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Belenus was primarily worshipped as a god of war in ancient Celtic societies.
Answer: False
Contrary to the assertion, evidence suggests Belenus was primarily worshipped as a healing god, with his cult extending across various Celtic regions.
Dedications to *Fons Beleni* indicate Belenus was associated with sources of fresh drinking water.
Answer: False
While dedications to *Fons Beleni* ('Fountain of Belenos') suggest an association with water sources, the primary implication is with springs, potentially medicinal or sacred, rather than solely fresh drinking water.
According to the source, what was the primary nature of the Celtic deity Belenus?
Answer: A healing god whose cult spanned from Italy to the British Isles.
The source identifies Belenus primarily as a healing deity, whose cult extended across a wide geographical area from the Italian Peninsula to the British Isles.
The association of Belenus with healing is further supported by his connection to:
Answer: Medicinal springs and the plant henbane
Belenus's role as a healing deity is supported by evidence linking him to medicinal springs (*Fons Beleni*) and the plant henbane (*belenuntia*).
The worship of Belenus alongside Nymphs and the presence of thermal springs at Iulium Carnicum suggest a connection to:
Answer: Healing water sources
The association of Belenus with Nymphs and thermal springs at sites like Iulium Carnicum strongly suggests a connection to healing water sources.
What evidence suggests Belenus might have been associated with water sources?
Answer: Dedications to *Fons Beleni*, worship with Nymphs, and nearby thermal springs.
Evidence such as dedications to *Fons Beleni* ('Fountain of Belenos'), worship alongside Nymphs, and the presence of thermal springs at sites like Iulium Carnicum indicates Belenus's association with water sources, likely of a healing nature.
Linguist Blanca María Prósper proposed that 'Belenos' was the original form of the deity's name.
Answer: True
Linguist Blanca María Prósper has posited that 'Belenos' represents the original form of the deity's name.
Variants of Belenus's name found in Ireland and Britain include Belinus and Bile.
Answer: False
While Bile is considered a potential variant found in Ireland and Britain, Belinus is generally regarded as a variant form of the name, but not specifically attested in Ireland and Britain in the same manner as Bile.
The traditional etymological interpretation links Belenus's name to the Proto-Indo-European root *bhelH-, meaning 'white, shining.'
Answer: True
The conventional etymological interpretation posits that Belenus's name derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhelH-, signifying 'white' or 'shining.'
Xavier Delamarre supports the traditional etymology, suggesting Belenus means 'the shining one.'
Answer: False
Xavier Delamarre critiques the traditional etymology of Belenus. He proposes an alternative derivation from the Gaulish stem *belo-* ('strong, powerful'), rather than supporting the 'shining' interpretation.
Peter Schrijver linked Belenus's name to the plant henbane, known as *belenuntia* in Gaulish.
Answer: True
Peter Schrijver's etymological hypothesis connects Belenus's name to the Indo-European root *bhel-, which is associated with the plant henbane, known in Gaulish as *belenuntia*.
Bernhard Maier and Patrizia de Bernardo Stempel suggested Belenus's name derives from a root meaning 'strong, powerful.'
Answer: False
Maier and Stempel proposed that Belenus's name derives from a root meaning 'source' or 'spring' (*gwelH-*), not 'strong, powerful.' That latter interpretation is attributed to Xavier Delamarre.
The pre-Roman British leader Cunobelinos's name might mean 'hound of Belenos.'
Answer: True
The personal name Cunobelinos, associated with a pre-Roman British leader, is plausibly interpreted as meaning 'hound of Belenos' or 'strong as a dog.'
The Welsh name Llywelyn is definitively derived from Belenus's name.
Answer: False
While the Welsh name Llywelyn (*Liuelin*) is thought to derive from the Proto-Celtic form *lugu-belinos*, this connection is considered possible or probable, not definitive, and may relate to 'strong as Lugus' rather than solely Belenus.
The Gaulish term *belenuntia* referred to a type of medicinal herb used for healing.
Answer: True
The Gaulish term *belenuntia* denotes henbane, a plant historically utilized for its medicinal properties, and is etymologically linked to Belenus.
The etymological theory linking Belenus to the root *gwelH- ('source, spring') is supported by dedications to *Fons Beleni*.
Answer: True
The theory proposing that Belenus's name derives from the root *gwelH- ('source, spring') finds support in epigraphic evidence such as dedications to *Fons Beleni* ('Fountain of Belenos').
Which linguist proposed that the name Belenos might derive from the Gaulish stem *belo-* meaning 'strong, powerful'?
Answer: Xavier Delamarre
While Blanca María Prósper proposed 'Belenos' as the original form, Xavier Delamarre proposed that the name derives from the Gaulish stem *belo-* meaning 'strong, powerful'.
Peter Schrijver's etymological theory connects Belenus to which specific plant?
Answer: Henbane
Peter Schrijver's theory links Belenus's name to the plant henbane, known in Gaulish as *belenuntia*.
