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Dr. Fred C. Woudhuizen [ 1959 - 2021 ]
580 California St., Suite 400
San Francisco, CA, 94104
Luwian Kuruntas and Celtic Cernunnos: Two Closely Related Manifestations of the Same Indo-European God
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Abstract
In this note it will be argued that not only the names of the Luwian god Kuruntas and the Celtic god Cernunnos show a reflex of the same Pro-to-Indo-European root, but also the function of these two gods in, re-spectively, the Luwian and Celtic pantheon, is of similar nature.
Key takeaways
- The same verdict might well apply to Luwian hieroglyphic texts from the same period, in any case in the so-called Emirgazi text from the reign of the Hittite great-king Tudḫaliyas IV (1239-1209 BC) we happen to be confronted with an enumeration of deities which starts with the following sequence: (1) the sun-goddess of suncity (F1), the storm-god (of) heaven (F2), and (3) a composite deity name in which the element Kurunt-features, which refers to the Luwian tutelary deity or stag-god (F3).
- Now, from a linguistic point of view the name of the Luwian tutelary deity or stag-god Kuruntas is most closely related to that of his Celtic equivalent Cernunnos, both being derived from PIE *erh 1 -"horn".
- Here, again, Cernunnos is directly associated with a stag, this time at his right side, in like manner as on the Reims altar and just like Luwian Kuruntas is in the pictorial design on the Schimmel rhyton.
- If the preceding argument holds water, it may safely be concluded that Luwian Kuruntas and Celtic Cernunnos are not only reflexes of one and the same PIE root, but that the deities in question also share an association with stags in their imagery and the wilderness-be it the fields and/or woods, depending on the specific natural environment-in the epigraphic evidence with a bearing on them.
Related papers
The Gods of the Celts and the Indo-Europeans (revised 2019)
The Gods of the Celts and the Indo-Europeans, 1994
Notes on Proto-Celtic "Pantheon" version 1.0
2021
Simple notes on Gods and structures of the Celts, considering the hypothesis of a common "proto-celtic" basic "pantheon".
‘Some epigraphic comparanda bearing on the “pan-Celtic god” Lugus’
Celtic Religions in the Roman Period: Personal, Local, and Global, eds. R. Haeussler & A. King, 2017
As the subject of Celtic mythology developed over the 20th century, the methodology combined ancient Celtic and Romano-Celtic epigraphic evidence together with early Welsh and Irish literature with the objective of recovering ideas about pre-Christian gods. In our current work, it is perhaps no longer safe to assume that the pre-Christian Celtic-speaking peoples (even) shared a common mythology, however one could go about recovering it from surviving material. At the same time, a larger body of ancient epigraphic evidence is now available for the traditional comparative procedure. Against this background, the presentation will consider possible implications of expanded onomastic comparanda from ancient inscriptions relevant to tales from the Welsh Mabinogion and Old and Middle Irish sagas. The focus will be on some narratives that have been seen as reflections of the myth of the ‘pan-Celtic god Lugus’. Some recent alternative interpretations will also be weighed in light of detailed epigraphic parallels.
Cernunnos as a Lost Dionysian Twin: Recent Celticist Scholarship and its Implications for Practitioners
The Book of Cernunnos (ISBN-10: 0988900971), 2023
This essay takes the recent monograph, Cernunnos, le dioscure sauvage: Recherches comparatives sur la divinité dionysiaque des Celtes (Paris, 2010) by two renowned scholars of Celtic art history and literatures, Daniel Gricourt and Dominique Hollard, as its point of departure, proceeding to discuss the developing understanding of Cernunnos away from the standard interpretation as a barely documented Gaulish deity toward a more complex analysis of his layered connection to medieval Celtic lore. In addition to a critical review of the monograph, the essay also addresses the dynamics through which such scholarly works might be understood or disseminated in Neopagan communities, and the ways in which popular perceptions of Cernunnos resemble those of Celticist scholarship or differ from them. Finally, a few suggestions on Neopagan practice are made.
