LOGHA and its descendants

[Pax]

A recent consideration of an archaic Danish word, Logh, now written as Lov, evokes contemplation on its historical and linguistic significance. This word, which translates to "law," finds its earliest recorded usage in the 1241 Jydske Lov (Jutish Law), specifically in the phrase "Mæth Logh skal Land byggæs," which translates to "with law shall the land be built." A closer examination of Logh reveals a striking resemblance to the Fryas LOGHA, meaning "flame." Notably, Logh is associated with legal terminology, signifying statutes, oaths, or legal affirmations of truth. This resemblance to the Greek term "logos," which can mean speech, reasoning, explanation, tradition, or law, among other concepts, is noteworthy. The Latin words "lex," meaning "law" or "statute," and "lūx," meaning "light," are also likely related.

Historically, fire has been a symbol of truth and knowledge. In ancient Germanic times, the responsibility for teaching children and maintaining the eternal flame fell to the young women of the community. Assuming these suggested words descend from LOGHA, it seems likely that descendants of LOGHA can be divided into two broad categories: one relating to the physical flame (Løge/Lue, Lys, Licht, ljocht, lūx etc.) and the other relating to the cultural ideas of the flame, such as truth and knowledge, which can be associated with reason, order, and law (Logh, logos, law, lēx etc.).

Jan has previously discussed LOGHA in a 2012 blog post, but I have chosen to offer my own ideas on the subject. For instance, he observes that flames are also associated with the tongue, thus rendering the association between Greek logos and speech plausible. Additionally, he notes that gazing into flames has historically served as a wellspring of inspiration, a practice that may have contributed to the development of sungazing.

[Helgiteut]

I'm glad you mentioned sungazing, that has also been linked to fire-gazing and the fire "worship" of the Zoroastrians.