Monday 5 March 2012

BRIGANTIA: Celtic/Nordic Goddess

Inspired by the fabulous 29 Faces challenge last month, fellow participant Black Pumpkin has decided to set a challenge of her own. She is calling it 13 Goddesses in 13 Weeks.

When describing and representing my chosen Goddesses, I will try to filter the information available and give an example of each Goddess I would be happy to take guidance from, as opposed to the version any particular group(for or against) may have fashioned.

Unable to resist such a challenge here is my first Goddess...BRIGANTIA.
She is quite well documented, with archaeological finds placing her followers in places such as Northern Europe and Ireland. These people were systematically hunted down and destroyed, the last recorded tribe being the Brigantes of Yorkshire England (which just happens to be where I was born and still live :D) She is most commonly represented as Britannia in the modern day, carrying a shield and spear of battle, but on the earliest images of her she is holding a spear and some kind of orb.
Brigantia is a Pastoral Goddess, associated with cattle and flocks. She is also a healer and poet, and is also depicted with a crown and the wings of victory.
Usually she is given a helmet with wings, but I see her as a peaceful Goddess, so made her a simple gold band for a crown with the wings and a red gemstone for decoration.
Her orb I made a crystal ball, to represent her wisdom. She was also said to be "the decider of Battles", and again I chose to read this as knowing who would win, rather than actually taking part in the battle itself.

I gave her a book to read, possibly poetry....possibly a medical journal, and the bright fiery halo signifies the fires of heaven, where she is said to draw her energy from.
My Celtic/Nordic Goddess BRIGANTIA

Blessed Be :D XXX
Photobucket

18 comments:

  1. WOW! Your painting is beautiful, and your description of Brigantia is very well done. Thank you for taking part into this adventure! Can't wait to see your other Goddesses!!! :)

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  2. She's gorgeous, Gina. LOVE the symbolism. xoDonna

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  3. I love her Gina! Great description and wonderful artwork.
    Hugs xx

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  4. I love how everyone comes up with a different one. :) Goddess I mean. She looks fantastic!

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  5. She looks determined. I have a feeling the book she's reading holds a list of the bastards whose will pay for the destruction of her people... *sigh* I know, she might just be reading her copy of Huntresses' Digest, but still...

    She is a serious spring lady, Gina. And I like that you choose to include the orb. Next to the spear, it makes me think that Brigantia had no issues spearing them and taking names later, but she was gentle with those who deserved it.

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    1. Yep, that's how I see her too... maim first, ask questions later(or is that just me lol) :D

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  6. A great strong Goddess Gina, love the vibrant colours. :-) xx

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  7. Yes, beautiful work, I like Brigantia, I think I will also do a tribute.

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  8. wow gina!!!! do you do all this freehand or do you use help on your computer? it's just all amazing to me.... and gorgeous!

    hugs :)

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    1. All freehand Stef, layers of watercolours(the cheap in a tin ones), and watersoluble pencils :D

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  9. Fantastic creation in great colors.

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  10. Really enjoyed this post. Thanks for all the info.

    Happiness to all.

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  11. Oh she's beautiful - loving the colours

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  12. Hi ;o) I come from BlackPumpkin ;o) You did an amazing job! I love how you saw everything in your own eyes and put it all together. She is beautiful and strong! Have a wonderful day! And, I will see you next week ;o) Blessings, Stacy ;o)

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  13. You did a wonderful job on her, and i appreciate the background info, i am still trying tompick a goddess, i need to hurry

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  14. Love the wisdom-ball, her wonderful hair, the little sheeps uphill and the bright orange sun shines behind her!!!!

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  15. Beautiful - and what talent! (sigh of slight jealousy) :)

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