ORIGIN Celtic (Irish). God of skills including ale brewing.
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP early times until Christianization, circa AD 400.
SYNONYMS Goibniu; GOVANNON (Welsh).
CENTER(S) OF CULT none specifically known.
ART REFERENCES various monumental sculptures and inscriptions.
LITERARY SOURCES Books of Invasions; Cycles of Kings.
Gobniu is known chiefly for his skills as a metal smith and in brewing the immortal beer of the gods. He fashions invincible magic weapons for the TUATHADEDANANN. In his brewing activities he uses a vast bronze caldron, a copy of which was housed in various sanctuaries and was apparently at times associated with the ritual slaughter of kings of Ireland. Gobniu forms part of a triad of deities, the Na tri dee dana (three gods of skill), with Credne, a deity skilful in brazing, and Luchta.
Witch's Well 