- Chapter Twenty-Five -
and Gaul (CIL XIII: 4542; Green 1989: 46-54; Linckenheld 1929: 40-92; de Vries 1963:
99- 100 ).
The symbols or motifs which accompany images of Celtic deities give some clues
as to their function or identity, although our interpretation of these symbols
may be open to misconception. The celestial god frequently carries a solar wheel as his
main attribute (Figure 25.6) (Green 1984, 1991a). The fact that this wheel-god is
sometimes invoked under the the name of Jupiter, the Roman sky-god, makes the
native divinity's identification secure. The Celtic god of the sky and sun was some-
times invoked as a divine horseman, the horse symbolizing the prestige and swiftness
appropriate to the high god of sun and firmament. Although this equestrian deity
is entirely indigenous to the Celtic world, in terms of image and meaning, he is
nevertheless venerated under the Roman name, Jupiter. The triple mother-goddesses
may be represented by name, but their imagery alone betrays their responsibilities as
promoters of fertility. Thus they may be portrayed with babies, children, fruit, corn
or loaves. The Burgundian Mothers are often represented one with an infant at the
breast, a second with a napkin, and the third with a bath-sponge and basin, and a
Figure 25.6 Bronze figurine of the celestial god with his solar wheel; Landouzy-la-Ville,
France. Ht 22 cm. (Photo: author.)