Many characters in The Mahābhārata go through several name changes. An example of this is Vasusena, whose name changes to Karna [the cutter] after his “act of unequalled generosity” (20) There are many metaphors for a name and the importance of a name. Frequently a birth name is a symbol of honor, a person’s heritage which we saw held great importance in establishing who you were in battle in the epic poem The Iliad. What do you think is the significance of a name in The Mahābhārata?
What does that significance hold for you – specifically how would you respond if your name was changed based on an action you committed, or if in general, names were changed based on ones actions.
References:
The Mahābhārata, Trans. Chakravarthi V. Narasimhan, Page 20
Picture from: http://www.moviewalah.com/diary/2006/08/30/mahabharata-your-cast
Q: What does that significance hold for you – specifically how would you respond if your name was changed based on an action you committed, or if in general, names were changed based on ones actions.
ReplyDeleteA: What an interesting question. I've always been fascinated by cultures that give names based on deeds, rather than personal preference (e.g.: the Navajo).
I suppose such a naming tradition would work best in a smaller culture with less global networking. Imagine if a country as well-connected and populous as the United States allowed others to choose your name based on popular opinion. Would actors be given new names as soon as they became famous? Would politicians receive new names in light of scandals? In a way, we can certainly pick our own names, should we choose to go before a court of law and request a legal name change. I suppose it's depressing to consider that there is little I have done to earn a unique name of my own at this point in life.
I'll engage in a level of dork-ness that someone a few months shy of 30 years old shouldn't; this practice of having your name change based on your deeds happens in the video game Fable 2 on Xbox360. Based on your deeds in the game, you gain a title; for example someone who performs heroic deeds might gain the title "Lionhearted", while choosing to perform evil actions might get you the title "The Butcher".
ReplyDeleteLooking at The Mahabharata verses The Iliad, I think that name changes in The Mahabharata are less significant, after all it is believed that the same spirit would reincarnate itself inside a different body, such as Amba, who traded her womanhood to become a man by the name of Sikhandini in order to seek revenge upon Bhisma, who she held responsible for ruining her love for another man. In spite of a name change, and gender change, the Kurus were aware of who the person was.
By contrast, the Iliad would be cut in half if the references to the bloodlines of the combatants were removed from the epic, yet it was considered highly important in Greek mythology to know the lineage of the combatants at Troy.
To me, great deeds should be performed without the purpose of seeking acclaim or public triumph, but because of inwardly held beliefs that those deeds are righteous. Thus I would be somewhat embarrassed by a title or name that gave me glory, and likewise I would be considerably shamed by having a name that pointed out my shortcoming. I guess I'm pretty happy just being William, living in anonymity.
For the most part, I think that names reflect the individual character’s personality to a great extent. The society wants people to refer to them by these specific names so one can get a sense of their personality just by hearing their name, Like you said, Vasusena’s name changes to Karna which means the cutter. If someone in that society heard that name, they would know that person was a little devious at first thought and you would deal with that person with caution. For example, in Hindi, the word Kali means “black” so naturally that makes me think negative thoughts such as a cunning person or death. In the Mahabharata, one of Shiva’s wife is named Kali and she is “wild and terrible, and associated with death” (Nayak). Therefore, before I even read about her, I associated her with something negative just because her name was Kali.
ReplyDeleteIf my name was changed based on my actions, I would be very careful about each and every action I made. I would try my extra best to make sure that I did not do anything I could not be branded with (incase my name changed to associate with me with that particular act).
Nayak, Meena. "The Hindu Universe". Northern Virginia Community College Blackboard
Mythology Course Documents.
http://learn.vccs.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2fwebapps%2fblackboard%2fexecute%2flauncher%3ftype%3dCourse%26id%3d_164046_1%26url%3d.
Name changes seem to happen in many different cultures, like in the Bible when God changes Abram’s name to Abraham. I think it symbolizes a huge accomplishment or even a great life changing event. I think it depends on the person and what he did to garner a name change to determine what that name will be and what it will mean. I think depending on what a person does he might either get a name with a very positive meaning or a very negative meaning; it all depends on the individual. The meaning might also come directly from the act an individual accomplishes. It might help someone become recognize in their society because they were given a great or feared name. It is very interesting to see the different name changes throughout myth and what meaning those names hold. It might even shed light on the myth itself and help in the understanding of that myth.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is significant in the Mahabharata because it defines who the person truely is, it is their great act that they will forever be remembered for. It is not just a name that your mother has given you because it she likes it or because your great great grandfather was named the same.
ReplyDeleteI also think that we still do a form of this today by nicknames that we give to our friends. Often times we hate the nickname because it's typically a reminder of something stupid/embaressing we did or said. Most times we nicknames fade away after a while but sometimes they stick with us for the rest of our lives.
Thanks Katrina! Good point about the nicknames! I hadn't thought about that one. I also really like what Samantha said. Maybe I would be more inclined to stick within the lines of Karma if I knew going outside of those lines could brand me with a name I would never be able to rid myself of.
ReplyDelete