Have you heard about Gaius Mucius Scaevola, the Roman young man who attempted to murder Porsenna, and - after being caught - thrust his hand into one of the Etruscan camp fires to prove his bravery and will power? Do you think that this story is historical or mythical? More info about it here: http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/romanssz/g/Scaevola.htm
I don't know enough to say. I read about the story years ago. The interesting thing about Roman mythology is that it reads like history. It was important to the Romans to have this cycle of myths as part of their history. Like so many legends, it probably has a kernel of truth to it.
