Today we will review the myth of Epona, Celtic goddess of fertility and protector of horses. Learn about her influence and legends.
Who is Epona?
In Celtic mythology, the goddess Epona is a goddess associated with horses and fertility. She is considered one of the most important equine-related deities in Celtic mythology. Epona was worshipped in different regions of ancient Celtic Europe, especially in Gaul (the region roughly corresponding to modern France and parts of neighboring countries).
How is Epona depicted?
Epona is depicted as a young and beautiful goddess, often riding a horse or surrounded by horses. She is attributed with attributes such as protecting horses, healing equine diseases, and blessing fertility for both animals and people.
Epona crosses cultures
The worship of Epona spread throughout the Roman Empire due to the expansion and cultural contact between the Celts and the Romans. Roman soldiers and merchants often adopted Epona as their protectress and spread her worship to different parts of the empire.
It should be noted that much of the information about Epona comes from inscriptions and artistic representations, as there are no written Celtic texts detailing her myths and legends in any extensive way. However, her presence and popularity among the ancient Celts is evident from archaeological remains and mentions in Roman sources.
Myths and legends of Epona
In Celtic culture, the goddess Epona is part of multiple inscriptions and artistic representations in which she is mentioned or her symbolism is used. She interferes in some of the legends with the attributes associated with Epona in her role as goddess of horses and fertility. She may have been considered a protector of equines and was asked for help in the breeding and healing of horses.
In addition, as a fertility goddess, Epona is likely to have been invoked in rituals and ceremonies to bless the fields and promote crop growth. Her association with horses may also have linked her with war and the protection of warriors.
Although there are no specific mythological accounts of Epona in Celtic culture, her importance and veneration in Roman Gaul and other Celtic areas suggest that she played a significant role in the religious and spiritual life of Celtic communities.
Epona Celtic goddess in popular culture
Here are some examples of how Epona has been depicted in literature and popular culture. Her association with horses and Celtic mythology make her an appealing character to explore in the realm of fantasy and contemporary fiction.
References to Epona
- “The Prydain Chronicles” by Lloyd Alexander: Epona is mentioned as the goddess of horses in this series of fantasy books, which are based on Celtic mythology and culture.
- “The Legend of Zelda” video game series: Epona is the name of the rideable mare that appears in several games of the popular Nintendo franchise. The main character, Link, can call upon Epona to quickly transport him around the game world.
- “Mists of Avalon” by Marion Zimmer Bradley: In this novel, which reimagines the Arthurian legend from the perspective of women, Epona is mentioned as a goddess worshipped by the ancient Celts.
- “The Iron Druid Chronicles” series by Kevin Hearne: Epona is a recurring character in this series of urban fantasy books. She is portrayed as a Celtic goddess who has a special bond with the protagonist, an immortal druid.
- “Epona” by Susan Jeffers: This children’s book tells the story of a young girl named Epona who has a special gift for communicating with horses and finds adventures in the world of Celtic mythology.
