Definition

1. 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

1. Celtic goddess who was the mother of the Tuatha De Danann; identified with the Welsh Don