Odp: [tied] Re: Etruscan and Anatolian

The problem with the "merger" of Veles and Blasius is partly the impossibility of determining which functions were originally associated with whom. St Blase was a popular figure in early Christian times and his association with animals, as well as animal husbandry (especially with woolcombing), was documented long before the earliest mention of Veles.

As for the etymology of <Veles/Volos>, there are a number of possibilities. One of them, not very solid but intriguing, is that PIE had terms such as *wel-nu-/*wel-su-/*wel-tu- for "meadows of the underworld" (cf. Hittite wellu- 'meadow', Greek E:lusio- and perhaps even PGmc walTu- 'woodland, grove').

Piotr

----- Original Message -----

From: MrCaws@...

To: cybalist@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, March 16, 2001 9:43 AM

Subject: [tied] Re: Etruscan and Anatolian

I don't buy the coincidental similarity argument in regards to Saint Blasius. If there is any credibility to the argument that saints absorb the attributes of older traditional deities, then this would be a case where it would be in order. Veles was an important diety, and this is certainly a region where traditional beliefs stayed strong. Even without the similarity in names, I think the argument is strong. I will leave the linguistic point to those more skilled in that field than myself. However, I would like to point out that this cave etymology connects well with the underworld theme I am working with. -Mr. Caws