|
Cassibodua
A Gaulish Goddess: Curly-headed Raven
Cassibodua is a Gaulish goddess known from a single inscription found at Herbitzheim, Germany where she is equated with the Roman goddess, Victory. The interpretation of her name suggests that she was a Celtic raven battle goddess. |
|
Gaul: Curly-headed raven
Cassibodua is known from a Gaulish inscription found at Herbitzheim, Germany (CIL XIII 04525 where she is invoked as Victoriae [C]assi[b]oduae). Thus she is conflated by interpretato Romana with the Roman goddess Victory.
The name is derived from the proto-Celtic *kasso- (curly,woven) and *bodwo- (cow [though the name also has the connotation of 'battle']) and can be interpreted as 'Curly-headed Raven'. Which might sound a little odd to modern ears, however, 'curly-haired' was an epithet applied to wariors across the Celtic countries and seems to have connoted strength and bravery.
Thus Cassiboodua was a battle goddes and her name sems to closely parallel that of the Gaulish Cathubodua 'battle raven' and the Irish Goddess Badb, sometimes known as Badb Catha, ('Battle Raven') who represents an element of the tripple Mórrígan. Thus Cassibodua might be a Gaulish remnant of a triple raven goddes, now lost to us, involved with war, fertility and sexuality.
Couldn't find what you were looking for? Search the web:
One Million People CampaignIf 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! |
