Long were the nights in shadow
The full moon after Centugiamos
Frost touched the good earth
The Child of Light was born
Taranis, His strong father
Eponâ, His fair mother
Taranis called for a great feast
He prepared His best bull
All shared in this WInter Feast
Food and drink were shared
Songs were sung
Gifts were given
The feast made them weary
All went into a great sleep
Those darkest nights of the year
The Child of Light awoke first
Long before all, He rose
He cried, but none heard
But this was no normal child
He walked, He talked
He dressed in a garb of green
He went into the unknown
In the morning, Eponâ awoke
Great horror overcame Her
She called to assembly a retinue
The roar of the carnyx was heard
She called the celestial troop
Out of Albios, Eponâ led
Celestial beings and spirits
In a spectral ride
Downward to Bitus they went
They blessed the earth
Over wherever they rode
But woe to the fool
That stands in Their path
Lest they be taken away
The wise give offerings
Sweet cakes or pancakes
Left in the night, it is best
From house to house they searched
They were fed, they kept strength
However, the Child was not found
They advanced to the Great River
They stopped for the Father of the River
Antlers upon His head
But offering must be given
If it is that one is to pass
Eponâ gave Her torc
She was allowed to pass
To the other place
Into Dubnos She went
A strange world it was She entered
However, She saw a face
It was a face that She knew
Darkened skin by the sun
His loyal retinue
From the many nations of the world
His words they held
As chains from tongue to ears
A good sight for Eponâ
He knew the way to the Child of Light
The Hall of Sucellos, the winter home in Dubnos
Through the fields of Queen Nantosueltâ
Greetings from chthonic beings were heard
They passed wonderous fields
Smooth were the roads
They arrived at the hall of Sucellos
They were met by Him
Eponâ claimed Her beloved Son
He was safe and healthy
Eager for embrace
Ready to go home
Sucellos kept watch
Nantosueltâ took care of the child
Eponâ knew a debt was owed
Nantosueltâ gave a task
Eponâ led a great retinue
Now She would do this every year
Sucellos agreed to the task
Now the lost souls
Could find their way home
With Ogmios guiding
Eponâ departed
Upon the long road to Albios
Upon Her return
Taranis awoke
When Eponâ put the Son to bed
Sluggish from sleep
Unaware of the journey
Went to His Son
They gave the name Maponos
And Taranis thought
Maponos slept longer than He
That’s a very moving story, just at this time of the year. Thanks for sharing.
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