Just like with most ancient civilizations, gods and goddesses played an important role in early belief systems. The people would erect temples to worship certain deities – in hopes of being in good favor with the gods. In this article, you will encounter some Celtic deities, including Brighid, who was known as a healing goddess amongst other things.
Mullo
Inscriptions of the Celtic god Mullo (whose name is linked to horses or mules) associate him with the god Mars. Popular in northern and northwestern Gaul, a cult devoted to the god existed. He was quite popular in Brittany and Normandy. A circular temple devoted to Mars Mullo was located at Craon in the Mayenne. Pilgrims would make a journey to visit the shrine of Mullo, where they would bring coins to offer the god. Others would come with votive images of body parts that were afflicted, especially issues that involved the eyes.
Visucius
Often associated with Mercury, Visucius was a Gallo-Roman god that enjoyed cult worship primarily in the east of Gaul. Interestingly, his name is often interpreted as meaning 'of the ravens.'
Brighid
Brighid is known as the triple goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft. Associated with many healing springs and wells, she is often considered one of the best known of the deities of healing. Brighid appears in Irish mythology as the daughter of the Dagda. She is described by some as a woman of poetry that the poets worshipped. Her connection to smith working sees her as creating the whistle used to call people throughout the night. In artistic depictions, one side of her face was quite unattractive. Saint Brigid is celebrated in February amongst the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and by some Anglicans on the first of the month.
Neit
The Celtics worshipped Neit as a god of war.
Nodens
Associated with healing, the sea, hunting and dogs, Nodens was a Celtic deity mostly worshipped in the ancient region of what is now called Britain. A temple complex at Lydney Park in Gloucestershire was dedicated to the god. When compared to other ancient gods, Nodens was most like Mars, Mercury, and Neptune.
Olloudius
There is only one image that exists of Olloudius – a well known god worshipped by the Celts. The male deity was created in the style of the Celtic culture, displaying a small head and large, elongated body. Features of the image include a double cornucopia and an offering plate. Instead of wearing armor or anything linked to the military, he is dressed in a cap and cloak. He is believed to have been a peaceful protector – one that heals. He is also connected to fertility spirits. In depictions of the god, he is often seen with the double horn of plenty.
