Pagan family names refer to surnames that have their origins in pagan, pre-Christian traditions. These surnames are often derived from the names of ancient gods, goddesses, or other mythological figures. They can also be derived from nature, animals, or other elements of the natural world that were significant in pagan cultures. In many pagan cultures, gods and goddesses played a significant role in people's lives, and it was common for families to pass down names that paid homage to these deities. For example, the surname "Thorsson" is derived from the Norse god Thor, while "Dianova" is derived from the Roman goddess Diana. These names not only honored these gods and goddesses but also connected individuals to their ancestral lineage and cultural heritage.
The novel is a political, social, and ethical commentary on the nature of good and evil, and takes place in The Land of Oz, in the years leading to Dorothy's arrival. The story centers on Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who grows up to become the notorious Wicked Witch of the West. Gregory Maguire fashioned the name of Elphaba, from the initials of Lyman Frank Baum, L-F-B. The story is divided into five different sections based on the plot location. There is also a prologue where Elphaba is spying on Dorothy and her friends, hearing them gossip about her.
Dillamond s mispronunciation of her name, Glinda , and throws herself into her studies, having settled on a course of study in Sorcery, at Madame Morrible s insistence. It should be noted that, as mentioned on the train ride to Shiz, Doctor Dillamond s ancient mother at this time cannot afford to travel first class, and will have to ride in a pen if she wants to visit Doctor Dillamond at Shiz.
These names not only honored these gods and goddesses but also connected individuals to their ancestral lineage and cultural heritage. Similarly, pagan family names can also be derived from nature or natural elements that held significance in pagan cultures. Names such as "Wolfe" or "Ravenwood" may have originated from the association of wolves and ravens with spiritual symbolism in pagan traditions.
Who's Who in Wicked the Musical and Novel
Choosing from the 38 speaking characters in Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked , the writers of Wicked the musical decided to focus their show on eight key characters plus a few others and the ensemble.
Character: Elphaba, (nickname Elphie) the green girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West
Elphaba made the list of Entertainment Weekly 's List of the 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years, and deservedly so. She is at the center of both the immensely popular musical and novel Wicked. Elphaba is the intense, broody, smart heroine who often carries a sense of burden of her oddness.
In the musical we meet Elphaba for a moment as a baby and then as a teenager. She would like it if Ozians could accept her, setting aside their prejudice for her natural hue. Everything changes when she meets Galinda, Fiyero, and the Wizard. In her transition during "Defying Gravity," she expresses her new goal and role as someone striving to right the wrongs in Oz.
Wicked novelist Gregory Maguire invented the witch's name "Elphaba" based on the name for the author of The Wizard of Oz. L. F(rank) B(aum). L-F-B = Elphaba.
When composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz found out about Maguire's book and the Elphaba character, he decided to write a musical about her, and eventually Wicked came to be. Read the full story of Wicked 's development in Defying Gravity - my biography of Schwartz that includes 150 pages on the making of Wicked.
Character: Glinda/Galinda, The blond who becomes "Glinda the Good" Witch
Both the novel and musical introduce Glinda as her younger self, Galinda Upland of the Upper Uplands, a blatantly self-centered young blond. Gregory Maguire disassociated her from an archetypal "good" to make her a pretentious goodie goodie. The musical's writers juxtaposed the two women who were superficially "bad (or misfit)" and "good" but underneath were nearly the opposite (until Glinda evolves as a person). Read about Kristin Chenoweth - the original Glinda in Wicked the musical
Character: Madame Morrible, the headmistress at Shiz University.
In the musical, her talents in sorcery are rather limited (although she recognizes talent in others). She doesn't influence the fate of the three witches in the musical in the same way as she does in the novel. She pursues her connections with Oz's chief. Her misuse of power is her undoing. Morrible is the only classic villain in this musical tale.
In the photo, Carol Kane who played Madame Morrible on Broadway, bows at the end of a Wicked performance. In this close up you can see how costume designer Susan Hilferty supported the character through the magical fancy of the gold and deep green. Photo is by Ben Strothmann for BroadwayWorld.com, used by special permission.
Character: Fiyero, a handsome prince, fellow student, and love interest.
Fiyero is a Winkie prince. The Winkies inhabit one of the regions of Oz (as in Frank Baum's original). He begins as a carefree college-age hedonist who invites fellow students to party. He transforms as his romantic interests shift. . . .
