Among
the
more
important
divine
figures
related
to
solar
worship
are
Lugus,
which
translates
as "bright" or "shining".
The
Romans
identified
him
with
Mercury,
while
their
god
of
light,
Apollo,
was
associated
with
Belenus,
a popular
Celtic
deity
whose
name
means
literally "Brilliant" or "Bright".
He
was
the
lord of
the sun,
light
and warmth,
and
very
likely
presided
over
the
Celtic
spring
festival
of
Beltane.
He
was
also
believed
to
be
a healing
god
in
his
relation
to
the
sun
and its
sustaining
powers
related
to
the
maintenance
of
good
health
and
well
being.
Divine
powers
were
also
believed
to
be
contained
in
storms,
which
often
put
on
frightening
displays
of
awesome
power
while
also
providing
life
giving
rain.
Taranis,
a Celtic storm
god whose name
translates
as "Thunderer" was
widely recognized.
The extent
of his powers
is not known
for certain,
but it is thought
that he was
a bringer of
rain and fertility
as well as
thunder.
Another popular deity associated with weather was the Hammer God, always portrayed carrying a pot and a large, long handled mallet. He was believed to strike the hard frozen earth at winter's end, and, in effect, softening and warming the soil. He is sometimes depicted with sun symbols and was particularly popular in wine growing regions.
The numerous Celtic sky gods were eventually assimilated by the powerful Roman deity, Jupiter, supreme lord of the heavens, who is often portrayed with a wheel, one of the commonest of sun symbols, and a thunderbolt, that represents his role as the god of storms.
You may return to the Previous Installment or
continue on to the Next Installment
The Early Celts:
Celtic Sky Gods
Part
Four
of
a Series
by
Elder
Bob
Bassler