Liz Warren | Storyteller

What’s in a Name? by Anne McDowell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is a name important? Does it have power? Many parents devote a lot
of consideration and time in choosing just the right names for their children.
For example, they want to make sure the first and last names go well together,
and that the names will not be a cause of ridicule.

The character of Rumpelstiltskin was not so fortunate. His name
does not have an easy flow, nor is it shielded from ridicule. Researchers are
not sure where the creator of the folktale got such a big name for a little
guy. Additionally, scholars do not agree on the name’s meaning or purpose. Some
say it is just a silly word made up willy-nilly with no thought, or
consideration put into it at all. Other scholars say that it came from a
child’s game; a game played while wearing stilts. Others state that a
“rumpelstilt . . . was the name of type of goblin.” 

Folktale experts do seem to agree that, indeed, there is power in
a name and if one guesses the name of a person or creature correctly, he/she
gains power over that person or creature. Hence, it is never a good idea to
bargain away a name!

3 responses to “What’s in a Name? by Anne McDowell”

  1. Phyllis ralley Avatar
    Phyllis ralley

    Ann,
    Your analysis of Rumplestiltzskin was enlightening last week, and I am glad to know it means “kin to a goblin!”
    I can just picture the guy when you tell your stories. When I was in college I wrote for the student newspaper and did an article about how I did not have a name. My last name was my father’s or my husband’s but I did not have a name. A name is important!

    Reply
  2. James Ashcroft Avatar
    James Ashcroft

    Anne,
    I remember my dad showing me an obituary for a woman named Ima Hogg. It was humorous and sad at the same time. The name Rumplestiltzskin has always fascinated me and if my memory serves me correctly, it kind of scared me the first time I heard the tale. I think that those who believe the willy nilly theory are selling our ancestors short. They dealt with a lot of superstition and had time to worry about things like what is this character representative of? I loved your presentation.
    Jim

    Reply
  3. Nancy Newlin Avatar
    Nancy Newlin

    Anne, I have always liked the story of Rumpelstiltskin and I absolutely loved your version. But I never gave much thought to where his name might have come from. When I read a folktale that mentions the name of a character, I now think a little bit more about WHY that name? What meaning might that name have? I know names are really important to little children. If I call one of the little kindergarteners by their name their eyes sparkle – just like I pictured Rumpelstiltskin’s eyes sparkling, and… just like your eyes sparkled as you told your story.

    Reply

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