From: tgpedersen
Message: 29498
Date: 2004-01-13
> --- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "Brian M. Scott" <BMScott@...>Or it is the kingdom of Vani. That was not so difficult?
> 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".
>