SiTU MEMO 8

Names are chosen carefully. Especially names in books. The authors will have taken considerabloe time and thought, before they name their characters. Let's take the name “Harry Potter” as an example.

“Harry” stemms from the German “Hendrik” (Hen(d)ry). The second part means “powerful”, the first part could mean “home or land”, but this is always written with an “m”. It's an aristocratic name, appearing in Germany, around 900 AD.

8 English kings were named Henry (the VIIIth for instance) and at the moment an English prince carries the name Harry.

Harry's first name is powerful and royal. Destined to become king. “Hendrik” is not christian in nature. There are hardly any martyrs or saints carrying that name.

Harry's last name is linked to Wicca and pagan traditions. Interest and practice of these “cults” was already widespread, but J.K. Rowling succeeded in interesting kids in practises and concepts of these ancient, the say Egyptian, traditions.

The Potter symbolises “The Creator”. The craftsman who creates something beautiful out of nothing, with nothing but gracious and simple handmovements. The Potter is a name given to the creating force which powers our universe.

You see, the author chose the names carefully. Harry Potter is “The Once and Future King”. Linking it to even older sources, like Atlantis. The lesson for today. Is our young sorcerer's name an anagram?