Check out the new Cernunnos foundation schwag now available in our support shop! Featuring artwork modelled after the Gundestrup Cauldron etching of the Celtic God known as Cernunnos with the Cernunnos Foundations black and white logo on the back. Get yours today!
Cernunnos, often depicted as a horned deity, embodies the essence of the wild and untamed aspects of nature in Celtic mythology. His name, which translates to “horned one” or “lord of the wild things,” reflects his association with animals, fertility, and the wilderness. Cernunnos is often depicted in Celtic art and iconography as a figure adorned with antlers or horns, seated in a meditative or cross-legged position, surrounded by animals such as stags, boars, and serpents. He is a symbol of the cyclical nature of life, representing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Gundestrup Cauldron, a remarkable piece of Celtic metalwork dating back to the Iron Age, offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and mythological beliefs of the ancient Celtic peoples. Discovered in a peat bog in Denmark in 1891, the cauldron is intricately decorated with elaborate scenes featuring gods, goddesses, warriors, and animals. One of the most iconic images on the cauldron is that of Cernunnos himself, depicted in a central panel adorned with antlers, surrounded by various animals and mythical creatures. The Gundestrup Cauldron serves as a testament to the rich and complex religious beliefs of the Celts, showcasing their reverence for nature, their gods, and the mysteries of the cosmos. It remains a valuable archaeological artifact, offering valuable insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of ancient Celtic society.