Significance of a name
Depending on the culture or society, a name may encompass earthly importance or may purely be a title. In some cases it can determine many facets of a person’s personality and other times the eminence of a name can decide that person’s future. Ged, the protagonist in Ursula Le Guin’s novel A Wizard of Earthsea, learns a name encloses truth, knowledge, trust, and most importantly power. The significance of a name in Earthsea parallels the magnitude of a name in classical mythology. Sir James Frazer wrote, “…knowing and speaking the secret name reflected a belief that if you know the name of your god you may be able to steal some of that god’s power” (Kaplan 17). This is similar to Ged’s objective to learn the shadow’s name so that he may defeat it. However learning the true name of a creature takes effort. A name is a fiercely guarded and protected device by all creatures, even dragons and shadows. Therefore it cannot be denied in Earthsea a name is indeed the most sacred secret a creature possesses. Knowing a creature’s true name is the most prevailing way to achieve power over him. ... It was for this reason that a name is so intensely protected. ... You have the strength: I have your name.