Re: Octha or Ohta?

--- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "stlatos" <stlatos@...> wrote:

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> --- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "Joao S. Lopes" <josimo70@> wrote:
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> > Is there an etymology for the name of Octha of Kent, Anglo-Saxo king during the  6th century?
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> > JS Lopes
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> Assuming Hengest and Horsa weren't real, but derived from a legend of the eq. of the Açvins, it's likely that Ebusa and Octa were eq. to Ibur and Aio / Aggo (sons of Gambaruc / etc.), meaning dark (one) and light (one). Since * axswyan+ > Aio / Aggo , it's possible that * axswyan+ > Octa through some process, possibly including reinterpretation or replacement after its source was forgotten (if the names weren't borrowed into OE from another Gmc legend).
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If so, then Ibur and Aio are from the older names, w Hengest and Horsa formed after the meaning was forgotten (for their association w horses, like the Açvins). The older names remained but were given to figures sep. out as their sons (as happens freq. w multi-named divinities).


Since apparently Höðr and Loki, meaning dark (one) and light (one) (if eq. to höss = grey, logi (m), loga (f) = flame (and lusn = white spot in eye Arm;)), were confused later (older bad Höðr, good Loki > bad Loki over time in most surviving myths), it's also possible that *katw- > Höðr and *katwan- > *aktwan- > Octa (there's no ev./lack that a-w > aW-w and aW>a in recorded OE (if the names weren't borrowed into OE recently).