[HPforGrownups] OoP: Madame Rosmerta

[Olya yats]

No: HPFGUIDX 60482


>Everyone doing research out there, what does "Rosmerta" mean?
>
>PoPo


A simple google search gived me this:

1)
Rosmerta
by Todd Gavelek, Clarksville Middle School
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Gaulish Celtic mythology, Rosmerta was the goddess of fire, warmth, and 
abundance. A flower queen and hater of marriage, Rosmerta was also the queen 
of death. A Celtic goddess of fertility and wealth, whose cult was widely 
spread in Northeast Gaul. Rosmerta was the wife of Esus, the Gaulish Hermes. 
Her attributes are a cornucopia and a stick with two snakes.


2)
Rosmerta, Madam - Owner of The Three Broomsticks

"Rosmerta" is a Gaullish goddess and whose Celtic name means 'Abundant 
Provider', which is pretty accurate for the hostess of a bar/restaurant.


3)ROSMERTA (Anglo-Celtic, Gaul) Rosmerta was a Goddess of both Celtic and 
Roman Gaul. After Rome conquered the region, Rosmerta was adopted into the 
local Roman pantheon where she became a consort of their God Mercury. In 
Roman depictions of her she carries a caduceus wand, an indication that she 
was adept in the healing arts. Her name means "great provider".

In Celtic England her images are confused, and she is considered to be a 
Goddess of either water of the sun indicating that she may have been 
associated with hot springs. She was often depicted carrying a basket of 
fruit or cornucopia which indicates that she was also worshipped as a 
fertility Goddess at one point.




Hope that helps!  I think, JKR just searched for the name of pub owner, but 
the line "Rosmerta was also the queen of death" is very strange!

Olya

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