--- In
cybalist@yahoogroups.com, Piotr Gasiorowski <gpiotr@...> wrote:
>
> On 2006-08-22 02:55, m6 wrote:
>
> > is *wel- not also the root of the name 'Helen', though?
>
> That's Gk. Heléne:. It has been tentatively connected with the
> appellative <heláne: ~ heléne:> 'torch from a twisted bundle of
reeds'
> and furter with the root *wel-, but this etymology (and the
connection
> with the name) is anything but secure.
yes,
Linda Clader (1976) has posited the noun 'willow' from this *wel-
root; but the explanation for the 'torch' association remains opaque.
one may speculate that willow withies formed or were capable of
forming torches? but Helen's cult objects apparently included woven
baskets - <elene> (singular) - which perhaps brings us back to the
spinning/spiral (basketry) motif again?
ric kemp