Smertrios is a Celtic god worshipped in Gaul. His presence at one spring sanctuary indicates a healing aspect, while elsewhere an image of Smertrios brandishing a club or other weapon at a serpent implies a protective character.

Smertrios was sometimes identified by the Romans with their god Mars by way of the interpretatio romana.

He appears on the “Pillar of the Boatman” of Paris along with Esus, Tarvos Trigaranos and Cernunnos, which may speak to his importance.

In Mohn he is accompanied by the goddess Ancamna at a holy spring.

Myth
Unknown.

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

Etymology
Smertrios’ name is believed to derive from the Proto-Celtic *smer or “to give or provide”, indicating a role as a god of abundance.

Other Gaulish deity names based on *smer include Rosmerta, Cantismerta and Atesmerta.

Region
Smertrios was known and worshipped across central Gaul, in the area of modern France/Germany/Austria.

Literary evidence
None.

Archaeological evidence
Grossbach, Austria; Paris, France; Koblenz, Germany; Mohn, Germany