Celtic Deities in Roman Dalmatia: A Reassesment
Kelto-Römische Gottheiten und ihre Verehrer. Akten des 14. F.E.R.C.AN.-Workshops Trier, 12.–14. Oktober 2015., ed. by K. Matijević (Pharos 39), 2016
This paper re-examines all Celtic divine names attested in Latin inscriptions of Roman Dalmatia. Contrary to current opinion, it is argued that Epona and Camulus are most probably not mentioned in the epigraphy of ancient Salona. The article analyses inscriptions of the area which are thought to be associated with Gaulish Taranis / Taranus, and also discusses the provenance of worshippers of “Celtic” cults in the province.
Contributions to the Science of Mythology: Comparative Myth. Prof. F. Max Müller FT.-Phenomena of Nature ,Riddles +Myths of Aryan +Greek lore of Cosmic to Ethereal Beings , Vedic Traditions, Folklore +Historical Elements of Herakles, Alexander, Charlemagne - Mythologies -(Forgotten Work)rare
Longmans, Green and CO. 39 Paternnoster Row , London + New York and Bombay, 1897
CONTENTS CHAPTER I: Retrospect The Beginnings of Comparative Mythology, Mr. Herbert Spencer, &c. Story of Tuna from Mangaia. Proper Use of the Mythology of Uncivilized Peoples. Dr. Codrington on Totems. Meaning of ‘Primitive.’ Kronos and his Children. Fontenelle. Comparative Mythology founded. Names. Gervinus and Haupt. Controversies. Fermentation of Mythology. Study of Savage Tribes. My Defenders. Canizzaro. Sir Henry Maine. Mr. Horatio Hale. Professor Tiele. Kronos and Polynesian Folklore. M. Gaidoz. Influence of Language on Mythology. How Gender influences Mythology. The Moon. The Sun. Ideas fixed by Words. Importance of Mythology and Philosophy. Differences of Opinion Natural. Importance of Names. Help derived from Gender. Dual or Correlative Character of Deities. The Asvins and Helena. Many-sidedness of Ancient Gods. Etymology uncertain. Mythological and Historical Elements. Herakles, Alexander, Charlemagne. Mythology Anomalous. Stages of Mythology. Anomalous Names. Vedic Names. Folk-etymologies. Words without any Etymology. Study of Mythology changed. CHAPTER II: On the Problems and Methods of the Science of Mythology Three Schools of Mythological Study. Myth and History. Heroes. True Problem of Mythology. Our True Interest in Mythology. Disease of Language. Iroquois Stories. Mythology as a Psychological Problem. The Hyponoia of Mythology. Greek Views on the Meaning of Mythology. Gods as representing the Prominent Phenomena of Nature. The Weather and the Seasons. Saws about Weather. Historical Traditions. Enigmatic Language of Mythology. Gods with Intelligible Names. Helios and Selene. The Boat and the Herds of Helios. Selene. Apollon and Artemis. Gods with many Epithets, Hermes. Enigmatic Phase of Mythology. The Golden Apples. Montenegro Song of the Golden Apples. Sezjanian Riddles and Myths. Mordvinian Riddles and Greek Mythology. Mythology, no System. Mythographi. The Brothers Grimm, Schwartz, Castren. Had Gods and Heroes a Common Origin? Naturalia non sunt turpia. Heroes parallel with Gods. Helena both Goddess and Heroine. Dr. Hahn on Märchen. Beginnings of Mythology Lost. Schelling. Original Elements of Mythology. Male and Female Agents. Common Epithets of Physical Agents. What are the Devas? True Meaning of Deva. Mitra and Varuna. Names of the Devas in Modern Sanskrit or in Zend. Complementary Devas. Mitra and Varuna. How to compare Vedic and Greek Gods. The brilliant Haritas. Agni, Fire, Light, Sun. Indra. Ushas. Devas not restricted to one single Phenomenon. CHAPTER III: The Study of Specific Deities and Folklore Children of the Sun, Moon, &c. Eclipses of the Moon. Koi (Koit), the Dawn. Luonnotar. Water Deities. Earth