Dis Pater

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

Dis Pater, Dispater, Dis. In Roman mythology, the god of the underworld and the dead, identified with Pluto (Gk. Hades), but often referred to as though having a separate personality. Julius Caesar in The Gallic Wars (1st cent. BC) calls Dis the transcendent god among the Celts, one of the six in their ‘pantheon’, and asserts that all the Celts claimed him as their ultimate ancestor. Through interpretatio romana (see GAUL), we now ascribe the Roman name Dis Pater to the Gaulish deity, whose native name is unknown, just as we do with Gaulish Mercury or Mars. Several modern commentators have seen links between Dis Pater and nameable Celtic figures, especially Donn (1), the god of the dead. Others cited include Bile; Cernunnos; the Dagda; and Taranis.

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Dis Pater." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Dis Pater." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-DisPater.html

JAMES MacKILLOP. "Dis Pater." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-DisPater.html

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