FOLK HEARTH

Northern Gods: Rejecting the modern myth of Danu

The identity of the Tuatha Dé Danann has long been accepted as a remnant of a primordial Celtic “Mother Goddess” cult. However, an analysis of the linguistic shifts from the 8th to the 19th century reveals a different story.

• This essay argues that the original term was Tuatha Dé—“Northern Gods”—and that the suffix “Danann” was a 12th-century addition used to conflate these figures with the Danish (Viking) invaders.

• Furthermore, it posits that the “Goddess Danu” is a Victorian-era invention born of a desire to create a false etymological bridge between Irish mythology and Hindu Sanskrit traditions.

The Older Irish orientation system was historically east-facing. In this system, your body's position relative to the rising sun defined the cardinal directions: 

The distinction between Drusidu (Council) and “Druid” (commonly interpreted as an individual elder or priest) emerges from a deeper examination of historical linguistics and the evolution of meaning over time.

• Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this assumption does not hold up.

• The term was not originally a personal title at all.

• Much of the confusion surrounding this subject stems from the persistence of outdated assumptions and weak scholarship.

• Over time, these interpretations have been repeated so often that they are rarely questioned.

  
  

No, Druwayu isn't Compatible with Wica or Druidry, but not for the reasons one assumes.

Wica (Yes, This Is the Correct Word)

Gerald Gardner, considered the official founder, chose to write "Wica" with one 'c'. This is clearly seen in his published books, where a pattern emerges showing that Gardner’s usage of the word increased throughout the 1950s, with some later authors continuing into the late 1970s and early 1980s.​

The one who actually changed it was an author named Scott Cunningham, who popularized the spelling "Wicca" (with two C's) over earlier "Wica" (with one C), particularly through his influential 1988 book, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner.​

However, "Wicca" began appearing in the 1960s and 1970s when it was understood to be pronounced "Wech-uh," though some pronounced it "Wich-ae." The sources, however, were not very good linguists.​