Beli Mawr, also known as Belenus or Bel, is a deity of Welsh mythology who has been worshipped by the ancient Celts. He was a god of light, fertility, and the sun, and he was widely revered by the Druids. His cult was widespread across Britain and Gaul, and his importance in Celtic religion can be seen in the many references to him in Celtic literature.
| Cult | Symbols | Role | Legacy |
The Mythological Importance of Beli Mawr
Beli Mawr is known as a powerful god of the Celts, and his name has been found in various inscriptions throughout Britain and Gaul. He was an important figure in Celtic mythology, and he was often associated with the sun and fertility. He was also known as the father of several prominent figures in Welsh mythology, including Lludd Llaw Eraint, Caswallawn, and Llefelys. As the father of these characters, Beli Mawr was seen as a powerful progenitor and protector of the Welsh people.
The Cult of Beli Mawr
The cult of Beli Mawr was widespread across Britain and Gaul, and it was often associated with the Druids. The Druids were a powerful class of Celtic priests who were responsible for preserving the myths, traditions, and knowledge of their people. They were also known for their ability to predict the future and their knowledge of magic and medicine. The Druids believed that Beli Mawr was a powerful deity who could bring fertility and prosperity to their people, and they often performed rituals and sacrifices in his honor.
The cult of Beli Mawr was not limited to the Druids, however. The god was also worshipped by the common people, who would offer him sacrifices and prayers for good fortune. The importance of Beli Mawr in Celtic religion can be seen in the many inscriptions and dedications that have been found throughout Britain and Gaul.
The Symbols and Iconography of Beli Mawr
Beli Mawr was often depicted in artwork and iconography as a sun god, and he was associated with the power of light and fertility. He was often shown holding a solar disc or wearing a crown of rays, which symbolized his association with the sun. In some depictions, he was also shown carrying a spear or a sword, which symbolized his power and authority.
He was also associated with the natural world, and he was often depicted alongside animals such as stags, bulls, and serpents. These animals were seen as symbols of fertility and power. They represented the natural world that Beli Mawr was believed to control.
The Role of Beli Mawr in Welsh Mythology
In Welsh mythology, Beli Mawr played an important role as the father of several prominent figures. One of his sons, Lludd Llaw Eraint, was a king who was famous for his defeat of the three plagues of Britain. Another son, Caswallawn, was a warrior who fought against the invading Romans. Llefelys, another son of his, was a wise man who possessed knowledge of both the Welsh and the Irish languages.
Beli Mawr himself was also an important figure in Welsh mythology. He was believed to be the father of a powerful group of gods known as the Children of Don. These gods included Gwydion, Math, Arianrhod, and Blodeuwedd. The Children of Don were associated with magic and wisdom, and they were believed to possess great power and influence.
The Legacy of Beli Mawr
His legacy can be seen in the many inscriptions and dedications that have been found throughout Britain and Gaul. His name has also been preserved in the modern Welsh language, where the word “bendith” means “blessing” or “prosperity”. This word is thought to be derived from his association with fertility and prosperity.
Beli Mawr’s importance in Celtic religion can also be seen in the many places that were named after him. There is a hill called Mynydd Beli, in Wales, believed to be the site of a temple dedicated to him. In France, there is a town called Belin-Béliet, which is thought to have been named after Beli Mawr.
Despite the widespread worship of Beli Mawr, his cult declined with the arrival of Christianity in Britain and Gaul. Many of the temples and shrines dedicated to the god were destroyed, and his name was gradually forgotten. However, the memory of him has been preserved in Welsh mythology and folklore. His legacy continues to inspire and intrigue people today.
The Interpretation of Beli Mawr in Modern Times
The study of Beli Mawr has continued into modern times, with scholars and historians examining his role in Celtic religion and mythology. Many have interpreted him as a sun god, due to his association with light and fertility. Others have suggested that he was a war god, due to his depictions with weapons such as spears and swords.
Some modern interpretations of Beli Mawr also link him to other gods and deities from Celtic and Indo-European mythology. Some have suggested that he is linked to the Irish god Belenus or the Roman god Apollo, who were also associated with the sun and light. Others have linked him to the Germanic god Balder or the Norse god Baldur. They were both associated with light and fertility.
Conclusion
Beli Mawr is a complex god who played an important role in Celtic religion and mythology. He was widely worshipped by the Druids and the common people. Both believed that he could bring fertility and prosperity to their communities. He was associated with the power of light, fertility, and the sun. Often depicted in artwork and iconography with symbols such as solar discs, crowns of rays, and weapons.
Despite the decline of his cult with the arrival of Christianity, the memory of Beli Mawr has been preserved in Welsh mythology and folklore. His legacy can be seen in the many inscriptions and dedications that have been found throughout Britain and Gaul, as well as in the modern Welsh language. His complex nature has continued to inspire and intrigue scholars and historians. Indeed, anyone who have sought to understand his role in Celtic and Indo-European mythology.
Recommended reading
If you’re interested in learning more about Beli Mawr and Celtic mythology, here are a few recommended books that you might find interesting:
- “The Religion of the Ancient Celts” by J.A. MacCulloch – This classic work explores the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Celts, including their worship of Beli Mawr.
- “Gods and Heroes of the Celts” by Marie-Louise Sjoestedt – Provides an overview of Celtic mythology, including Beli Mawr.
- “The White Goddess” by Robert Graves – Although this book is controversial and has been criticized for its historical accuracy, it provides an interesting and thought-provoking interpretation of Celtic mythology, including the role of Beli Mawr.
- “The Druids” by Peter Berresford Ellis – Provides a comprehensive overview of the Druids and their association with Beli Mawr.
- “Celtic Myths and Legends” by Peter Berresford Ellis – Provides an overview of the myths of the Celts, including Beli Mawr.
- “The Mabinogion” – This collection of Welsh folklore and mythology includes several stories that feature Beli Mawr.
