Encyclopedia > Beli

  Article Content

Belenus

Redirected from Beli

In Brythonic mythology, especially in Gaul (later Italy to Britain), Belenus ("the shining one") was a fertility god who looked after sheep and cattle. His wife was Belisama. In Ireland, he was known as Bile ("sacred tree"). He may be the same as Belatu-Cadros.

In Wales, Beli was the husband of Danu and father of the Dagda, Dian Cecht, Lir, Lugh, Gwydion, Govannnon, Arianrhod, Gilfaethwy and Amaethon.

He was worshipped on May 1 at Beltaine ("Fire of Bel"). Purifying fires were lit and cattle were forced to walk between them before being allowed to go to pasture.

Belenus was eventually worshipped by Celts in Aquitaine, Austria, Italy, Britain, Gaul, Ireland and Wales.

Alternative: Bel (Ireland), Bile, Beli (Briton & Wales), Belenos (Gaul)



All Wikipedia text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License

 
  Search Encyclopedia

Search over one million articles, find something about almost anything!
 
 
  
  Featured Article
Islip Terrace, New York

... are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 1,755 households out of which 43.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.6% are married couples ...

 
 
 
This page was created in 38.4 ms