Nantosuelta : The Nature Goddess

Natosuelta

Introduction

In the Celtic religion, Nantosuelta was a goddess who was often portrayed alongside Sucellus, the god of agriculture. Although her name can’t be translated, two accepted translations of her name are “She of the Winding Valley” and “She of the Sundrenched Valley.” Her association with the raven linked her to the Irish goddess, Morrigan.

The raven may have represented fertility and the presence of the dead. In some instances, she was seen holding a small house, which could have been a dovecote or a Gallo-Roman temple. The images of Nantosuelta and Sucellus, which were taken from the Gaulish iconography, appear to be similar to those of the Irish divine couple, the Queen of Demons and the Dagda.

Physical Traits

In art, the Mediomatrici depicted her as holding a round house on a pole with a crow. Other depictions show her with a bee hive or pot. Her depiction was believed to represent the abundance in her life, as she was linked to the Irish counterpart’s faery habitation. It was also believed that she turned into a crow on the field to symbolize her ability to lead on a battlefield.

Family

She was a part of the Tuatha Dé Danann and was paired with Sucellus and later on Dagda.

Other names

Nantosuelta’s name can’t be properly translated, though two accepted translations of it in Proto-Celtic refer to her as either She of the Winding River or She of the Sundrenched Valley. Although her attributes don’t show that she’s a water deity, the descriptions of her appear to refer to a Gallic goddess known as Icovellauna.

Powers and Abilities

Nantosuelta is believed to be the goddess of fertility, nature, and water. She can grant the people prosperity and abundance through her control over the elements. Fire is also associated with her, and she can use it as a source of protection, warmth, and light. In addition, she’s linked to the rays of the sun, which nourish and illuminate the Earth.

Healers and oracles, she can cure wounds, predict the future, and assist those who need her wisdom and guidance. People often seek her advice and guidance. As a protector and warrior, she can defend her people against dangers and enemies. She often appears alongside Sucellus as the god of forests and agriculture.

Modern Day Influence

She is a very ancient and obscure figure that is not well-known outside of her original cultural context.