Maponus (Maponos) is a Celtic god worshipped in Gaul and Britain; he is almost certainly related to his fellow Celtic deity, the Welsh Mabon ap Modron. Maponus appears to be associated with the quality of youth; images of the god holding a lyre may indicate a connection with music and inspiration.

He was sometimes identified by the Romans with their god Apollo by way of the interpretatio romana.

Maponus was sometimes accompanied by an unidentified huntress deity.

Myth
Unknown. Maponus may have shared some stories or lore with the Welsh Mabon but there is no way to know this.

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

Etymology
Maponos’ name may be derived from the Indo-European *makwos meaning “youth” or “son.” The name of the Welsh Mabon has much the same origin, and, interestingly, Mabon ap Modron can be translated as “Son, son of Mother.”

Region
Maponus was worshipped primarily in Britain, in what is now northern England, although he is also attested in France.

Literary evidence
Unknown.

Archaeological evidence
Brampton, England; Corbridge, England; Ribchester, England; Vindolanda, England; Bourbonne-les-Bains, France; Chamalieres, France