Laverna

Laverna was an old Italian deity, originally one of the spirits of the underworld. A cup found in an Etruscan tomb bears the inscription "Lavernai Pocolom," (cf. poculum); and in a fragment of Septimius Serenus Laverna is expressly mentioned in connection with the di inferi. By an easy transition, she came to be regarded as the protectress of theives, whose operations were associated with darkness.[1]

She had an altar on the Aventine Hill, near the gate called after her Lavernalis, and a grove on the Via Salaria. Her aid was invoked by thieves to enable them to carry out their plans successfully without forfeiting their reputation for piety and honesty.[2] Many explanations have been given of the name:[1]

1. from latere (Schol. on Horace, who gives laternio as another form of lavernio or robber);
2. from lavare (Acron on Horace, according to whom thieves were called lavatores, perhaps referring to bath thieves);
3. from levare (cf. shop-lifters). Modern etymologists connect it with lu-crum, and explain it as meaning the goddess of gain.

Her name is used for the main antagonist in the CGI animation Barbie: Fairytopia film series. Laverna is an evil fairy who is the twin sister of the land's fairy queen, The Enchantress.

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Laverna". Encyclopædia Britannica. 16 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 293.

• Jordan, Michael (2002). Encyclopedia of Gods. Kyle Cathie Limited.