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LUCINA, LUCYNA is an epithet of Diana and Juno, both goddesses of childbirth. Isidore says that Diana is called Lucina because she is bright (Etym VIII.xi.57).

Chaucer applies the name exclusively to Diana. A woman in labor appeals to Lucina, KnT 2085. Aurelius asks for help from Apollo's sister, "Lucina the sheene," FranklT 1045, empress of the sea. Criseyde swears by "Lucina the sheene" to return to Troilus by the tenth day, Tr IV.1591. [Cinthia: Diane: Latona: Proserpina]

Both Lucina and the spelling variant Lucyna appear medially, KnT 2085; FranklT 1045; Tr IV.1591.


Isidore, Etymologiae, ed. W.M. Lindsay, I.
From CHAUCER NAME DICTIONARY
Copyright © 1988, 1996 Jacqueline de Weever
Published by Garland Publishing, Inc., New York and London.

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