Greet Danu. In Irish mythology, Danu (; modern Irish Dana [ˈd̪ˠanˠə]) is a hypothetical mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann (Old Irish: "The peoples of the goddess Danu"). Frigg (Nordic) Frigg was the Odin wife she protected a man's marriage and made him fertile. Her name Danu is in many different place-names such as the River Danube and River Don. n. Mythology The mother of the Irish gods and the goddess of death. In Hindu mythology, Danu is a goddess and personification of primeval waters. Feb 16, 2018 - Explore Claire Manning's board "Goddess - Danu" on Pinterest. The Celtic goddess Danu exhibits discerning judgment when she chose to share herself and her gifts to these people. The Goddess Danu. Therefore, it was believed that Danu was the mother of Dagda. The first is Anu – Danu – Tailtiu, a Triple Goddess of sustenance and abundance, of movement and change, and of strength and endurance. She’s often associated with Earth, waters, winds, fertility, and wisdom. Like any type of bright beautiful ancient peoples, the information lineage is bound to get boggy over time. Comments on Danu Search Category African American Arabic Australian Christian English Finnish French German Greek Hebrew Indian ⋅ Assamese ⋅ Bengali ⋅ Gujarati ⋅ Hindu ⋅ Kannada ⋅ Malayalam ⋅ Marathi ⋅ Oriya ⋅ Sanskrit ⋅ Sikh ⋅ Sindhi ⋅ Tamil ⋅ Telugu Iranian Irish Latin Swedish Boys Girls Starting from Contains Ends with Meaning American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Goddess Danu Power. The first story depicting the goddess Danu was that of Bile and Dagda. Just as nobody has ever stepped into the same river twice, life is in constant flux, and we need to adapt and accept its changing nature. This article lists several different Celtic symbols that are iconic for strength, and stand in for a warrior symbol. In Celtic mythology, the goddess Danu, also known as Anu or Dana, is the ancient mother of all gods and of the Celtic people. Goddess Danu Power. She is also known as Dana, Anu or Don and she encompasses both light and dark, meaning she both gives and takes. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Find out about the history of more Celtic goddesses here. She is considered to be the oldest of all Celtic deities. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Stay with me. I hope this tactic of understanding the Celtic goddess Danu, by way of her people, the Tuatha De Danann has been as enlightening to you as it has been for me in writing it. Irish mythologists will begin their storytelling of the ancient Celts were a series invasions occurring over the rolling hills of Ireland. A study of Celtic goddesses and heroines is a remarkable way to learn about this fascinating culture. Bear in mind, the Tuatha are whom we see the most in terms of Celtic myth, deific pantheon and arcane symbolism. What interests me most, is that in spite of their bleak circumstances, these people didn’t roll over in abject obscurity. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Great Mother is one of the most ancient Celtic deities and has many different symbolic meanings. She’s also been associated with both masculine and feminine energies. This way, we can spread tolerance and take control of our lives. However, the Fomorians returned after Nemed died of illness and drove off Nemed’s descendents. The great mother or the goddess Danu has a lot of symbolic meaning that she can portray. Danu is unusual as a baby name for girls. Initiate, Sisters in The Goddess Tree. Warrior awakens to an epiphany of his/her greatness. See more ideas about Goddess, Celtic mythology, Celtic goddess. Danu was clearly a very powerful and fundamental earth goddess, from which all power, wisdom and fecundity of the land poured forth. She embodies such traits as fertility, growth, abundance, agricultural bounty, and a sense of nurturing the land. The goddess has a very strong association with water. Danu Rhyming, similar names and popularity. The theonym is of Proto-Indo-European age, and seems to have denoted a water goddess in origin. Prior and former inhabitants of Ireland certainly contribute, but the stuff that makes us love the Celts like fairies, esoteric naturalism, and magical wisdom is largely, born from the Tuatha de Danann. Its warm and golden color radiates wealth and abundance. And, the magic (which is truly the highest of creative arts) of the Tuatha is legendary. Have a definition for Danu (Irish goddess) ? The Symbolic Meaning of the Goddess Danu. Danu is an Indian name of Sanskrit origin. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In Co. Kerry Ireland, there is a place called Da Chich Anu, (the Paps of Anu). She was a wisdom goddess of Inspiration and intellect (In this case she is very similar to the goddess Brigit, who is thought to be the same goddess with a different title). Jewish Symbols – History, Meaning and Importance, Star of David Symbol – Origins and Meanings, Celtic Shield Knot – History and Symbolism, Endless Knot – Meaning, Symbolism and History. Given what is known of the Tuatha, here are my observations about who the goddess Danu is…. In the ancient texts, Danu is also the representative of all gods and goddess in the world of Celts. In Irish or Celtic myths, the mysterious matriarch is mostly recognized through the story of the Tuatha Dé Danann, which means people of the goddess Danu. I’ll get to the Celtic goddess Danu. Danu was the source of the tribe's common heritage, as well as its nobility, unity, and power. See more ideas about tuatha de danann, irish mythology, celtic