Origin

As with many of the other Celtic gods, Taranis' exact origin in unclear. His name translates literally to "thunder" (derived from the proto-Celtic toranos), and icons of him are often confused with and/or attributed to the Roman god Jupiter. He is often mentioned alongside Esus and Teutates, forming a sacred triad that was a mainstay of much of Celtic theology. He is associated with the wheel, and his statues are often found with an eight-spoked wheel in one hand, and a lightning bolt in the other. The wheel is thought to have symbolized both mobility, as well as the speed at which a storm could roll in across the land.

Taranis was a powerful leader among the gods, and sacrifices to him were often made by placing them in a large wicker man which was then set aflame. This practice also included human sacrifice.

Marvel Comics

Marvel's version of Taranis first appeared in the Black Knight's 1990 solo series. He was a more common mainstay in the pages of Doctor Strange, especially when Strange used earth-magic and natural magic during writer Warren Ellis' run.

Recently, writer Al Ewing introduced a character named Toranos in the pages of The Immortal Thor that is clearly based on Taranis, including the use of a large wheel as a weapon. In this, Toranos is one of the elder gods of the Utgard-realm, and has a connection to Thor's mother Gaea.

G-Man Comics

Origin

In G-Man Comics, Taranis is the son of the gods Iarbonel and Danu (an aspect of the elder goddess Gaea), and brother to Esus, Teutates, and Epona. He is known as the god of thunder and the wheel, and resides in the mystic city of Avalorr, home to the gods in the other-dimensional realm of Otherworld. In his youth, Taranis used to climb and jump from tree to tree across high branches, playfully throwing lightning down at his siblings as they all frolicked through the primordial wood, kept safe by Cernunnos.

As he grew, Taranis was instrumental in defending his home from the Fomorians and the Fir Bolg. He was present when Nuada Silverhand commissioned the building of the new city of Avalorr, which was to serve as the seat of power among the gods. Taranis was often seen in the company of his fellow god Boden, and the two were boon companions, sharing many adventures with one another.

At one point in the distant past, Taranis departed Avalorr and Otherworld for the mortal realm. He had struck up a friendship with the Teutonic god Donar, and the two explored the far reaches of the cosmos for centuries, encountering great cosmic beings, and many strange new races.

Upon his return to Avalorr, Taranis married his long-time paramour Dara. But their happiness was short-lived when the dark elf sorceress Valthana Shadowmoon lured Taranis once again to the mortal realm and into a trap. She had seduced and taken mental control of a group of Christian monks, and together using ancient elvish magic combined with the faith and life-force of the monks themselves, trapped Taranis, body and soul, in a small statue bearing his likeness.

For the next eight centuries, the icon passed through many hands, eventually falling into the possession of a museum exhibit. It was here that the fates conspired to set Taranis free when a mortal named Donal Stoner, a teacher and aficionado of Celtic mythology, visited the museum housing this icon on a class trip. Stoner's mother was Irish, and he was raised on tales of the Tuatha de Danann and the other Celtic gods. So strong was her love of and faith in the old tales that it passed to Donal as well.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Valthana Shadowmoon has sensed fate's intentions, and was present with the rock troll Kurzol to prevent Taranis' return. Kurzol broke into the museum and proceeded to smash the exhibits in an attempt to destroy the icon containing Taranis' being. However, the icon instead fell near Stoner, who felt a strange calling, a compulsion to pick it up. And when he did, he was consumed by mystic flame, and a reborn Taranis stood in his place. Kurzol attempted to tale advantage of Taranis' momentary disorientation, to no avail, and Taranis soundly defeated him after a prolonged battle which erupted into the busy city street.

It was at this point that the action drew the attention of FBI agents Simon N. Kirby and Sgt. Flag. The two went to confront Taranis, an unknown powered individual. Traanis was unprepared for the brazenness of Kirby, expecting him to be like mortals of old and give the gods due respect. Kirby's aggressiveness was also fueled covertly by Valthana Shadowmoon, who used her magicks to influence Kirby's mind.

Taranis' battle with Valthana escalated when she brought the ancient Fomorian Beglog the Snake-Limbed, who Taranis had fought in ancient times, into the conflict. The battle also drew the attention of the superhuman group known as the First Guard to the scene. Eventually, at great cost to himself, Taranis defeated Beglog. Kirby then suggested that Taranis join the First Guard to better gain an understanding of the modern world among beings who were his peers. Taranis accepted, and remains an active member of the team to this day.

Powers and Abilities

Like the other gods of Avalorr, Taranis is immortal and possesses great physical durability, stamina, speed, and massive strength. He is among the strongest of the gods, second only to the Dagda and Ogma in terms of raw physical power.

As the god of thunder, he also possesses the ability to control the weather, generate lightning, and electricity. This control extends even to the cosmic winds and the great storms of space.

Taranis also wields the mystic shield Skyspanner. This shield, the inspiration for the wheel so often depicted with him, is indestructible, and when thrown can strike with devastating effect. The shield returns to his hand after being thrown. The shield also allows him to navigate the depths of space, and thus he can never be lost.