Maponus

Maponus was a god of youth known mainly in northern Britain but also in Gaul, who was equated with Apollo.

Statuette of Maponus from London. (c) Dun Brython

Scholars believe his name to mean ‘Great Son’. There are at least three statues to Maponus. In one, he is depicted with a lyre and stands opposite a Celtic Diana huntress figure.

Altar to Apollo Maponus from Hexham Abbey. (c) Mike Quinn

The evidence is mainly epigraphical from the area of Hadrian’s Wall with some inscriptions dedicated solely to Maponus and others to Apollo Maponus.

Altar to Maponus and the Imperial Cult, from Hadrian’s Wall. Tullie House Museum.

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