goddess. Background. Goddess Series: Danu. However, two most significant myths reference her and help us get a better picture of her character. All rights reserved. I look at this time of exile philosophically. "Apart from these goddesses of war, there were other Amazonian figures who led armies into battle. As one of the threefold goddesses of war, she could shift into different animals. A goddess Dānu is attested in the Rigveda, and also the river names Danube (Latin: Danuvius), Dniestr, Dniepr and Don derive from the name.. I love the potential Danu offers because to me, she is the epitome of artful class, craftsmanship and devotion to creative expression. A study of Celtic goddesses and heroines is a remarkable way to learn about this fascinating culture. It takes a goddess of compassion to want to nurture a broken people back to strength. What we do know is Danu is the namesake of the Tuatha de Danann. Celtic gods and goddesses serve as powerful symbols within the Celtic culture. As the supreme matriarch, the Danu goddess breastfed all the gods, giving them wisdom and knowledge. Apparently, to avoid confusion with the Israelites, writers began to refer to the mythical … Find out about the history of more Celtic goddesses here. Though primarily seen as an ancestral figure, some Victorian sources also associate her with the land. The Tuatha Dé Danann were creative… Copyright © 2005-2020. She was also associated with the Earth and wind, being responsible for the agricultural blessings of Irish lands. She is the goddess of earth, fertility, wisdom, wind, and of all the Celtic people. As the center of the Celtic threefold symbol, Danu is connected to all of the natural elements allowing the universe’s energy to flow through her. Danu The mythic Mother Goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Celtic tribes that first invaded Ireland. Danu has dualistic qualities; in one way, she’s portrayed as a loving, nurturing and benevolent mother, in another, she’s a malevolent and strong warrior goddess. Though her name is close to Danu, Anu is a totally different Goddess. Though Danu was the mother goddess and namesake of the Tuatha Dé Danann tribe, much about her remains shrouded in mystery. Danu empowers us to embrace our Golden Dreams, realigning us with our Truth, truth that is abundant, flourishing, fertile, wise and empowered. You’re going to read that she is a magnificent mother goddess. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Last update was on: January 15, 2021 12:51 pm. Danu is a popular Celtic Goddess, but not much is known about her. In Irish mythology, Danu is a hypothetical mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann (Old Irish: "The peoples of the goddess Danu"). In Neopagan tradition, Danu was revered as the triple goddess, appearing as the maiden, mother, and crone or hag. The Tree as a Spiritual Symbol and a Symbol of Life. This article offers Celtic goddess names and personality traits for each goddess. Bird Omens: Part Two About Interpreting Bird Meaning and Bird Messages. Danu synonyms, Danu pronunciation, Danu translation, English dictionary definition of Danu. See more. As an earth goddess, she was associated with fertility, growth, abundance, agriculture, cultivation and raising the earth. Legend says that they were skilled warriors and healers who later became the fairy folk of Ireland. The goddess has a very strong association with water. One of the major rivers in Europe, the Danube River, was named after her. The Tuatha de Danann, meaning the Children or the Folk of the Danu Goddess, are known as the wise ones, the alchemists, and the magical people of ancient Ireland. A magical kind of people who were agriculturally inclined. In the Celtic world, she was also considered the goddess of the rivers and other big bodies of water. As Tuatha de Danann were believed to be the wise alchemists of ancient Ireland, their Mother Goddess was also considered the patroness of wizards, prosperity, wells, rivers, plenty, and magic. Unfortunately, while there’s very little surviving stories associated with Danu, what remains depicts her as a strong mother-figure and an important deity. Mythology. Circle (represents the womb). Nope. Below is a list of the editor’s top picks featuring the statue of Danu. Let’s take a closer look into some of these symbolic interpretations: As an all-encompassing deity and the mother of all, Danu is often associated with nurturing the land and with cultivation. The rivers and the water that … I’ve added it as a related article here, because the lovely thing about the Celtic culture is that this civilization allowed their women to fight. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Instead of searching for stability, we should strive for improvement, learning, knowledge, and growth. Danu is a subtle Goddess – unlike some deities, She rarely overwhelms you. We see a small band of weary warriors and their families dredged up on northernmost island shores. Once we open our minds and hearts and truly recognize our souls’ desires, we can gain the ultimate wisdom and start working on our goals. Danu is a subtle Goddess – unlike some deities, She rarely overwhelms you. If you still can’t sense anything, perform the devotion anyway – it is always good to honor the Gods. Aside from being a water goddess, Danu is also associated with fertility. As the Mother of the Gods, Danu was the primordial creatrix—the divining force from which sprang all magic and life. However, even they could not deny the super-human, magical