Sucellus is a Celtic god worshipped in Gaul and Britain; his name means “good striker” and carries a long-handled hammer or mallet, an implement resembling a tool more than a weapon. He is sometimes accompanied by a female consort, in some cases the goddess Nantosuelta but in others a less clearly identifiable partner.

He is often shown carrying a cask or barrel, or a drinking vessel, and is sometimes accompanied by a dog. He is often depicted as an older man with a full beard.

Sucellus was a very popular god with a number of different attributes and can be connected to abundance and the home (as would be appropriate when he is paired with Nantosuelta). He is also shown with implements of wine and wine-making so may well be a god of fermented beverage, and he appears as well at healing sites.

Myth
Unknown.

Cult
Sucellus received votive and dedicatory offerings from his worshippers; otherwise little is known of the specifics of his cult. His name and imagery appear on a great number of pieces.

Etymology
Sucellus’ name may have been derived from the Celtic *kel- or “to strike.”

Region
Sucellus was worshipped in Britain and Gaul, particularly in the region around the Rhine. Evidence of his worship exists as far north as England and as far east as Romania.

Literary evidence
Unknown.

Archaeological evidence
East Stoke, England; Farley Heath, England; York, England; Ancey-Mâlain, France; Besancon, France; Cussy-le-Chatel, France; Dijon, France; Glanum, France; Jouey, France; Lyons, France; Metz, France; Nimes, France; Oberseebach, France; Premeaux, France; Vichy, France; Vienne, France; Grunwinkel, Germany; Mainz, Germany; Sarrebourg, Germany; Worms, Germany; Mehadia, Romania; Augst, Switzerland; Yverdon, Switzerland