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 native to the island of Ireland. It was originally passed down orally in the prehistoric era, being part of ancient Celtic religion. Many myths were later written down in the early medieval era by Christian scribes, who modified and Christianized them to some extent. This body of myths is the largest and best preserved of all the branches of Celtic mythology. The tales and themes continued to be developed over time, and the oral tradition continued in Irish folklore alongside the written tradition, but the main themes and characters remained largely consistent.
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