Belenus: Mighty Gaulish God Of Light Often Associated With Lugh And Apollo

A. Sutherland – AncientPages.com – The Gaulish god Belenus (Belinus/Belenos), whose worship goes back to deep antiquity, was a widely recognized deity associated with healing, springtime festival, protection, and, on occasion, with the sun.

Continental god Belenus. Source

His name is probably a latinization of the god Beli worshiped by the Celts who inhabited the European continent before being driven away by the Romans.

“Great and powerful Belenus—

we honor you this day—

and thank you for your gifts.

You are known by many names.

You are the light over the crops in the fields,

the heat that warms the earth,

the hope that springs eternal,

the bringer of life…”

Related to Apollo But Not In Celtic Culture

In ancient depictions, this deity was recognized as the equivalent of the Roman god Apollo, a god of light and the sun, but sometimes associated with the god Lugh.

Belenus was often depicted riding the sun across the sky in a horse-drawn chariot. Other depictions show him riding a horse and throwing thunder-bolts while using his wheel as a shield. The wheel, a head with solar rays and halos is also an attribute associated with Belenus.

As we know, the god Apollo acquired power over medicine, healing, disease after he was established at Delphi.

In Celtic culture, however, Belenus was associated with health, fountains, health, and the pastoral lifestyle.

Source: AncientPages.com – Read rest of the article here