Anu (Irish goddess)
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Anu or Ana (sometimes given as Anann or Anand) is the name of a goddess mentioned briefly in Irish mythology.
Myths and sources
[edit]The 9th century Sanas Cormaic (Cormac's Glossary) says in its entry for her:
- "Ana – mother of the gods of Ireland; well did she feed the gods".
She may be a goddess in her own right,<ref name="McKillop1">Template:Cite book</ref> or an alternate name for Danu. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, Anand is given as another name for The Morrígan.<ref name="LGE">Template:Cite book</ref> As her name is often conflated with a number of other goddesses, it is not always clear which figure is being referred to if the name is taken out of context.<ref name="McKillop1"/> The name may be derived from the Proto-Celtic theonym *Φanon-.<ref name="CAWCS">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Anu has particular associations with Munster: the pair of breast shaped hills known as the Paps of Anu (Dá Chích Anann or "the breasts of Anu")<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in County Kerry are said to have been named after her.<ref name="LGE"/>
Her name has the meaning of "wealth, riches, and prosperity." Leaving her with a title of being the goddess of "good fortune and prosperity" in the land of Munster. <ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
While an Irish goddess, in Scotland (Alba) a similar figure is referred to as “Gentle Annie”, in an effort to avoid offence, a tactic which is similar to referring to the fairies as “The Good People”.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>