The theory proposed by Maier and Stempel suggests Belenus's name originates from a root meaning:
Answer: Source or spring
Bernhard Maier and Patrizia de Bernardo Stempel proposed that Belenus's name derives from a root meaning 'source' or 'spring' (*gwelH-*).
Which of the following is *NOT* listed as a potential variant name for Belenus in Ireland and Britain?
Answer: Belinus
While Belinus is a variant of Belenus, the specific names listed as potentially found in Ireland and Britain are Bel, Beli, and Bile.
What does the name Cunobelinos potentially mean in relation to Belenus?
Answer: 'Hound of Belenos' or 'strong as a dog'
The name Cunobelinos is plausibly interpreted as meaning 'hound of Belenos' or 'strong as a dog,' suggesting a connection to the deity.
What is the meaning of the Gaulish term *belenuntia*?
Answer: Henbane
The Gaulish term *belenuntia* refers to the plant henbane, which is etymologically linked to the name Belenus.
What is the traditional etymological interpretation of Belenus's name?
Answer: White or shining
The traditional etymological interpretation of Belenus's name links it to the Proto-Indo-European root *bhelH-, meaning 'white' or 'shining.'
The name Belenus is potentially linked to the Welsh name Llywelyn through the Proto-Celtic form:
Answer: *lugu-belinos*
The Welsh name Llywelyn (*Liuelin*) is thought to derive from the Proto-Celtic form *lugu-belinos*, possibly signifying 'strong as Lugus.'
The cult of Belenus was geographically limited to the Italian Peninsula.
Answer: False
The cult of Belenus was not geographically limited; inscriptions and evidence indicate its presence across Gaul, Noricum, Illyria, Britain, and Ireland, extending far beyond the Italian Peninsula.
The name Belenus appears in approximately 51 inscriptions found across various Celtic regions.
Answer: True
The Latinized form Belenus, derived from Gaulish Belenos or Belinos, is indeed found in approximately 51 inscriptions, distributed across regions historically inhabited by Celtic speakers.
Belenus was considered the national god of Noricum according to the writings of Tertullian.
Answer: True
The Roman writer Tertullian identified Belenus as the national deity of Noricum, highlighting his significant status in that region.
During the siege of Aquileia in 238 AD, Belenus was invoked as a protector and reportedly seen fighting in the air.
Answer: True
Historical accounts from the siege of Aquileia in 238 AD describe Belenus being invoked as a divine protector, with reports of him appearing to fight in the air in defense of the city.
Belenus had a significant sanctuary in Iulium Carnicum dating back to the late 1st century BC.
Answer: True
Evidence indicates that Belenus was venerated in Iulium Carnicum, where a sanctuary dedicated to him existed from the late 1st century BC.
Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian ignored Belenus, refusing to dedicate inscriptions to him.
Answer: False
Contrary to the statement, Roman emperors Diocletian and Maximian did acknowledge Belenus, as evidenced by inscriptions dedicated to him near Aquileia.
In Aquitania, the priest Phoebicius served sanctuaries dedicated to Belenus.
Answer: True
The writings of Ausonius mention Phoebicius as a priest serving sanctuaries dedicated to Belenus in the region of Aquitania.
The bowl dedicated to Belenus, mentioned in the source, is housed in the British Museum.
Answer: False
The artifact described, a bowl dedicated to Belenus, is housed in the Marseille History Museum, not the British Museum.
Belenus was primarily worshipped in regions historically inhabited by Germanic tribes.
Answer: False
Belenus was primarily worshipped in regions historically inhabited by Celtic peoples, such as Gaul, Noricum, and Britain, not predominantly Germanic tribes.
What is the approximate number of inscriptions mentioning the name Belenus found in historical Celtic regions?
Answer: Approximately 51
Approximately 51 inscriptions bearing the name Belenus or its variants have been discovered across various historical Celtic territories.
According to Tertullian, Belenus held what specific status in Noricum?
Answer: The national god
The Roman writer Tertullian identified Belenus as the national god of Noricum.
During the siege of Aquileia in 238 AD, Belenus was invoked primarily as:
Answer: A divine protector of the city
During the siege of Aquileia in 238 AD, Belenus was invoked as the divine protector of the city.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a location where Belenus worship is attested by inscriptions or historical accounts?
Answer: Germania Magna
While Belenus worship is attested in Gaul, Britain, and Noricum, Germania Magna is not listed as a region where his cult is documented in the provided source material.
The artifact mentioned in the source, a bowl dedicated to Belenus, is currently located in which museum?
Answer: The Marseille History Museum
The bowl dedicated to Belenus, as described in the source material, is housed in the Marseille History Museum.
Which emperors acknowledged Belenus by dedicating inscriptions to him near Aquileia?
Answer: Diocletian and Maximian
The emperors Diocletian and Maximian each dedicated inscriptions to Belenus in the vicinity of Aquileia, indicating their acknowledgment of the deity.
The spread of Belenus's worship from Noricum to Aquileia and Iulium Carnicum was proposed by which scholar?
