Danu
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- Danu: In Celtic mythology, Danu is a mother goddess. She is considered the ancestral mother of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of supernatural beings. She is often equated with the Welsh goddess Don.
Usage Notes
- Danu is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to this specific mythological figure. It is not used in general contexts.
- The name is typically capitalized and used without an article (e.g., "the goddess Danu," not "the Danu").
Examples
- Proper noun:
- Danu is a central figure in Irish mythology.
- The tribe's name, Tuatha Dé Danann, means "the people of the goddess Danu."
- Scholars often identify Danu with the Welsh mother goddess Don.
Advanced Usage
- "Mother Danu": A reverential or poetic title emphasizing her role as a progenitor.
- The ancient texts speak of Mother Danu, from whom all life flowed.
Variants and Related Words
- Danann: A component of the tribe's name "Tuatha Dé Danann," directly relating to the goddess.
- Don: The name of the analogous mother goddess in Welsh mythology, often cited in comparative studies.
Synonyms
- Mother goddess: A general term for a deity representing motherhood, fertility, and the earth.
- Progenitrix: A formal term for a female ancestor or originator.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Tuatha Dé Danann: The "people of the goddess Danu," a primary race of gods and heroes in Irish myth.
- The Book of Invasions (Lebor Gabála Érenn): A medieval text that recounts the mythic history of Ireland, including the stories of the Tuatha Dé Danann and their mother, Danu.
Noun
- Celtic goddess who was the mother of the Tuatha De Danann; identified with the Welsh Don