the underworld or a deity. Today’s knowledge does not allow for a clear solution to this puzzle.

Source:

1. Larissa Bonfante and Judith Swaddling. Etruscan Myths. University of Texas Press, 2006

2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuchulcha