[tied] Re: Vanir,etc.

--- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "Brian M. Scott" <BMScott@...>
wrote:

> At 9:52:16 AM on Monday, January 12, 2004, Marco Moretti
> wrote:
>
> > What's the original meaning of the theonym Vanir?
>
> Uncertain. Possibly from the o-grade of *wen- 'to desire,
> to strive for'.
>

Ablautical /o/-grade isn't found (as far I know) in any IE variety
for the root *wen- (from which Venus, Veneti, etc...).
So this etymon is difficult. As I say I'm personally incline to
believe in a relationship with a Substratum item
/*wana-/ "king", "bright" > "divine".

Marco