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Graius
A Gaulish God: The Terrible
Graius is a Gaulish god known from inscriptions found in the Savoie region of France where he is equated with the Roman Demigod, Hercules. He is an example of the giant club-weilding god known throughout the Celtic world. |
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Gaul: The Terrible
Graius is known from inscriptions at Aime and Salins-les-Thermes, both in Savoie, France. In both instances he is equated by interpretato Romana with Heracles. The Aime inscription also associates him with Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, the sun and the moon.
The equation of Heracles with native Celtic deities can be attested from both Gaul and insular Brythonic examples. In Gaul, Heracles is most often equated with Ogmios, the deity of eloquence and poetry. Insular examples seem to show nude club-bearing, torc-wearing giants whose attributes are unknown. Graius undoubtedly falls somewhere in these traditions; though his precise attributes remain unknown.
Graius' name can be interpreted as meaning 'The Terrible' from the Old Cymric graen (terror) [cf the Irish goddess Graínne whose name has been interpreted as meaning 'she who inspires terror']. If this etymology is correct then this would make Graius a deity of the gigantic club-wielding type.
If you would like to try the foods of the time of the ancient Celts, then why not have a look at the ancient recipes section of this site. For the foods of the time when some of these tales were written down, take a look at the Medieval recipes section of the site and, in particular, the recipes from The Forme of Cury.
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