Editor(s)
Gerald Leonard Cohen
Abstract
The cat figure in Linear B sign 80 (with antecedents) likely derives ultimately from the nightly defeat of the Egyptian god of chaos (Apep, aka Apophis) by the sun god Ra, who took the form of the divine cat Mau. An alternative interpretation is set forth in Ferrara and Weingarten 2022, which sees the cat portrayals for wool or woolen products in Cretan Hieroglyphics as traceable to the cat sound /ma/ appearing by coincidence in Greek μαλλός ‘wool’ (possibly of pre-Greek origin). Perhaps both factors played a role (multiple causation).
Recommended Citation
Cohen, G. L. (2024). Reflections on Linear B, (part 3): The Egyptian cat-god Mau. COMMENTS ON ETYMOLOGY, 53(8)
Department(s)
Arts, Languages, and Philosophy
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 Gerald Leonard Cohen, All Rights Reserved
Publication Date
May 2024
