Belenus facts for kids
Belenus (pronounced Beh-LEE-nus) was an important Celtic god from ancient times. People believed he had special powers for healing and was often linked to the sun. His worship was popular across a wide area, from Italy to the British Isles. A major place where people honored him was Aquileia, a city on the Adriatic coast. The Romans often saw Belenus as similar to their god Apollo, who was also connected to healing and light.
What's in a Name?
Where We Find His Name
The name Belenus comes from the ancient Celtic language, specifically Gaulish. We know about him from about 51 old writings and carvings. Most of these were found in Aquileia, which is now in Italy. But his name also appeared in other places where Celts lived, like Gaul (modern France), Noricum (parts of Austria and Slovenia), and the British Islands.
Some experts think the original name might have been Belinos. This name shows up in other old Celtic names, like Belyn o Lŷn, a Welsh leader from long ago.
What Belenus Might Mean
The exact meaning of Belenus is still a bit of a mystery. For a long time, people thought it meant 'the bright one' or 'the shining one'. This idea came from linking him to the sun god Apollo.
However, some newer ideas suggest different meanings. One idea is that it comes from a Celtic word meaning 'strong' or 'powerful'. So, Belenus could mean 'Master of Power'. Another interesting idea links his name to a plant called henbane. This plant was used in ancient times for medicine, which fits with Belenus being a healing god.
Some scholars also think his name might be connected to 'sources' or 'springs'. This makes sense because Belenus was often linked to healing waters and thermal springs.
Names Connected to Belenus
Many other names and places might be linked to Belenus. For example, a village near Aquileia is still called Beligna.
The name of an ancient British leader, Cunobeline, might mean 'hound of Belenus'. The Welsh name Llywelyn could also be related, possibly meaning 'strong as Lugus' (another Celtic god).
The plant henbane, which was used for medicine, was sometimes called belenuntia in Gaulish. This shows another link to Belenus and his healing powers. The goddess Belisama might also have a name that means 'Very Powerful', using a similar root word as Belenus.
Belenus and Apollo's Titles
In ancient Gaul and Britain, the Roman god Apollo was often seen as a god of the sun and healing. He was sometimes called by different Celtic names or titles, including Belenus.
For example, at a healing place in France, people called him Apollo Belenus when they prayed for cures. If Belenus means 'shining', it's like another title, Vindonnus, which means 'white'. Both titles connect Apollo to light and healing, especially for eye problems.
Belenus's Ancient Worship
Where His Worship Began
Experts believe Belenus was a very old god, possibly worshipped even before the Romans arrived. He might have started as a special god of the Carnic Alps region, known for healing and giving advice. His worship then spread from there to other Celtic towns.
Places Where Belenus Was Worshipped
Tertullian, a writer from around 200 AD, said Belenus was the main god of Noricum. Many carvings and writings dedicated to Belenus are found in the Eastern Alps and northern Italy. But his popularity grew even wider during the Roman period.
Around 240 AD, a writer named Herodian mentioned that Belenus was the special protector god of Aquileia. During a big battle there in 238 AD, people said they saw Belenus floating in the air, fighting to defend his city. This story is similar to how Apollo was said to defend his temple in Delphi.
Many dedications to a "Fountain of Belenus" show his strong connection to healing springs. Even Roman emperors like Diocletian honored Belenus in the Aquileia area. Other places where his worship was important included Zuglio, Venice, and Rimini. An altar was also found in Celje, a major town in Noricum.
Belenus was also popular in other parts of Gaul, like Aquitania and Provence (near Marseille and Nîmes). At a place called Aquae Borvonis, the Aedui people worshipped Belenus alongside healing waters.
Belenus's Partner
Sometimes, pictures of Belenus show him with a female figure. This might be the Celtic goddess Belisama. Her name could also mean 'Very Powerful'.
In Noricum, Belenus might have been joined by another goddess called Belestis. She was possibly seen as a goddess of nature and fertility.
Related Beliefs and Legacy
Medieval Ireland and Beltane
Some scholars think the Irish word Bel is linked to Belenus. The Celtic festival of Beltane (pronounced BEL-tayn), celebrated on May 1st, means 'Bel's Fires'. On this day, people would light big fires. Sometimes, cattle were driven between two fires to protect them from sickness. This tradition might be connected to ancient beliefs about Belenus and healing.
Modern Slovenia's Belin
In Slovenia, there's a folk figure called Belin, mentioned in the 19th century. This might show that the worship of Belenus survived and blended into Slovenian stories. People believed Belin was a great healer who could cure blindness. Some also think Belenus might have become part of Slovenian folklore as beliči, a type of fairy-like being.
Belenus in Science and Pop Culture
- Science: A small planet, 11284 Belenus, is named after him.
- Popular Culture: In the famous French comic books about Asterix, the Gauls often swear by "Belenos" and "Toutatis".