propensities of the Tuatha. She shines her light on our highest truth so we may move beyond goals born of low self-worth and limited vision. With a goal to keep this page about the Celtic goddess Danu light and fun (and with the assumption you’ll do your own fact-finding), I’m going to highlight the story of the Tuatha de Danann. Write it here to share it with the entire community. Plus, she is the protector of everything under the sun. Used with permission from Suzan Vaughn. As the supreme matriarch and creator, the goddess is usually depicted with a crown, representing her regal nature, glory, power, and sovereignty. She’s been associated with abundance, fertility, wisdom, knowledge, water, wind, and wealth. She knew talent when she saw it (even in its raw, unrevealed form). Many European rivers' including the River Danube were derived from her name. Danu is a popular Celtic Goddess, but not much is known about her. This realm is known as Fairyland, Otherworld, or Summerland, where the time pace differs from that of our world. The rivers and the water that … Legend indicates she greatly influenced them, nurtured them, even imparted her magic and esoteric wisdom to them. Celtic, goddess of fruitfulness 30% this week Danu Origin and Meaning The name Danu is a girl's name of Celtic origin. They are representative of a stronger, higher power; they are immortal, yet possess human traits. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Others claimed they were a spiritual race who believed in the power of magic and gods and that Danu was their mother and creator. Another legend claims that after the Tuatha de Danann were banished from Ireland and scattered worldwide, Danu offered them protection and taught them new skills and wisdom. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article. See also the related categories, waters (sea), rain (dew), sanskrit, goddess, indian, and personification. I believe that she is an excellent example of what feminine power is. Danu people, an ethnic group in Myanmar; Places Iran She’s also associated with keys. Fish, seagulls, and horses, especially mares, are all free-flowing animals representing freedom from restraint, travel, and movement. Aug 28, 2019 - Explore Tracy Brooks's board "Goddess Danu", followed by 105 people on Pinterest. The one’s we’re interested in, the Tuatha De Danann, were adrift at sea until they reached the remotest isles of the north. People believed they were connected to the divine because their branches extended up into the sky and heavens. They were thought to be the original inhabitants of Ireland who were extremely creative, crafty, and skilled, drawing these talents from Danu herself. According to the early scholars, the name Danu is derived from an Indo-European word, which can be translated as the flowing one. Irish Goddess: Mother Danu Danu is the Mother Goddess of the Tuatha de Danann and one of the most well known of the Irish Gods and Goddesses. Click here for Celtic symbol meanings for warrior and strength. She is often associated with the moon, which is a universal symbol of femininity. The fifth round of invaders were the Tuatha, who were descendents of Nemed (the leader of the third rein of invaders). Get a whole list of Celtic goddess names and meanings here. Danu was the water goddess who gave rise to the gods of Ireland. Similarly, the goddess is sending us the message not to get discouraged, be persistent, and follow our dreams. Thanks to her affiliations to the moon and the Earth, Danu has been connected to water as well. However, Irish monks also began using the term Tuath Dé to refer to the Israelites, with the meaning "People of God". Danu, also spelled Anu, or Dana, in Celtic religion, the earth-mother goddess or female principle, who was honoured under various names from eastern Europe to Ireland. Since the goddess represents the flow of life and constant movement, she’s often depicted together with these animals. What we do know is Danu is the namesake of the Tuatha de Danann. Add Definition. A Celtic Mother Goddess of the wild, Danu was considered by many to be the first ancestor of Ireland—the breast from which all Gods suckled. Danu, the goddess, is the mother of all creations according to the Celtic people. Regardless of your gender, Celtic symbols for warriors are worthy of attention. In the earliest writings, the mythical race is referred to as the Tuath Dé (plural Tuatha Dé). It’s a perennial theme: The warrior retreats, wounded. As a lover of nature and life, the all-powerful matriarch is usually depicted as a beautiful woman surrounded by nature and animals. As the ruler of the seas, rivers, and other flowing bodies of water, the goddess symbolizes the life that is always in motion, changing, flowing and ebbing. These perspectives could very well be true – there is nothing to refute them (least of all me). These cookies do not store any personal information. Demeter (Greek) - Goddess of the harvest who possessed great knowledge of the best way to grow, preserve and harvest grain. Some regarded them as god-like creatures with supernatural powers. From this union between Bile and Danu, Dagda was born. Danu Dana is a Goddess of Rivers Water Wells Prosperity Magick and Wisdom. She is considered to be the oldest of all Celtic deities. She was also the devoted mother of Persephone. The Rigvedic Danu was the mother of a race of Asuras called the Danavas.A shortened form of the name appears to have been Dā. Exploring the Evolution Behind the Symbols of Christmas. In ancient Irish language, the word dan means skill, poetry, art, knowledge and wisdom. Jun 10, 2018 - Explore Rae Creates's board "Danu", followed by 216 people on Pinterest. Here are these unwilling ex-pats, driven out from the place they forged into their home, adrift at sea and finally settling in these remote isles. She’s been associated with abundance, fertility, wisdom, knowledge, water, wind, and wealth. SymbolSage.