Moritasgus

For the stick insect, see Moritasgus stresemanni.

Moritasgus is a Celtic epithet for a healing god found in four inscriptions at Alesia.^[1] In two inscriptions, he is identified with the Greco-Roman god Apollo.^[2] His consort was the goddess Damona.

Etymology

The name Moritasgus, shared by a 1st-century BC ruler of the Senones,^[3] has been analyzed variously. The particle -tasgus has been derived by scholars from a Proto-Celtic stem *tazgo-,^[4][5] *tasgos or *tasko- 'badger'.^[6][7][8][9] Xavier Delamarre proposed that the complete name means "Sea Badger", from Gaulish mori 'sea' + tasgos (also tascos or taxos), 'badger'.^[10] The European badger produced a secretion used in Gaulish medicaments, hence a possible connection with a healing god.^[11]

Shrine in Alesia

Alesia was an oppidum of the Celtic Mandubii in present-day Burgundy. A dedication to the gods alludes to the presence of a shrine at the curative spring, where sick pilgrims could bathe in a sacred pool. The sanctuary itself, located near the eastern gate of the town just outside the city wall,^[12] was impressive, with baths and a temple. In addition, there were porticoes, where the sick possibly slept, hoping for divine visions and cures.

Numerous votive objects^[13] were dedicated to Moritasgus. These were models of the pilgrims and the afflicted parts of their bodies: these included limbs, internal organs, genitals, breasts, and eyes. Surgeons' tools have also been found, suggesting that the priests^[14] also acted as surgeons.

Selected bibliography

• Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend. Miranda Green. Thames and Hudson Ltd. London. 1997.