On names and naming

[jic]

One of the things I learned back in EFM yr 1 was that in some (ancient) cultures the practice of giving captives new names was in order to demonstrate power and control over the captives.  E.g., Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were assigned new names Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo when they were captured by Nebuchadezzar (Daniel 1:1-7).

I think of that every time John Sheppard names a Wraith: Steve, Bob, Michael.

And so I found it extra significant that Sheppard didn't assign a name to the Wraith in Common Ground, with whom he conspired, joked, and escaped -- and to whom Sheppard did not break his word.

Comments

[zoerayne]

I made this very point in chat last night. *g*

Also, the Wraith starts out calling John "Sheppard" and moves on to calling him "John Sheppard" at the end, which I think has some significance.

[jic]

Go you!

Hmmm. I don't think I noticed that. I'll have to see it again. Oh, woe is not me.

[zoerayne]

I'm not sure what significance it has, but I'm sure it has some. *g*

[quettaser.livejournal.com]

I totally agree. It really feels like a sign of respect (remember how Michael was treated by his queen when she found out he was given a name?) and the Wraith was respectful in turn, using John's full name at the end of the episode.

[jic]

If by "it" you mean John not giving him a name (it's dumb how long it took me to make that connection), oh, ABSOLUTELY.

[ceares.livejournal.com]

Interesting. Not that ancient really if you count slavery. Really interesting if this is deliberate on the part of the writers. The name game on SGA always catches my eye, so I'll definitely be looking for this when I watch the episode.

[jic]

Yeah. It has happened recently -- probably still happening in some parts of the world. But I can only really speak to the cultures present in the time of the Old Testament, since that's what we were studying.

I've been wondering if it's deliberate, too ;)

[scifigirl.livejournal.com]

I hadn't really thought about it like that before but you make a good point.

[jic]

Thanks! And thanks for stopping by :)

[monanotlisa.livejournal.com]

in some (ancient) cultures the practice of giving captives new names was in order to demonstrate power and control over the captives. E.g., Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were assigned new names Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo when they were captured by Nebuchadezzar (Daniel 1:1-7).

Ancient cultures? Think US-American slaveowners who gave the people transported in from Africa an easily-pronouncable name, and their own surname if they were feeling particularly generous....

But that's one cool bit of background. Thanks for reminding us! & :-)

[jic]

Oh, I'm sure it's probably still going on today in some parts of the world. But the ancient Hebrews were what I was studying, so that's what I had to cite. I'd hoped to give a nod to modern use of the custom with the parentheses.

Thanks for coming by, and for adding other evidence!