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]
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”. [6]
Irish mythology is the body of myths indigenous to the island of Ireland. It was originally passed down orally in the prehistoric era. In the early medieval era, some myths were transcribed by Christian monks, who heavily altered and Christianised the myths. Irish mythology is the best-preserved branch of Celtic mythology.
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Ogma is a god from Irish and Scottish mythology. A member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, he is often considered a deity and may be related to the Gallic god Ogmios. According to the Ogam Tract, he is the inventor of Ogham, the script in which Irish Gaelic was first written.
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Flidas or Flidais is a female figure in Irish Mythology, known by the epithet Foltchaín. She is believed to have been a goddess of cattle and fertility.
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