Deities. Haltias. Abstract Deities. Subterrestrial Gods, and Ancestral Spirits. Castren’s Summing Up. Castren. Foreign Influences. The Mundane Egg. Physical Basis of the Ugro-Finnic Mythologies. CHAPTER IV: Psychological School of Comparative Mythology Ethno-psychological Studies. Dr. Gruppe. Sense of Shame. Discovery of Motives. Abstract Ideas among Savages. CHAPTER V: Phonetics Phonetic Rules, General and Special. Discovery of Phonetic Rules. Restricted Evidence for Phonetic Rules. Discussions about θεός. Comparative Philology at Leipzig in 1838. Bopp, Pott, Grimm. Grimm’s Law. Exceptions to Grimm’s Law. Lottner, Grassmann. Verner’s Law. Threefold Differentiation of Roots. Change of Place. Schleicher’s Ursprache. Dialects antecedent to Classical Speech. Aryan Vowels. Correspondence of Aryan Vowels. Unchangeability of Phonetic Laws. Analogy. Importance of Sanskrit. The Vedic Accent. Weak and Strong Terminations. Explanation of the Ablaut. Weakening and Strengthening of the Base. True Value of Phonetics. The Becoming of Letters. Aryan Vowels and their Legitimate Changes. The Accent. Ablaut. Instances. Assimilation (J. Schmidt). Consonants. Two Kinds of Palatals. Two Kinds of Gutturals. Application of Phonetic Rules to Proper Names. Local Names. Loss of Meaning entails Change of Form. Christian Names. Proper Names in Greek. Proper Names of Gods and Heroes. Dialectic Varieties of Proper Names. New Etymologies by Prof. Bechtel (Dionysos, Kerberos, Varvara, Zeus). θεός = Ushas. Dioskouroi = Divas putrasa. Trito and Tritogeneia. Helios, Mene, and Hestia. Erinys = Sarawyu. Helios. Athene. Poseidon. Hermes. Hera. Phoibos. Apollon. Ares. Artemis. Aphrodite. Anomalous Words of a more Ancient Stratum. Words with Different Etymologies. Prapides. Analogy and its Limits. Loss of Letters. Freedom in analyzing Mythological Names. Local Influence. Dialectic Varieties of Mythological Names. Aspirates, Sonant, and Surd. Mythological Names, Prehistoric. Daphne. Athene. Evidence necessarily limited. Gawapaçça. Briseis. Night and Clouds. Varuna. Orthros. Recapitulation. This rare and awe-inspiring book offers an in-depth exploration of the vast Collection of global mythology, blending scholarship with captivating storytelling. It traces the origins and evolution of mythological narratives from the dawn of civilization, revealing how humanity's earliest beliefs were shaped by a profound connection to nature, the cosmos, and the divine. Delving into the myths of ancient Egypt, Sumeria, Greece, and Rome, as well as lesser-known stories from Polynesia, Vedic traditions, and indigenous peoples, the book brings to life the gods, goddesses, and heroes who personified the forces of creation, destruction, and renewal. From the cosmic battles of Kronos and his children to the symbolic significance of the sun, moon, and seasons, each chapter sheds light on how myths functioned as both spiritual allegory and historical record. The work also uncovers the psychological and linguistic underpinnings of mythology, exploring how language itself influenced the formation of gods and sacred stories. It delves into the role of totems, primal symbols, and the enigmatic nature of deities who embody multiple, often contradictory, aspects of existence. With rich analysis on the effects of myth on both ancient and modern consciousness, it also offers insight into how mythology continues to shape philosophy, art, and religious thought today. Encompassing everything from the study of savage tribes and their gods to the sophisticated epics of classical antiquity, this book is not merely a scholarly work but a profound exploration of the shared human experience. It is a treasure