Power is a theme that occurs often in legend, folklore, and fantasy. The worst fate that can befall a hero is for someone or something to gain power over them. This can happen in many ways: for example, through a curse, a talisman, or revealing their true name (the name that “perfectly describes something’s essential nature”). While the idea sounds fanciful, as with most legends, it contains some truth and wisdom. And, as I’m beginning to understand, there are other ways in which we c...