Answer: Marjeta Šašel Kos
Scholar Marjeta Šašel Kos has proposed that the worship of Belenus likely disseminated from Noricum to the Roman towns of Aquileia and Iulium Carnicum.
Belenus was frequently identified with the Roman god Mars through interpretatio romana.
Answer: False
Through *interpretatio romana*, Belenus was most frequently identified with Apollo, not Mars. While some syncretism occurred, the primary identification was with Apollo.
The 19th-century theory connecting Belenus to the Phoenician deity Baal is still widely accepted by modern scholars.
Answer: False
The proposed connection between Belenus and the Phoenician deity Baal, prevalent in the 19th century, is now largely rejected by contemporary scholarship.
The name Belisama is etymologically unrelated to the stem *belo-* associated with Belenus.
Answer: False
The name of the Gaulish goddess Belisama is considered potentially related to Belenus, as both may derive from the Gaulish stem *belo-*, meaning 'strong' or 'powerful.'
Images of Belenus sometimes depict him with a female companion, possibly the Gaulish deity Belisama.
Answer: True
Iconographic evidence suggests that Belenus was sometimes depicted with a female consort, who is often identified as the Gaulish deity Belisama.
Belistis, a female deity found in Noricum, is considered a potential consort or related figure to Belenus.
Answer: True
The deity Belistis, attested in Noricum, is considered by scholars to be a potential consort or closely related figure to Belenus.
Through which Roman practice was Belenus most commonly identified with Greek and Roman deities?
Answer: Interpretatio romana
The practice of *interpretatio romana* was the primary mechanism through which Celtic deities like Belenus were identified with their Greek and Roman counterparts.
The connection between Belenus and the Phoenician deity Baal is:
Answer: A 19th-century theory now largely rejected.
The proposed link between Belenus and the Phoenician deity Baal originated in the 19th century and is not widely accepted by modern scholars.
The Gaulish goddess Belisama is suggested to share a potential etymological link with Belenus through the stem meaning:
Answer: Strong, powerful
Both Belisama and Belenus may derive from the Gaulish stem *belo-*, interpreted as meaning 'strong' or 'powerful.'
Which of the following deities was *NOT* mentioned as being syncretized with Belenus or sharing similar functions?
Answer: Taranis
While Apollo, Vindonnus, and Grannos are mentioned as being syncretized with or sharing functions with Belenus, Taranis is not explicitly listed in this context within the provided text.
The name Belisama might be related to Belenus etymologically because both names potentially derive from a stem meaning:
Answer: Strong or powerful
Both Belisama and Belenus may share an etymological root in the Gaulish stem *belo-*, meaning 'strong' or 'powerful.'
The association of Apollo with the sun and healing in Gaul and Britain aligns with Belenus's attributes, suggesting:
Answer: Shared divine functions between Apollo and Celtic deities like Belenus.
The overlap in attributes, such as solar and healing associations, between Apollo and Celtic deities like Belenus in Gaul and Britain suggests shared divine functions and syncretism.
The Celtic festival of Beltaine is thought to be unrelated to the deity Belenus or a figure named Bel.
Answer: False
The Celtic festival of Beltaine is widely believed to be connected to a figure named Bel, possibly related to the deity Belenus, with the name meaning 'Bel's Fires.'
The Slovenian divinity Belin, documented in the 19th century, is believed to be a modern form of the Slavic god Belibog, with no connection to Belenus.
Answer: False
The Slovenian divinity Belin, documented in the 19th century, is considered a potential survival or integration of Belenus's cult, particularly due to Belin's association with healing, rather than being solely a form of Belibog with no connection to Belenus.
The minor planet 11284 Belenus is named in honor of the Celtic deity.
Answer: True
The minor planet designated 11284 Belenus has been named in recognition of the historical significance of the Celtic deity.
Belenus is frequently mentioned in the Asterix comic books as a deity the Gauls swore by.
Answer: True
In the popular Asterix comic book series, Belenos is frequently invoked by Gaulish characters, alongside Teutates, as a deity they swear by.
What is the potential significance of the Slovenian divinity Belin, documented in the 19th century?
Answer: It may represent a survival or integration of Belenus's cult, known as a great healer.
The Slovenian divinity Belin, documented in the 19th century and known as a healer, is considered a potential continuation or integration of Belenus's cult into local folklore.
The minor planet 11284 Belenus and the star Bèlenos are named in honor of the deity to recognize:
Answer: His historical and cultural significance
The naming of celestial bodies like the minor planet 11284 Belenus and the star Bèlenos serves to acknowledge the deity's historical and cultural importance.
In the Asterix comic books, Belenos is often mentioned in what context?
Answer: As a deity characters swear by
In the Asterix series, Belenos is frequently invoked by characters as a deity they swear by, alongside Teutates.
Which of the following supra-regional Celtic deities is mentioned in the text alongside Belenus, particularly in the context of popular culture references?
Answer: Teutates
Teutates is mentioned alongside Belenus in the context of popular culture references, specifically within the Asterix comic books, where both are invoked by characters.