Re: Mitanni and Matsya

----- Original Message -----
From: "Francesco Brighenti" <frabrig@...>
To: <cybalist@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 5:44 PM
Subject: [tied] Re: Mitanni and Matsya





--- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "Patrick Ryan" <proto-language@...>
wrote:

> What is the up-to-date opinion on the etymological significance of
> Mitra, Francesco?


Bergaigne suggested the divine name Mitra can be also interpreted
through the common noun mitra (according to him, meaning 'friend').

Gonda agreed with Bergaigne.

Meillet interpreted Vedic Mitra and the corresponding Avestan form
Mithra as deified 'Contract', namely, as a social abstraction rather
than a natural force.

Thieme agreed with Meillet.

Mitra (and other Aditya gods) are, in fact, abstractions. Mitra-s
(m.) 'god Mitra' corresponds to mitra-m (n.) 'agreement'
(or 'friend'?); same in Bhaga-s 'god Bhaga', bhaga-m 'portion,
share'. Cf Arya-man 'arya-hood'.

(Varuna is admittedly more difficult).

Regards,
Francesco

***

Thank you for the update.

I cannot think that anyone could interpret the name as 'friend'.

That is simply hubris in extremis.

I think reciprocal social and contractual relationships is the basal
meaning; Mitra being the deity who enforces reciprocity.

Of course, experts will disagree.


Patrick

***