Anann

In Irish mythology, Anu (or Ana, sometimes given as Anann or Anand) is a goddess. She may be a goddess in her own right, or an alternate name for Danu. In the Lebor Gabála Érenn, “Anand” is given as an alternate name for Morrígu. 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 fairys as “the Good People”. 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.

Etymology
This name may be derived from the Proto-Celtic theonym *Φanon-.

Paps of Anu
Anu has particular associations with Munster: the twin hills known as the Paps of Anu (Dá Chích Anann or the breasts of Anu), at 52°00′55″N 9°16′09″W, near Killarney, County Kerry are said to have been named after this ancient goddess.

Correspondences
Evidence that Anu may be the same deity as Danu appears in the following comment from Sanas Cormaic: “Ana .i. mother of the Irish gods. Well did she feed the gods.”