ORIGIN: Celtic [Irish]
TYPE: God of skills including ale-brewing
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP: Early times until Christianization, circa CE 400
SYNONYMS: Goibniu; Govannon (Welsh)
ART REFERENCES: Various monumental sculptures and inscriptions
LITERARY SOURCES: Book of Invasions; Cycles of Kings
INFORMATION: Gobniu is known chiefly for his skill as a metal smith and in brewing the immortal beer of the gods. He fashions invincible magic weapons for the Tuatha de Danann. In his brewing activities he uses a vast bronze cauldron, a copy of which was housed in various sanctuaries and was apparently at time 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 skillful in brazing and Luchta.