In Irish mythology, Anann (Anu, Ana, Anand) was a goddess. 'Anann' is identified as the personal name of the Morrígan in many MSS of Lebor Gabála Érenn. With Badb and Macha, she is sometimes part of a triple goddess or a triad of war goddesses.[1] As such, she may be a Celtic personification of death, and is depicted as predicting death in battle. As a goddess of cattle, she is responsible for culling the weak. She is therefore often referred to as "Gentle Annie", in an effort to avoid offense, a tactic which is similar to referring to the fairies as "The Good People".[2]
She may be identical with Danu or Aine.[citation needed] She has particular associations with Munster: the twin hills known as the Paps of Anu (Dá Chích Anann or the breasts of Anu), near Killarney, County Kerry are said to have been named after her.[1] She was a goddess of fertility, cattle, and prosperity, and was known for comforting and teaching the dying. Fires were lit for her during Midsummer.[citation needed]
This name may be derived the Proto-Celtic theonym *Φanon-.[3]
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