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You’re going to read a lot of different perspectives about the goddess Danu. There aren’t many Celtic myths and legends about the goddess Danu, even though she was regarded as the Great Mother of Ireland. It was thought that the mist was Danu’s embrace. ♦  She is an artist, craftswoman, and creativeHow do I know this? In the old Celtic text and imagery, Danu was always portrayed in the vicinity of different animals, or out in nature, relishing in her creations’ glory. According to one legend, Danu’s children stayed underground and built their world there. Hindu river goddess whose name means "rain, river." We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In this context, the goddess was seen as a compassionate and nurturing mother, as well as a warrior who never gave up on her people. A water goddess in the Indo-European religion; Danu (Irish goddess), the mother goddess of the Tuatha De Danann (Old Irish: "The peoples of the goddess Danu") Danu (Asura), an Asura and Hindu primordial goddess of primeval waters; Dewi Danu, a Balinese Hindu water goddess; People. Legend won’t tell me when precisely these wandering warriors encountered the goddess Danu. - Irish Goddess. I’m sure they were a sad sight for goddess eyes when the washed up. She is also linked to fairy hills and a tribe of ancient deities known as Tuatha de Danaan. Danu name meaning, Celtic baby Girl name Danu meaning,etymology, history, presonality details. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. She’s in the center of it all and holds together all matter and life. This page on the Celtic goddess Danu is actually a backgrounder piece to my page on the four Celtic Symbols of the Tuatha De Danann. Bile was the god of light and healing, appearing as an oak tree in the story. Be compassionate and loving – From the legend of the Tuatha De Danann, we learn how compassion and love can nurture and raise broken and defeated people back to resilience. Warrior endures a time of (usually) painful introspection. These are people of the goddess, Danu. The Symbolic Meaning of Danu Goddess The Great Mother is one of the most ancient Celtic deities and has many different symbolic meanings. Why? Click here for Celtic symbol meanings for warrior and strength. Legend goes on to tell us these warrior-descendents were scattered about land and sea. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. She is shrouded in mystery, she is verypopular but little is known of her. Not to give up – The goddess helped her people who were in need. Take a look at the craftsmanship of the Tuatha. How do we know about the Celtic mother goddess, though? In this sense, she represents balance, adaptability, and knowledge. She then helped them return to their motherland in the form of a miraculous mist. Bird Omens, Bird Messages and Meanings Oh My! By StormPhoenix. Danu (Da-noo) is the mother of the Celtic Gods, the goddess of rivers, and her name means knowledge, wisdom, wealth and abundance. Warrior, renewed and reinvented rises above the mire to conquer once again. Nemed had conquered the people inhabiting Ireland (Fomorians) at the time of his arrival by sea (which is another interesting story jam-packed with cool symbolism). As she embodies the constant flow and movement of air and winds, Danu symbolizes the soul, spirit, mind, wisdom, and inspiration. Danu, as the mother and protector of all creations under the sun, represents the link that connects and binds everything together according to ancient Irish mythology. Danu - Goddess of Rivers, Water, Wells, Prosperity, Magick, and Wisdom. So, if an entire people are her namesake, it only makes sense to observe the people to know about the goddess they hail. http://www.goddessgift.net. Danu is the Goddess of Dreams Come True and reminds us of our worth and capability. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Get a whole list of Celtic goddess names and meanings here. And, I like to think she came to them in recognition of their willingness to succeed, live, thrive and develop as a people – even in the face of adversity. Many ancient European peoples, particularly the Celts and Germans, regarded themselves as children of Danu, with Danu meaning the Mother Goddess, who was also, like Sarasvati in the Rig Veda, a river Goddess. The great mother has a close connection to the four physical elements, water, air, Earth, and wind. Demeter (Greek) The Goddess of grain and bringer of fertility to the earth. In the story, the goddess Danu was responsible for the tree, feeding and nurturing it. There can be no doubt, a goddess who inspires a people to create such marvelous beauty and magic, must be the embodiment of the same. If you still can’t sense anything, perform the devotion anyway – it is always good to honor the Gods. Although very few surviving texts remain about this magnificent goddess and mother, we could learn quite a few lessons from her personality traits: Embrace diversity – Since the goddess is the embodiment of natural elements and creator of all the living things on Earth, she teaches us to embrace diversity and accept different aspects of our own personality.