On the etymology of Athena
I'd like to note the most likely etymology for Athena (or Athene), Hellenic Goddess of wisdom. Athena is also known as Minerva (latin) .
Athe => "ather" meaning "sharp, pointy (weapon)", and
ne/na => "aine" meaning "praised, famous".
This approach also ties in with the interpretation of Pallas (an adjective frequesntly used to describe Athena) as meaning "waving, pulsating".
Athe => "ather" meaning "sharp, pointy (weapon)", and
ne/na => "aine" meaning "praised, famous".
This approach also ties in with the interpretation of Pallas (an adjective frequesntly used to describe Athena) as meaning "waving, pulsating".
Replies
Always enjoyed your Greek etymologies, Pavlos. Glad to see you're still at it. :)
-- Nanaea
-- Nanaea
Dear Nan, its so good to see you pop in every so often!
I was thinking of you ther other day: someone gave Nephele an electronic Santa Claus with a nodding head. She somehow meddled with the electronics, and now Santa's head rotates around its axis instead of nodding, thus beaming with ultra-satanic charm!
Very merry Saturnalia to you and J :)
I was thinking of you ther other day: someone gave Nephele an electronic Santa Claus with a nodding head. She somehow meddled with the electronics, and now Santa's head rotates around its axis instead of nodding, thus beaming with ultra-satanic charm!
Very merry Saturnalia to you and J :)
Hahahahahaha! And don't forget that "Santa" is an anagram of SATAN! :)
Holiday hails to you and yours! :)
-- Nanaea
Holiday hails to you and yours! :)
-- Nanaea
Yep, If I remember well that was one of Bro'Da's childhood anagrams :P
Thanks Pavlos! I'll add that to the Athena entry.
You're welcome Mike, my pleasure :)
Hi Pavlos,
if I may ask: what are those elements "athe(r)" and "aine/ne/na" that you refer to? That's not Greek, right?
if I may ask: what are those elements "athe(r)" and "aine/ne/na" that you refer to? That's not Greek, right?