Anu (Irish goddess)

Anu or Ana (sometimes given as Anann or Anand) is the name of a goddess mentioned briefly in Irish mythology. The 9th century "Sanas Cormaic" (Cormac's Glossary) says in its entry for her: "Ana - mother of the gods of Ireland; well did she feed the gods". She may be a goddess in her own right, or another name for Danu. In the "Lebor Gabála Érenn", Anand is given as another name for The Morrígan. As her name is often conflated with a number of other goddesses, it is not always clear which figure is being referred to if the name is taken out of context. The name may be derived from the Proto-Celtic theonym *"Φanon-".
Anu has particular associations with Munster: the pair of breast shaped hills known as the Paps of Anu ("Dá Chích Anann" or "the breasts of Anu") in County Kerry are said to have been named after her.
While an Irish goddess, in parts of Britain a similar figure is referred to as “Gentle Annie”, in an effort to avoid offence, a tactic which is similar to referring to the fairies as “The Good People”. 