Epona was a Gallo-Roman Goddess associated with horses, donkeys, and mules, and fertility. There has also been suggestion that she may also be a psychopomp, leading the souls of the dead through to the afterlife. Unusually for a Celtic deity she was not just worshipped locally or by certain tribes; between the first and third centuries AD she was worshipped throughout much of the Roman Empire as the patron of the cavalry.
The etymology of her name translates as 'great mare', but despite her name being Gaulish, many of the inscriptions we have found which demonstrate her worship are written in Latin, made by the Celts, Romans, Germans, and even Syrians. There is also evidence of a feast day being held in her honour annually on the 18th of December in Guidizzolo, Italy, although it is believed that this was a local festival rather than one which was acknowledged by all who worshipped her.
She is often depicted with horses, whether that be riding them or standing beside them. It is also reported that other symbols, such as the cornucopia and grain are associated with her, giving rise to the theory that she is also seen as a fertility Goddess. Often depictions of her show her with foals, but this could be further association with horses in general rather than fertility specifically.
The etymology of her name translates as 'great mare', but despite her name being Gaulish, many of the inscriptions we have found which demonstrate her worship are written in Latin, made by the Celts, Romans, Germans, and even Syrians. There is also evidence of a feast day being held in her honour annually on the 18th of December in Guidizzolo, Italy, although it is believed that this was a local festival rather than one which was acknowledged by all who worshipped her.
She is often depicted with horses, whether that be riding them or standing beside them. It is also reported that other symbols, such as the cornucopia and grain are associated with her, giving rise to the theory that she is also seen as a fertility Goddess. Often depictions of her show her with foals, but this could be further association with horses in general rather than fertility specifically.
Whilst she was such a prominent Goddess, there is not much in the way of tales or mythologies concerned with Epona. In one account often attributed to Plutarch (or an unknown author who drew inspiration from Plutarch), it states that Agesilaus wrote that Fulvius Stellus hated women so much he chose to consort with a mare instead, thus giving birth to Epona, the protector of horses. Whilst it has been theorized that the giant chalk horse carved into the hillside at Uffington, England, could be an image of Epona, there is the possibility it pre-dates the worship of this Goddess. Some folklorists believe that Morris dancing may have its roots in Epona worship.
Epona is often compared to the Welsh Goddess Rhiannon, although there is very little compelling evidence to say for certain that these were the same Goddess, as opposed to two completely separate deities.
Whilst our reliance on horses for transportation, warfare, trade, etc., has now diminished in the modern world, and keeping horses is seen more as a hobby, Epona is still a Goddess which many in the pagan world honour today. In many parts of the world, including here in the UK, wild horses still roam free, and so Epona can also represent freedom and connection with the natural land.
Epona is often compared to the Welsh Goddess Rhiannon, although there is very little compelling evidence to say for certain that these were the same Goddess, as opposed to two completely separate deities.
Whilst our reliance on horses for transportation, warfare, trade, etc., has now diminished in the modern world, and keeping horses is seen more as a hobby, Epona is still a Goddess which many in the pagan world honour today. In many parts of the world, including here in the UK, wild horses still roam free, and so Epona can also represent freedom and connection with the natural land.
