Re: Mitanni and Matsya

----- Original Message -----
From: "Piotr Gasiorowski" <gpiotr@...>
To: <cybalist@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:43 AM
Subject: Re: [tied] Re: Mitanni and Matsya


> On 2008-04-06 12:55, Miguel Carrasquer Vidal wrote:
>
> > Sure. Varuna could have been derived from *wer-, *werH-,
> > *Hwer-, *HwerH-, *wel-, *welH-, *Hwel- or *HwelH-.
>
> With H being a cover symbol for three different phonemes, so we have a
> total of 30 alternative root reconstructions (ignoring the possibility
> of exotic vocalism, e.g. *a instead of *e). Many of those potential
> roots are actually attested.
>
> Piotr

***

Yes, Piotr, it is a damnably difficult problem because of the kettle of
variables.

This is one of the questions in which a high degree of probability will
never be attained.

Even if we think we have identified his original function, several
possibilities are present for interpreting the name for the cornucopia of
choices.

My favoring 'the wide one' is based on the semantic associations of the sea
with 'wide'.

I also think 'simple' is best in attempting to analyze these ancient divine
names. No philosopher was ever worshiped by the common people (with one
notable arguable exception: Buddha).

I have been studying ancient religion even longer than ancient languages,
and I have formed certain ideas about the core organization of divinities
worldwide - something on the order of Dumezil for IE.

I have written a book on the subject, Eyes of the Sky, which I have not
submitted for publication because I was not happy with the linguistic
component of the argument. Unfortunately, it was written before computers
such as we use today were available, and I have only the unedited first five
chapters on computer. I may put one or two chapters on the Proto-Religion
sub-website.

So, in summary, Varuna remains and enigma: even for me.

Patrick

***