Celtic Gods: The Gaulish God, Anvallus, The Good
Anvallus
A Gaulish god: The Good

This deity is known from two inscriptions found at Autun, Saône-et-Loire, France and is one of the 'high gods' of he Celtic pantheon and may represent a true name of the Father Deity himself.

Synonyms:
Gaul: The Good

Anvalus is a deity known from two inscriptions, both found at Autun, Saône-et-Loire, France. These inscriptions are CIL XIII 11225 which reads: ] Aug(usto) sa[cr(um)] / deo An/vallo Nor/baneius / Thallus / Gutuater / v(otum) s(olvit) l(ibens) m(erito) (Sacred to the great god Anvallus. Borbaneius Thallus Gutuater willingly and deservedly fulfills his vow). The second, CIL XIII 11226 reads: ] Aug(usto) sacr(um) deo Anvallo C(aius) Secund(us) Vitalis Appa Gutuater d(edit?) s(ua) p(ecunia) ex voto (Sacred to the great god Anvallus. Caius Secundus, Vitalis Appa Gutuater dedicates this from his property as a result of a vow).

Both the inscriptions occur on altars, but beyond this nothing is known of this deity. However, the inscriptions do indicate that this deity was considered as one of the 'great gods'. Using the reconstructed proto-Celtic lexicon it is possible to interpret this deity's name as being derived from the elements: *an- (negation: un, not) and *wallo- (bad). Thus Anvallus is the 'Not Bad' ie 'The Good'. In this respect the name of this deity links to that of the Irish deity the In Dagda (literally the 'Good God'). It is mere speculation, but could Anvallus be the true name of the Gaulish god known as Dis Pater?



Couldn't find what you were looking for? Search the web:



stefan and zogo small One Million People Campaign
If you can spare $1 then help support this site and change someone's life forever? Learn how and why on the One Million People campaign page. Or donate $10 and get my Guide to Spices or The Recipes of Africa eBooks as a gift for your donation!