Belenus, also known as Belenos, Belinus, Bel, or Beli Mawr, represents a significant sun god in Celtic heritage and was a prominent figure by the 3rd century in the Italian city of Aquileia. Revered as the “Fair Shining One” or “The Shining God,” he ranks among the earliest and most widely venerated deities of the Celts. Belenus is notably linked to the ancient fire festival, Beltane, which has roots that persist to modern Sabbat celebrations. His association extends to horses and wheels, with archaeological finds, such as clay horse figurines at the shrine in Burgundy, highlighting his connection to these symbols. Much like the Sun God Apollo, he is often depicted riding through the sky in a chariot drawn by horses.
Historical Cult
A total of 51 known inscriptions referencing Belenus have been recorded, primarily in Cisalpine Gaul (particularly in Aquileia and Carni), Noricum, and Gallia Narbonensis, with influences reaching into Celtic areas of Britain and the Iberian Peninsula. Imagery of Belenus occasionally features him alongside a female counterpart, presumed to be the Gaulish goddess Belisama. Early Christian writer Tertullian, around 200 AD, declared Belenus as the national god of Noricum. Despite being primarily noted in the Eastern Alps and Gallia Cisalpina, the deity’s popularity seemed to burgeon during the Roman era, evidenced by inscriptions from the emperors Diocletian and Maximian dedicated to him in Aquileia. Additional votive inscriptions were discovered in various locations, including Altinum, Concordia, and Iulium Carnicum. Notably, the soldiers of Maximinus Thrax, during the siege of Aquileia in 238 AD, claimed to have witnessed Belenus protecting the city from above.
Name Etymology
In epigraphic records, variations of the name such as Belenus, Belinus, and Bellenus have surfaced. Other names may represent corruptions of these forms, with instances like Belanus found near Oulx and Belin noted by Herodian. The exact origin of the name Belenus is nebulous. Underlying theories often link it to Apollo due to similar attributes shared by both deities, encompassing domains like light, knowledge, healing, and poetry. The prevailing interpretation among scholars relates the name to the concept of brightness or shining, derived from the root bhel, linking Belenus to antiquity as a solar deity, paralleling the first part of Beltane (belo-te(p)nia) meaning “bright fire.”
Alternatively, the name might stem from a Proto-Celtic *Guelenos, indicating a possible connection to a source or well, hinting at an identity as a god associated with healing springs. An interesting explanation from Renaissance scholar Pierre Pithou proposed a link to the Greek term belos, meaning “arrow,” signifying the sun’s rays. However, this simplistic view of equating Apollo and Belenus has been challenged. The complexities of their worship indicate that by the time Belenus was identified with Apollo, distinctions had emerged in their veneration. Additionally, suggestions arose drawing parallels with Semitic names such as Bel and Belus; although intriguing, these connections remain speculative due to the considerable cultural gaps.
Another proposition connects Belenus to henbane—known in antiquity by various names, such as belenuntia and bellinuncium—well-regarded for its psychoactive properties. This plant, commonly used by druids, may provide insights into the origins of the archetype represented by Belenus. In classical Latin, henbane was referred to as apollinaris herba, or “herb of Apollo,” further indicating the intertwined identities of these deities.
Epithets and Derived Names
In ancient Gaul and Britain, Apollo was frequently associated with various names, potentially numbering over fifteen distinct epithets, including Grannos, Borvo, and Maponus. An epithet attributed to Belenus is Vindonnus, linked to a temple site at Essarois, where a healing spring was venerated. Remnants of this temple include an inscription to Belenus and the spirit of the springs, adorned with a sun-like head. Pilgrims visiting this sanctuary frequently offered votive objects, many aimed at addressing eye ailments.
A singular inscription acknowledges Belenus as Teutorix, which has led to suggestions that the Germanic name Theodoric originated from Gaulish influences within early Germanic traditions.
The Welsh name Llywelyn combines the theonyms Lugus and Belenus, while the historical British king Cunobelinus is interpreted to mean “hound of Belinos” or “one who precedes Belinos.” This title evokes imagery of a “Shining Warrior,” linking the meanings of dog and warrior skill. Likewise, legendary king Belinus from Geoffrey of Monmouth’s writings likely derives from this god’s name.
Beli Mawr, meaning “Beli the Great,” found in medieval Welsh literature, has also been associated with Belenus, although other scholars suggest ties to the name Gaulish Bolgios or the tribal name Belgae. Additionally, Diodorus Siculus marked Cornwall as Belerion, the first recorded location in the British Isles, posited to derive from the root bel, elucidating connections to brightness, thus coining terms reflective of “shining land.”
