Cernunnos

Cernunnos was a Celtic god depicted with antlers, seated cross-legged, and is associated with stags, horned serpents, dogs, bulls and rats. He is usually holding or wearing a torc and has been seen holding a bag of coins (or grain) and a cornucopia.

Detail of Cernunnos on the Gundestrup Cauldron, National Museum of Denmark.

Interpretations of his role within Gaulish culture vary from seeing him as a god of animals, nature and fertility to a god of travel, commerce and bi-directionality. The only evidence that has survived are inscriptions found on various artifacts.

Altar of Cernunnos with Mercury and Apollo, 1st c. AD, from Reims. (c) Marco Prins
Relief of Cernunnos from the Pillar of the Boatmen, 1st c. AD, Thermes de Cluny.
Relief of Cernunnos, 1st-2nd c. AD, Luxembourg City Histroy Museum.

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