Suri (Śuri) emerges from the myths and lore of the Etruscan civilization. He's eventually adopted into Roman myth and religion under the name Soranus. Suri is also equated with the Norse deity Surtr, a jötunn or magical entity who guards the entrance to the Realm of Fire.
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The Etruscans occupy central Italy or Etruria hundreds of years before the rise of Rome. At first they're a loose federation of states. By 900 BCE inhabitants identify themselves as a distinct Etruscan nation.
The name Suri name means 'black', 'the black one' or 'the dark one', pertaining to the charred and blackened earth. He's also called 'one from the black place' (Underworld). A chthonic god of Sun and Light, Suri has similar traits to the Hittite Sun God of Heaven, who has an underworld aspect.
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In some ancient beliefs, the Sun travels east to west through the sky to sink into the Earth and disappear at night. Thus are many myths born of the Sun or Solar Deities entering the Underworld to rule at night, or journey through the realm to the east, where the Dawn Sun rises in the sky.
The powers of Suri are vast. He's an important figure in Mediterranean mythology. Who controls fire controls life itself. Fire can nurture or destroy, like other elemental powers. Deep in his underground domain, Suri is associated with volcanos, lava, magma, fire and volcanic flames.
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Much of the Mediterranean landscape is created by volcanic action, faults and shifts in the Earth. Humans feel powerless over the eruptions of the Earth.
Sacrifice can placate a passionate God, but in many volcanic regions people stand ready to abscond, as in the Thera eruption (Santorini) in c. 1600 BCE. Later excavations find the settlements empty of humans and animals.
Early rumblings are clear warnings. The people heed them and flee, saving many lives.
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Suri also has oracular powers. He can control health and plague. A God of volcanic lightning, he's one of the nine thunder gods or Novensiles of the Etruscans.
His symbols include a solar disc, halo, bow and arrows, pilum (javelin) and the metal lead. Wolves and goats are sacred to Suri. His major cult center is Mount Soratte, Italy.
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When the Romans appear c. 8th century BCE, they merge the cult of Suri with their own Apollo. The Etruscan god gets a new name - "Apollo Soranus."
The priests of Soranus are called the wolves of Soranus or Hirpi Sorani. According to legend, during a sacrifice to Pluto, wolves ran up and stole the sacrificial meat. The shepherds chased the wolves into a cave in Mount Soracte.
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Toxic fumes blast from the cave and all the pursuers fall dead. Pestilence spreads through the country, associated with the deaths of the shepherds. An Oracle says the plague will end if the people, like the wolves, lead a robber existence.
They take the name Hirpi Sorani and devote themselves to the cult of Soranus. Soranus himself is later equated with Dīs Pater (Pluto), due the volcanic properties of the mountain and the underground nature of the god.
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The priests and worshippers of the cult are fire-walkers. During ceremonies they walk upon hot coals holding entrails of sacrificed goats. They walk without burning their feet.
This so impresses the Romans they release the adherents from Roman military service forever. The Feast of Lupercalia in February may be based on the Hirpi Sorani.
They were also skilfull at mystic divination by observing the flight of birds. Ornathomancy, prophecy by bird flight, first emerged among the Hittites c. 1400 BCE.
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