In Etruscan mythology, Nortia was the goddess of fate and chance. Her attribute was a nail, which was driven into a wall in her temples during the New Year. While unattested in Etruscan texts, the goddess and associated ritual in dedication of her is mentioned by Roman historian Titus Livius: Minervae inventum sit. Volsiniis quoque clavos indices numeri annorum fixos in templo Nortiae, Etruscae deae, comparere diligens talium monumentorum auctor Cincius adfirmat. -- Livy vii. 3. 7.

Very loosely translated, this citation means "Minerva is an inventor/contriver. The Volsinians (the people of the central Etruscan city of Volsini) likewise indicate the passing of the year by setting the symbolic nail [into the wall] at the temple of Nortia, an Etruscan goddess, of which great diligence the written works of the historian Cincius confirm."

External links

• Nortia The Obscure Goddess Online Directory