“The chieftains of the Insubres, seeing that the Romans adhered to their purpose of attacking them, decided to try their luck in a decisive battle. Collecting all their forces in one place, they took down the golden standards called “immovable” from the temple of Minerva, and having made all other necessary preparations, boldly took up a menacing position opposite the enemy.”
Polybius, Histories, Book II.32.5-6
There are many connotations that can be associated with the banners which the Gauls called “immovable.” At its most straight-forward meaning, it means the banners could not be removed from the temple unless they were going to war. However, there are also metaphorical meanings that can be associated with the term “immovable.” It can also refer to the Gauls unwillingness to be moved by any enemy from their homes. Or it can refer to the unmoving spirit of the warriors which did not back down from any threat nor did they compromise their own values in order to bow down to an enemy.
Polybius refers to the Goddess who watched over these banners by the Roman name Minerva. However, based on this interpretatio romana from a Greek writer’s perspective, we can associate the Goddess with Brigindū who was associated with Minerva in iconography under her Brythonic name of Brigantia.
This page represents the Nemeton Brigindonos, the Sanctuary of Brigindû. Within its walls, the Cingetes Guild has placed their individual banners, which are representations of themselves as warriors. When we gather together, we put aside our individual toutâs in order to fight for the collective good of Galatîs Litauiâs.
“For at any time or place, and on whatever pretext you stir them up, you will have them ready to face danger, even if they have nothing on their side but their own strength and courage” – Strabo on Gaulish warriors (Geography, Book IV.4.1)
Strabo on Gaulish warriors (Geography, Book IV.4.1)
Gaulish Paganism 