Epona Stone statuette, 2nd century AD
Museum of Alesia, Alesia
Museum of Alesia, Alesia
Ancient Celtic tales are found in early welsh literature, known as the Mabinogion, which is separated into Four Branches. In the First and Third branches, in the stories of the family Pwyll, Epona is linked with Rhiannon, the Great or Divine queen.
The name Epona (Great Mare) is from the Gaulish language, spoken by the Celtic inhabitants of Gaul (modern France and Belgium).
Possibly initially a river or spring goddess, conceived as a spirited steed, Epona became a Celtic mythological deity and great queen of the underworld. She was also associated with the everyday. As the giver of plenty, she was patroness of mares and the protector of foals. Epona is usually depicted riding a mare, with other mares and their foals.
In the final Gaelic conquest in 45 BC, the Roman calvary took her as their own. Epona was the only Celtic goddess to be celebrated with a festival in Rome.