Lenus is a Celtic god worshipped in Gaul and Britain. He appears to be a healer god, a focus at his shrine at Trier which was frequented by the ailing and the ill, and included accomodations for “incubation” (the practice of sleeping in the temple in hopes of having curative dreams); however, he was sometimes depicted carrying weapons, which would suggest a warlike or protective character.

An interesting piece remains of a statue of Lenus, in which only the statue’s feet are left, along with the feet of a large goose, standing next to the god. The goose, an aggressive bird, is not an inappropriate companion for a war god.

Lenus was sometimes identified by the Romans with their god Mars by way of the interpretatio romana. This does not in itself necessarily identify him as a war god, as “Gaulish Mars” was often a healer.

He was accompanied at his shrine at Trier by the goddess Ancamna. (Ancamna in turn is accompanied elsewhere by the god Smertrios.)

Myth
Unknown.

Cult
Lenus received votive and dedicatory offerings from his worshippers; otherwise little is known of the specifics of his cult.

Etymology
The origin of Lenus’ name is not certain; it could be related to the Proto-Celtic *li-no or “pus” which might relate to his ability, as a healer, to cure infections.

Region
Lenus had a center of worship in Trier and the surrounding region, and in the Moselle valley.

Literary evidence
None.

Archaeological evidence
Virton, Belgium; Caerwent, England (with Ocelus and Vellaunus); Chedworth, England; Le Donon, France; Feyen, Germany; FlieBem, Germany; Pommern, Germany; Trier, Germany; Welschbillig, Germany; Mensdorf, Luxembourg (with Inciona); Mersch, Luxembourg