Meaning of name: Delamarre states the name means ‘Lightning’ or ‘Lightning-flash’.[1]

Pronunciation: Leu-KET-yaws with the eu being like a Deutsch Ü or French Eu.

Function: Mary Edith Wightman compares Lenus and Ancamna to Loucetios and Nemetona, and suggests they could similar or identical[2]. For all intents and purposes, we at Senobessus Bolgon are treating them as similar but not identical. This along with His classical Interpretatio of Mars points to border and civilization protective properties. This is also indicated with His consort Nemetona[3], a goddess that protected the ‘Sacred’ space. A dedication of both are located at Bath (a place where Sulis-Minerva’s springs are located) which could indicate some dominion over healing. Helmut Birkhan points out that His name could be a metaphor for battles as thunderstorms or a divine aura of heroes[4]. This points to warrior aspects of Mars, but could also hint towards a slight Jupiter interpretatio. It would also be appropriate to think of Loucetios as a protector and sponsor of agriculture, as both Mars and Jupiter had the same purposes.

Iconography: Largely unknown. His name indicates lightning, so perhaps a bolt of lightning would be appropriate in depiction. A shield as well from his associations from Mars might be well thought of.

Attested Sources: Inscriptions in the areas of the Vangiones (Germanic) and Aresaces (Offshoot of Treveri). At least a couple inscriptions at Bath, with one dedicated by a citizen of the Treveri[5]. Nemetonâ is found in the area of Nemetes according to Olmstead, implying they both were worshipped by the Nemetes as well[7]. This is also supported by Deo Mercurio[8].

Interpretatio Romana: Classically Mars[6]. If we look at the Oscan ‘Loucetius’ (Light-Bringer), we could possibly say Jupiter[9].

Senobessus Bolgon interpretation: Loucetios is a war and storm god who blesses the ‘hero’ with power. He guards the borders with his bolts of lightning and gives rain and protection to the agriculture of the tribe. His dedication at bath and similarities to Lenus points to possible healing via hot springs, and therefore in Senobessus Bolgon can be petitioned for healing via warmth.

Resources:

1. Dictionnaire de la langue gauloise by Xavier Delamarre (2003) P. 199

2. Roman Trier and the Treveri by Edith Mary Wightman (1970) P. 219

3. RIB 140. Altar dedicated to Loucetius Mars and Nemetona, https://romaninscriptionsofbritain.org/inscriptions/140

4. Celtic Culture: A historical Encyclopedia, Loucetius by Helmut Birkhan (2006) P. 1192

5. RIB 140. Altar dedicated to Loucetius Mars and Nemetona, https://romaninscriptionsofbritain.org/inscriptions/140

6. Les dieux gaulois: répertoire des noms de divinités celtiques connus par l’épigraphie, les textes antiques et la toponymie by Nicole Jufer & Thierry Luginbühl P. 48-49

7. Gods of the Celts and Indo-Europeans by Garret Olmstead P. 338-339

8. Deo Mercurio, Leno Marti: To Lenus Mars, Mars (Loucetius) and Nemetona http://www.deomercurio.be/en/marti.html#note6

9. Encyclopedia of Indo-European Culture by J.P. Mallory and D.Q. Adams (1997) P. 513