These
ancient deities were found in the Gaulish region of Europe (i.e.
France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Austria). Their mythical
roles were preserved by Romans scholars between 400 BCE and 200 CE.
These authors, impressed by their god-like talents, wrote about the
their prowess in battle, their legendary healing abilities and their
creative skills in music and forging.
Rosmerta was a goddess of fertility and abundance. After Rome conquered her region, Rosmerta was adopted into the local Roman pantheon where she became a consort of the God Mercury. In Roman depictions of her she carries a caduceus wand, an indication that she was adept in the healing arts. Her name means "great provider".
Andraste was a goddess of battle and victory. Legend says that Boudica invoked her when resisting the Roman occupation of Britain (60 CE). It was said Boudica raised her hands toward the heavens and said: "I thank you, Andraste, and call upon you as woman to woman... I beg you for victory and preservation of liberty."
Epona was a goddess of domestication, focused on the protection of horses, donkeys, and mules. It has been suggested that she and her horses were spirit guides, carrying souls to their resting place in the afterlife. Epona occupied an important place in the Gallic religion, because the horse itself was important in the life of the Gauls.
Belisama means "Summer Bright". She was associated with all forms of light, (firelight, sunlight and moonlight). She was also connected to the forge, which endowed her with a creative role in Gaulish traditions. Her prime element was fire, which connected her to light, medicine, smithing, arts and crafts.
Abnoba was a Gaulish goddess of hunting. Her name is linked to the rivers, forests and nudity. She was worshipped in the Black Forest area, revered as a goddess of childbirth as well as the Patroness of Waterways. She was the protector of woods, springs, rivers and wild animals.
Damona was a goddess of health, especially in the context of domestic animals such as dogs, sheep and cows. She was linked to hot srpings and healing waters, alluding to their healthful, warm quality. She was often called upon to heal pets and livestock, maintaining their health so that they would provide nourishment to the tribe.
Aveta was a mother goddess, associated with birth, fertility and fresh-water springs. She was the patron of midwifery, often portrayed as a woman with infants at the breast, a small lap dog and a basket of fruit.
Nehalennia was the goddess of seafarers. She was mostly worshipped at the point where travellers crossed the North Sea. Artistic representations of her depict a woman standing on a boat, holding an oar with a dog by her side. She was often seen carrying a basket of fish, suggesting she was also a goddess of abundance.
Catubodua was a warrior goddess known as the "Battle Crow". It is believed she may have been the warrior aspect of a now lost triple goddess (much like the Morrigan from Irish mythology). Roman soldiers who fought the Gaul's sometimes spoke a crows attacking them in the battlefield, who terrified by this divine intervention, were easily defeated.
Arduinna was a goddess of the wild, associated with forest regions. She was often represented as a huntress riding a boar side-saddle and holding a knife. She protected the animals of the forest, only allowing mortals a successful hunt if they made a decent offering to her first. She was also associated with the highlands, a sacred land that was said to be her homeland.
Sirona was a healing deity, associated with warm springs and healing pools. Her totem animal was the snake, a creature from the underworld (also linked to healing) Many of her temples and shrines were constructed around thermal springs or wells. Her name means star which also links her to the domain of astrology and divination.
Artio was a goddess associated with abundance and providence. She was known as a bear goddess, who awakens in the spring to announce the season and share fruit from Her storehouse. Similar to Arduinnam she lived in the wilderness, and was likely called on during hunting rituals.
Rosmerta was a goddess of fertility and abundance. After Rome conquered her region, Rosmerta was adopted into the local Roman pantheon where she became a consort of the God Mercury. In Roman depictions of her she carries a caduceus wand, an indication that she was adept in the healing arts. Her name means "great provider".
Andraste was a goddess of battle and victory. Legend says that Boudica invoked her when resisting the Roman occupation of Britain (60 CE). It was said Boudica raised her hands toward the heavens and said: "I thank you, Andraste, and call upon you as woman to woman... I beg you for victory and preservation of liberty."
Epona was a goddess of domestication, focused on the protection of horses, donkeys, and mules. It has been suggested that she and her horses were spirit guides, carrying souls to their resting place in the afterlife. Epona occupied an important place in the Gallic religion, because the horse itself was important in the life of the Gauls.
Belisama means "Summer Bright". She was associated with all forms of light, (firelight, sunlight and moonlight). She was also connected to the forge, which endowed her with a creative role in Gaulish traditions. Her prime element was fire, which connected her to light, medicine, smithing, arts and crafts.
Abnoba was a Gaulish goddess of hunting. Her name is linked to the rivers, forests and nudity. She was worshipped in the Black Forest area, revered as a goddess of childbirth as well as the Patroness of Waterways. She was the protector of woods, springs, rivers and wild animals.
Damona was a goddess of health, especially in the context of domestic animals such as dogs, sheep and cows. She was linked to hot srpings and healing waters, alluding to their healthful, warm quality. She was often called upon to heal pets and livestock, maintaining their health so that they would provide nourishment to the tribe.
Aveta was a mother goddess, associated with birth, fertility and fresh-water springs. She was the patron of midwifery, often portrayed as a woman with infants at the breast, a small lap dog and a basket of fruit.
Nehalennia was the goddess of seafarers. She was mostly worshipped at the point where travellers crossed the North Sea. Artistic representations of her depict a woman standing on a boat, holding an oar with a dog by her side. She was often seen carrying a basket of fish, suggesting she was also a goddess of abundance.
Catubodua was a warrior goddess known as the "Battle Crow". It is believed she may have been the warrior aspect of a now lost triple goddess (much like the Morrigan from Irish mythology). Roman soldiers who fought the Gaul's sometimes spoke a crows attacking them in the battlefield, who terrified by this divine intervention, were easily defeated.
Arduinna was a goddess of the wild, associated with forest regions. She was often represented as a huntress riding a boar side-saddle and holding a knife. She protected the animals of the forest, only allowing mortals a successful hunt if they made a decent offering to her first. She was also associated with the highlands, a sacred land that was said to be her homeland.
Sirona was a healing deity, associated with warm springs and healing pools. Her totem animal was the snake, a creature from the underworld (also linked to healing) Many of her temples and shrines were constructed around thermal springs or wells. Her name means star which also links her to the domain of astrology and divination.
Artio was a goddess associated with abundance and providence. She was known as a bear goddess, who awakens in the spring to announce the season and share fruit from Her storehouse. Similar to Arduinnam she lived in the wilderness, and was likely called on during hunting rituals.
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