Anu or Ana (sometimes given as Anann or Anand ) is the name of a goddess mentioned briefly in Irish mythology.
Anu or Ana (sometimes given as Anann or Anand ) is the name of a goddess mentioned briefly in Irish mythology.
The 9th century Sanas Cormaic (Cormac's Glossary) says in its entry for her:
She may be a goddess in her own right, [1] or an alternate name for Danu. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn , Anand is given as another name for The Morrígan. [2] 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. [1] The name may be derived from the Proto-Celtic theonym *Φanon-. [3] [4]
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") [5] in County Kerry are said to have been named after her. [2]
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. [6]
While an Irish goddess, in parts of Britain 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”. [7]
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