Namedropping

Summary

The text is a reflective essay on the significance and personal impact of names, exploring their historical, familial, and spiritual connotations.

Abstract

The essay delves into the artistry and depth of names, questioning whether one truly owns their name and what it represents. It touches on the author's personal connection to their name, which is associated with cleverness and a family history of vigilance. The narrative weaves in the burden of carrying a name with religious significance and the potential ancestral worship of Thor, while pondering the essence of identity and the possibility of transcending one's given name. The author muses on the act of naming children and the hope for wisdom in doing so, suggesting that names may be predestined or subject to change. The text concludes with a dialogue between a father and son, emphasizing the poetic nature of communication and the desire for a loyal and close-knit relationship, as symbolized by the name Ryan.

Opinions

The author suggests that names are not merely labels but carry the weight of history, identity, and expectations.
There is a contemplation of the divine and the spiritual significance of names, particularly in relation to the teachings of Christ and the potential for receiving a new name in a spiritual context.
The text conveys a sense of skepticism towards being unsuperstitious about the power of names and their influence on one's life.
The author appears to value the poetic and imaginative aspects of language, especially in the context of storytelling to children.
There is a belief that names can both confine and inspire, with the potential for individuals to forge their own identities beyond their given names.
The essay reflects on the act of naming as a profound responsibility, with the hope that the chosen name will embody desirable qualities, such as loyalty.

A Somber and Ancient Art

“Whatchains” by Author (for sale)

Do you know your own name? How about own it — Do you own it? I was called after the art of cleverness. Are you clever, do you know why those letters and syllables cast on the wind grab your attention? Were you spoken into being to remind of someone else — or are you a flavor that slaps a face in only the way yours can? I bear the marks of an animal, a smart one, but a beast no less. I also carry the name of Christ — and that’s a burden — though He said it would be light. The name my family crested for centuries connotes we once stood a wall, and hollered if enemies were coming. Do you holler if the wolf passes by? Are you a wolf? What is the meaning of your name — defend it. Some say my people were honorers of Thor. I hope not, though that would be cool. Who do you elevate? What does your name honor? Did you think you could escape the stone walls which boundary your existence by the title your parents gave? Don’t be silly. You're not that unsuperstitious. Have you given names to your children? Did you think before you did it? Apologize for doing it? Or did you beg Heaven’s clouds to give you wisdom in the choosing? They say some of us will get a new name. The one with the highest Name said that. But what’s in a name? Wouldn’t we still be roses or hemlock? Or perhaps we’re just weeds, on a dandelion’s back, blown in the wind, to create pollen for Netherworlds? Fight on and tell us. Break out of your name, if you can. Perhaps you might. For some have also said one can make a name for themselves. The soul is a tricky thing. Powerful and spyless. Built in the Image of its Breather. Who also has a Name. Some won’t speak it. Some don’t know it. Some they hate it. Other’s bow at its passing.

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“Dad, why do you talk so poetically?”

“Because it’s bedtime, and you need images for your dreams, not concrete ideas to keep you awake.”

“Those ideas were pretty solid.”

“Yeah, I suppose so. Maybe tonight was special. Goodnight, son.”

“Good night, Papa. — oh one more thing!”

“Yes”

“Why did you name me Ryan?”

“It means loyal. I wanted a son who’d stay close to me.”