Les dieux gaulois à la bourse
Keywords:
Lugus, Mercury, Bacchus, Cernunnos, Rosmerta, Purse-marsupium, Caduceus, Cock, Ram, Egg, Rebirth, Double principle
Abstract
The most frequent attributes of the Gaulish Mercury are the caduceus, the purse, the cock and the he-goat or ram. Analysis of these attributes, which are occasionally associated with other divinities, shows that their functions concern the cycle of regeneration. The purse seems to contain embryons of a new life rather than coins dispensed by Mercury or his mate Rosmerta. The same symbolism is denoted by the bucket sometimes held by the goddess. The cock, as well as the egg, is also a symbol of rebirth, while the he-goat - as well as any horned animal - and the caduceus allude to the fact that any new life contains intrinsically the double principle reproducting both life and death.Downloads
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Published
2009-02-02
How to Cite
Zavaroni A. (2009). Les dieux gaulois à la bourse. Gerión. Revista de Historia Antigua, 26(1), 327-347. https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/GERI/article/view/GERI0808120327A
Issue
Section
Varia
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