Derzelas

Derzelas (Darzalas) was a Dacian or Thracian chthonic god of abundance and the underworld, health and human spirit's vitality, probably related with gods such as Hades, Zalmoxis, Gebeleizis.^[1][2]

Darzalas was the Great God of Hellenistic Odessos (modern Varna) and was frequently depicted on its coinage from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE^[3] and portrayed in numerous terra cotta figurines, as well as in a rare 4th century BC lead one (photo), found in the city. Darzalas was often depicted in himation, holding cornucopiae with altars by his side. There was a temple dedicated to him with a cult statue, and games (Darzaleia) were held in his honor every five years, possibly attended by Gordian III in 238 AD.

Another temple dedicated to Derzelas was built at Histria (Sinoe)^[4] - a Greek colony, on the shore of the Black Sea in the 3rd century BC.

Darzalas Peak on Trinity Peninsula in Antarctica is named after the god.^[5]

Notes

1. Great God Gebeleizis, Derzis, or the Thracian Knight
2. Gočeva, Zlatozara (1996). "Organization of Religious Life in Odessos". Kernos 9: 121–127.
3. C. J. Howgego, Volker Heuchert, Andrew M. Burnett (2008). Coinage and Identity in the Roman Provinces. Oxford University Press. p. 110. ISBN 9780199237845.
5. SCAR Composite Gazetteer of Antarctica