The name “Camulos” is often interpreted in different ways, sharing meanings that span “of Conflicts” and “the Warrior” according to Olmsted, while Delamarre suggests it means “Champion or Servant.” Olmsted expresses uncertainty over the name’s origins, whereas Delamarre is more convinced that the name is rooted in an unusual Old Irish term ‘Cumall,’ meaning ‘Champion.’ The term ‘servant’ could be associated with the feminine form ‘Cumal,’ which means ‘slave woman’ or ‘servant,’ derived from the root kema- which conveys the idea of causing fatigue or pain. The masculine form ‘Cumall’ thus ties together the concepts of champion and servant, aligning with the notion that champions are essentially the servants of their leaders. The name ‘Camulorix’ could support this interpretation if its meanings, such as ‘King of Warriors’ or ‘Ruler of Conflict,’ as speculated by Olmsted, hold true. Miranda Aldhouse-Green earlier suggested its meaning as ‘Powerful,’ though she provided no etymological support for this assertion.
Phonetically, “Camulos” in Gaulish would be pronounced as Kam-UL-os, and in Proto-Germanic, it would come out as KAM-ul-az. In this Germanic form, the initial ‘K’ takes on a breathy quality resembling ‘h,’ while the sound of ‘z’ closely approximates the ‘j’ in the French word ‘bonjour.’ It is worth noting that this Proto-Germanic construction aims to bridge the gap between Celtic and Germanic linguistic backgrounds. While Camulos himself was not Germanic, it is feasible that Germanic soldiers in Roman auxiliary forces engaged with his worship, evidenced by inscriptions found in Germania Inferior and Superior, such as the Mars-Camulus Stein uncovered in the territory of the Cugerni.
For the Bolgoi or Belgoi people, who may lean more toward the Germanic dialects, we indicate this version of his name for liturgical practices, should they choose to engage with his modern cult. Special appreciation goes to Erik Ingruoda of Thia Frankisk Aldsido for his contribution to this linguistic construction.
In terms of function, through his identification with the Roman god Mars, Camulos is primarily recognized as a deity of war. Segomâros Widugeni concurs with Kondratiev, categorizing him as a “god who defines the thresholds of civilized existence and defends them with armed force.” He also associates Camulos with Mars’ additional roles, including his links to agriculture—an observation supported by classicist Mary Beard in her volume ‘Religions of Rome: Volume 1, A History.’ Notably, Mary Edith Wightman proposes that Camulos was revered as the chief deity of the Remi tribe, contrasting with Lenus, who was the principal god of the Treveri.
Iconography
Camulos is depicted evocatively through imagery such as severed heads, ram horns, military figures including cavalry and infantry, and various shields. The Bay tree (Laurus nobilis) may also bear significance, as suggested by the Mars Camulos Stein, which implies that the bay could be sacred to him or generally regarded as a symbol safeguarding against malevolent forces. Given Camulos’s portrayal as a protector deity and a figure of martial excellence, it wouldn’t be unexpected for such a symbol to carry great importance in his worship.
Attested Sources
This information about Camulos is primarily drawn from Olmsted’s work on Celtic deities, featuring various inscriptions from regions including Belgica, Germania Superior, and Great Britain that reference DEO MARTI CAMVLO or similar variations.
Interpretatio Romana
In classical terms, Camulos is equated with Mars. The Senobessus Bolgon interpretation describes Camulos/Kamulaz as a deity encompassing both aggressive and defensive natures. He acts as a guardian and warrior of his people, safeguarding the confines of civilization against external threats. He is invoked for agricultural defense and prosperity. In a similar vein to Lenus, he is called upon for protection against ailments, injuries, or harmful magical influences. Camulos/Kamulaz is also regarded as the master of martial arts, offering patronage to fighters, soldiers, and athletes alike, regardless of the specific focus of their practice.
For those interested in a more Remi-centric understanding, looking toward Camulos/*Kamulaz is recommended.
Personal and Shared Gnosis
On a personal level, he is seen as the ruler and protector of the Nemeton Cingeton or Nemeton Galation, a sacred grove for martial artists and other practitioners. Shared experiences depict him wearing a helmet adorned with ram horns. My personal vision included a ram-skull helmet, while Segomâros describes it simply as horned, indicating that ram horns play a vital role in his contemporary iconography.
