Borvo (Bormo, Bormanus, Bormanicus) is a Celtic god worshipped in Gaul; he was associated with healing waters and thermal springs. The name Borvo likely means “the one who boils,” indicating a strong association with these sites. He has been depicted in one instanceholding fruit (symbolizing abundance) and a purse (symbolizing prosperity), and in another instance bearing a helmet and shield (indicating a defensive, protective aspect) so he was certainly seen as more than only a healing god.

Borvo was sometimes identified by the Romans with their god Apollo by way of the interpretatio romana, likely due to his association with healing. However, in one region (Aix-les-Bains in France) he seems rather to have been identified with Hercules.

He was often accompanied by one of two consorts, either the goddess Damona or the goddess Bormana.

Myth
Unknown.

Cult
Borvo received votive and dedicatory offerings from his worshippers; apart from this, little is known of the specifics of his cult.

Etymology
Borvo’s name is derived from the Proto-Celtic *beru or “boil,” which in turns comes from the Indo-European *bher- which also means “bubble, boil, seethe.”

Region
Borvo was honored at a number of sites in Gaul, with a particular cluster in what is now France.

Literary evidence
None.

Archaeological evidence
Aix-en-Diois, France; Aix-en-Provence, France; Aix-le-Bains, France; Auch, France; Bourbon-l’Archambault; Bourbon-Lancy, France; Bourbonne-les-Bains, France; Entrains, France; Vichy, France; Burtscheid, Germany; Worms, Germany; Utrecht, Netherlands; Caldas de Vizella, Portugal; Galicia, Spain