Message: "On the etymology of Athena"

On the etymology of Athena

by Pavlos (guest)

12/9/2002, 8:23 AM

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".

#Athena

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- Nanaea +3

12/14/2002, 12:11 PM

Always enjoyed your Greek etymologies, Pavlos. Glad to see you're still at it. :)

-- Nanaea

- Pavlos (guest) +2

12/15/2002, 3:55 AM

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 :)

- Nanaea +1

12/15/2002, 7:01 AM

Hahahahahaha! And don't forget that "Santa" is an anagram of SATAN! :)

Holiday hails to you and yours! :)

-- Nanaea

- Pavlos (guest)

12/18/2002, 1:47 AM

Yep, If I remember well that was one of Bro'Da's childhood anagrams :P

- Mike C +1

12/15/2002, 8:28 PM

Thanks Pavlos! I'll add that to the Athena entry.

- Pavlos (guest)

12/16/2002, 1:47 AM

You're welcome Mike, my pleasure :)

- Elaphos (guest)

2/22/2021, 10:07 AM

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?

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