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Laran is an Etruscan warrior god. He is often paralleled with Ares, the god of war, in Greek mythology, and Mars, the god of war, in Roman mythology. The etymology of the name Laran probably derives from the Etruscan concept of an earthly spirit, referred to as a Lasa. Some scholars believe that Laran is not equivalent to Mars, but fulfills the role of a youthful companion to Turan, the Etruscan goddess of Love. (Pfiffig Source)

The Etruscans left behind a significant amount of archaeological evidence. The artifacts found depicting Laran consist of statuary and Etruscan engraved bronze mirrors. In his representations on the bronze mirrors, Laran is often depicted in the company of other gods, and as these depictions on the bronze mirrors attest, he plays a role in numerous Etruscan myths.

Physical Descriptions of Laran

Early Depictions

In early depictions, Laran is a mature, bearded warrior. His usual clothing consists of a crested helmet, a corselet over a short chiton, greaves, and a long cloak. He is normally armed with his sword.

Later Depictions

At a later period, Laran is depicted as a youthful god, often nude or semi-nude, wearing shoes and a cloak. He is normally armed with an assortment of helmet, shield, sword, and spear.

Representations in Etruscan Mythology

Laran and Celsclan

There is a bronze mirror depicting a mythological scene between Laran, and another individual labelled Celsclan. Laran appears in his mature form. An armed Laran chases Celsclan, who appears unarmed and in flight. The lines above the head of Celsclan indicate a divine status, and he is often believed to be the son of the earth goddess, Cel. This would make him the Etruscan equivalent to a greek giant.

Laran and Turan

Laran and Turan are often depicted together on Etruscan mirrors, and in Etruscan mythology. In Etruscan mythology, they are depicted as a couple. Often, they are compared with the love affair of Ares and Aphrodite in Greek mythology, or Mars and Venus in Roman Mythology. This love affair from Greek and Roman corpus of mythology is normally applied to the Etruscan representations of the couple by modern scholars, but this is not apparent using only Etruscan sources.

Laran and the Return of Hephaistos

Laran appears on an engraved bronze Etruscan mirror depicting . The scene depicted is usually compared to the Return of Hephaistos in greek mythology

Laran and the Birth of Menrva

Laran appears on an engraved bronze Etruscan mirror depicting the birth of the Etruscan goddess, Menrva. (Describe what he is doing in the mirror), (Mirror Image)

Laran and the Birth of the Maris Babies

Laran appears in the background on the engraved Etruscan bronze mirror depicting the birth of the Maris Babies. (Mirror Image)

Archaeological Evidence

The Etruscans left behind many artifacts, which depict Laran, and have been discovered by archaeologists. These artifacts consist of statuary, and bronze mirrors. Prominent examples of the statuary is found in the