Armeno-Iranica, Indo-Europaeica, and Gathica

Abstract

I shall review the various etymological proposals for Armenian skay/hskay ‘giant’/ To be refuted is the pervasive hypothesis that the collocation Paroyr Skayordi represents the name of a Scyth (Assyrian Partatua, Greak Προτοθύης) who is supposedly ‘son (ordi) of a Saka (skay)’, whereby skay ‘giant’ is taken from Saka- ‘Scyth’. Then it will be discussed whether and how skay comes from Middle Persian kay, which will entail an exploration of the history of the latter word, from Avestan kauui- to various Middle Iranian forms, and relevant attesttaions in the Manichean Book of the Giants. With rejection of the explanations hitherto for the s- of the skay, a new account will be offered, with further discussion of the h- of hskay. APPENDIX I will set forth the Proto-Indo-European root *kelĝ and its intricate semantics. APPENDIX II will be devoted to phonic encryption in the Gathas.