Editor(s)

Gerald Leonard Cohen

Abstract

Linear B sign 55 (pronounced /nu/) is evidently of unknown origin, and the present article suggests a possible solution. As with several other Linear B signs I have treated, the solution is sought in Egyptian hieroglyphs, only this time two hieroglyphs are required for the solution (one for the shape, one for the pronunciation).

The shape of the Linear B sign is explainable as a simplified and somewhat altered form of a similarly shaped Egyptian hieroglyph which was pronounced /ḥeḥ/ and meant ‘a great but indefinite number;’ then by extension: ‘eternity’ and from there to Ḥeḥ, a god symbolizing eternity.

But for whatever reason the expected Linear B sign to render /ḥe/ was not selected; perhaps that attested Linear B sign already existed, viz., ke, and the choice (understandably) went to /nu/. The Egyptian god Nu was of the same deep antiquity as the god Ḥeḥ and is described as ‘an aspect of Heh which personifies the endless waters of chaos.’

Also, both Ḥeḥ and Nu played a role in sun god Ra’s rise from the waters in his barque. Nu lifted the new-born sun from the waters of creation, and Ḥeḥ helped raise the barque each morning after the tribulations of Ra’s nightly journey through the Underworld. Egyptian mythology viewed the daily return of Ra to the world as a symbol of resurrection.

Both Ḥeḥ and Nu were significant in Egyptian mythology, and perhaps the Cretan scribe who incorporated them into Linear B 55 hoped this double sign would have double power in its mystical effects.

Department(s)

Arts, Languages, and Philosophy

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Gerald Leonard Cohen, All Rights Reserved

Publication Date

May 2025

Download

Share

 
COinS