A Native Proto-Indo-European Etymology for Themis: The dHeh1- + -mo- + -is Nominal Suffix Template
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The etymology of the Greek goddess name Themis is traditionally connected to the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) verbal root meaning "to set" or "establish" (dHeh1-), yet mainstream historical linguistics lacks a cohesive, mechanical explanation for the nominal transition to the final feminine suffix (-is). Building upon the repeatable double-suffix framework established in previous reconstructions of archaic Aegean divine names (such as Artemis), this paper demonstrates that Themis is built using a native, regular PIE nominal template. By compounding the zero-grade verbal root (dHh1-) with a Caland-associated characteristic suffix (-mo-) and a primary individualizing feminine animate agent suffix (-is), we reconstruct the structural intermediate form dHh1-m-is. Through regular rules of Indo-European laryngeal coloring and Proto-Greek aspirate hardening, this framework provides a flawless mechanical and semantic pipeline: "The specific female individual embodying the established, foundational essence of cosmic order."
Author: Cornelison, Brandon Eli
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7224795379