[gothic-l] (unknown)

[greg scaff]

Hails,

     I am curious as to the origin of the word "balan", mentioned in Procopius'  History of the Wars, V, XVlll, in my vol, p 173, ",,,and his whole body was dark grey, except that his face from the top of his head to the nostrils was the purest white.  Such a horse the Greeks call "phalius" and the barbarians "balan." Within the context of this passage it seems that Procopius was referring to Ostrogoths as the barbarians in question, but not definatively.  I'm aware that "balan" is unattested as a Gothic word.  Can it be identified as having  a known Iranic/Turkic/Arabic or other origin? Are there any Germanic  cognates? Has anyone studied this word before?  I would appreciate your ideas and comments, thank you.

Greg




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