trove of wisdom and cultural heritage for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the past, the sacred, and the origins of human belief. tags- • Ancient Mythology, 2. Comparative Religion, 3. Mythological Symbols, 4. Deities in Folklore, 5. Gods and Heroes, 6. Primitive Beliefs, 7. Religious Philosophy, 8. Vedic Traditions, 9. Greek Mythology, 10. Roman Deities, 11. Egyptian Gods, 12. Sumerian Texts, 13. Totemism, 14. Polynesian Folklore, 15. Kronos Myths, 16. Cultural Anthropology, 17. Mythic Archetypes, 18. Ancient Rites, 19. Sacred Rituals, 20. Creation Myths, 21. Sun Worship, 22. Moon Deities, 23. Totem Symbols, 24. Nature Worship, 25. Heroic Legends, 26. Divine Myths, 27. Linguistic Anthropology, 28. Mythic Symbolism, 29. Sacred Texts, 30. Epic Heroes, 31. Ancestral Spirits, 32. Ethno-religion, 33. Gender in Mythology, 34. Earth Gods, 35. Fire Worship, 36. Water Deities, 37. Air Spirits, 38. Solar Deities, 39. Lunar Myths, 40. Seasonal Myths, 41. Agricultural Deities, 42. Mythological Dualism, 43. Folk Etymology, 44. Sacred Geography, 45. Animal Totems, 46. Mythic Heroes, 47. Cosmic Deities, 48. Storm Gods, 49. War Deities, 50. Fertility Myths, 51. Death and Rebirth, 52. Afterlife Beliefs, 53. Funerary Rites, 54. Ancestor Worship, 55. Creation Legends, 56. Sacred Mountains, 57. Divine Kingship, 58. Magical Beings, 59. Supernatural Powers, 60. Mythical Creatures, 61. Dragons in Mythology, 62. Legendary Beasts, 63. Gods of Wisdom, 64. Goddesses of Fertility, 65. Sacred Feminine, 66. Mythic Kings, 67. Divine Queens, 68. Underworld Deities, 69. Sky Gods, 70. Weather Spirits, 71. Nature Myths, 72. Sacred Numbers, 73. Religious Symbols, 74. Tribal Mythology, 75. Epic Tales, 76. Divine Twins, 77. Archetypal Myths, 78. Mythological Cycles, 79. Pantheon of Gods, 80. Holy Beings, 81. Prophetic Legends, 82. Astral Mythology, 83. Divine Messengers, 84. Mythological Beings, 85. Heroic Journeys, 86. Trickster Gods, 87. Animal Spirits, 88. Healing Gods, 89. Shamanic Myths, 90. Mystical Experiences, 91. Visionary Myths, 92. Dream Interpretation, 93. Divine Visions, 94. Heavenly Realms, 95. Ethereal Beings, 96. Divine Emblems, 97. Goddesses of War, 98. Battle Deities, 99. Death Gods, 100. River Deities, 101. Mountain Spirits, 102. Sacred Trees, 103. Mythical Trees, 104. World Trees, 105. Creation Eggs, 106. Ocean Deities, 107. Sea Gods, 108. Sky Myths, 109. Stellar Deities, 110. Mythic Serpents, 111. Phoenix Myths, 112. Eternal Life, 113. Immortality Myths, 114. Chaos and Order, 115. Cosmic Battles, 116. Light and Dark, 117. Good vs Evil, 118. Mythical Time, 119. Sacred Calendars, 120. Heroic Sagas, 121. Divine Justice, 122. Lawgiver Gods, 123. Fate and Destiny, 124. Goddess of Fate, 125. Mythical Journeys, 126. Sacred Quests, 127. Legendary Warriors, 128. Divine Warriors, 129. Mythic Weapons, 130. Divine Fire, 131. Sacred Waters, 132. Ritual Purification, 133. Divine Punishment, 134. Celestial Beings, 135. Divine Intervention, 136. Miraculous Events, 137. Mythical Healing, 138. Oracles in Mythology, 139. Divine Prophecy, 140. Sacred Oracles, 141. Divine Inspiration, 142. Mythical Heroes, 143. Sacred Challenges, 144. Heroic Deeds, 145. Divine Tests, 146. Sacred Temples, 147. Religious Architecture, 148. Divine Relics, 149. Sacred Icons, 150. Holy Artifacts, 151. Mythical Artifacts, 152. Divine Healers, 153. Sacred Illnesses, 154. Divine Retribution, 155. Divine Transformation, 156. Animal Metamorphosis, 157. Godly Sacrifices, 158. Blood Sacrifices, 159. Mythic Resurrection, 160. Life and Death, 161. Rebirth Myths, 162. Creation of Man, 163. Divine Origins, 164....
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