[continued below photo from opening night curtain call]
Character: Dr. Dillamond, a professor at Shiz University who is a talking Goat, and someone Elphaba befriends. Read more about Animals in Wicked novel and musical
Character: The Wizard of Oz
As in the movie, the Wizard of Oz is an old carnival huckster who blew into Oz in a hot air balloon and became a false-faced leader. But there's a twist in both Maguire's novel and the musical with regard to the relationship between the Wizard and Elphaba. [I wont' give that one away but if you read the novel carefully you will know what happens]
Character: Nessarose, the Witch 's invalid sister
Nessarose Thropp is Elphaba's sister. Gregory Maguire named her after Virginia Woolf's sister Vanessa, known as "Nessa." According to the novelist, she was born both crippled and armless. On stage she has arms but is in a wheelchair.
Character: Boq, an unusually tall Munchkin with eyes for Galinda/Glinda. In the novel he is less significant than in the musical.
Characters: Frex and Melina
The novel's early chapters set Elphaba's parents at odds at before birth. Readers learn about Melena, a former aristocrat who is terribly unhappy with her husband Frexpar, (a zealous missionary minister in the book). Her tactics for emotional survival include chewing on the leaves of a local narcotic plant and engaging in semiconscious affairs. From her first pregnancy comes a green-skinned child and though it is assumed that Frexpar is the father, there is some doubt. Between that, the daughter's odd color, and her queer behavior, the discombobulated parents create an estranged home life for their first child.
In the musical, Melina and Frex appear for only a few minutes during the birth scene at the end of Act 1, Scene 1. Frex is no longer a minister, but the Governor of Munchkinland. He cares only for his second child, Nessarose, which adds to Elphaba's frustrations.
Character: Dorothy
In the musical, Dorothy only appears as a shadow projected onto a drape. In other words her famous melting scene where she tosses water on the witch happens behind a curtain. In Maguire's novel she appears several times, as he leads the story through more of what L. Frank Baum wrote about the melting and subsequent moments.
Various others
Other characters besides the chorus include Pfannee and Shen Shen, Glinda's college girlfriends; Professor Nikidik who replaces Dr. Dillamond; and Chistery, a monkey servant.
WHO'S MISSING
Wicked novel characters dropped or minimized for the musical
Averic, Nanny, Fiyero's Wife, Liir
MISSPELLINGS: Some people mispell Elphaba as Alphaba or Alpheba or Elfeba; Glinda as Glenda.
WICKED - NEW EDITION OF MAGUIRE'S NOVEL at Amazon.com: Musical Tie-in Edition : The Life. [new browser window]
features 16 pages of photos from the musical. Total 448 pages (no new text).
Elphaba Photo by Joan Marcus
Characters: Frex and Melina
These names were likely given to families who had a particular affinity or connection to these animals or natural elements. Pagan family names can be found in various cultures and regions around the world, including ancient Norse, Celtic, Roman, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. Throughout history, these surnames have evolved and been influenced by other cultures, religions, and languages, making them even more diverse and intriguing. While many pagan family names have endured through generations, it is worth noting that the rise of Christianity and other religious and cultural shifts often led to the adoption of new family names. As societies changed, people often sought to distance themselves from pagan traditions and embrace new religious or cultural practices, leading to the adoption of surnames that reflected these changes. Today, pagan family names continue to be a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of different societies. They serve as a reminder of the ancient traditions and beliefs that once shaped our ancestors' lives. Additionally, for those who still practice pagan or alternative spiritual beliefs, these names can serve as a way to honor and connect with their heritage and ancestral roots. Overall, pagan family names hold a significant place in the study of genealogy, cultural history, and the evolution of surnames. They not only provide insight into the beliefs and traditions of our ancestors but also contribute to the richness and diversity of our modern-day society..
Reviews for "Pagan Family Names: A Window into Ancestral Lives"
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3. Emily - 2/5 stars - As someone who has always been interested in pagan culture, I was excited to come across a book on pagan family names. Unfortunately, "Pagan family names" didn't live up to my expectations. The book lacked depth and didn't provide any historical or cultural context for the names listed. It felt like a random compilation rather than a well-researched guide. Additionally, the book could benefit from better organization and structure, as it was difficult to navigate and find specific information. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would recommend seeking alternative resources for a more comprehensive exploration of pagan family names.
4. David - 2/5 stars - I found "Pagan family names" to be a very basic and surface-level book on the topic. The names listed were mostly common and well-known, offering no new insights or discoveries. I was hoping for a deeper exploration into lesser-known pagan family names and their meanings, but this book failed to deliver. The lack of historical context and explanation behind the names made it an underwhelming read overall. I would recommend looking for more comprehensive resources if you're genuinely interested in pagan family names.