Cernunnos
Cernunnos, the Celtic god of the wild, is easily recognized by his impressive antlers. Often depicted seated cross-legged in a posture of contemplation, he embodies a deep connection with nature.
A menagerie of animals surrounds him, including stags, horned serpents, loyal dogs, powerful bulls, and even cunning rats. Cernunnos is frequently shown adorned with a torc, a symbol of status and power in Celtic cultures. In some depictions, he carries a overflowing bag, interpreted as containing either coins signifying wealth or grain representing abundance. The cornucopia, a horn overflowing with fruits and vegetables, further emphasizes his association with prosperity and the bounty of the natural world.
While depictions paint a clear picture of Cernunnos’s connection to the wild, interpretations of his specific role vary. Some view him as a god of animals, nature, and fertility, emphasizing his connection to the untamed world and its bounty. Others see him as a god of travel, commerce, and movement between realms, symbolized by his cross-legged posture and potential association with crossroads. Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of written records, our understanding of Cernunnos relies primarily on interpretations of these artistic depictions and artifacts bearing inscriptions.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 