Names hold a great deal of power. With the right name, one can yield the greatest of reputations and associations. Names can live long after one dies, and the connotations associated with a name can remain long after anyone who has known that person has left the earth. Think, for example, of what someone means when they describe something as Wagnerian. Or how about Freudian? Or think about how anyone of a certain generation will know exactly what you mean when you say you MacGyver’ed something, or how most people will understand what it means to be called a Scrooge.On today’s episode, we’re sharing stories about heroes for whom a name becomes important to his or her story. Stories and songs included in this episode:

Escape (The Odyssey)

An excerpt from the Odyssey performed by Odds Bodkin. In Homer’s The Odyssey, we do not meet the hero Odysseus for the first four books of the epic poem. Throughout his adventures, Odysseus uses his cleverness and wit to make a name for himself among the Ancient Greek heroes. Dr. Stanley Benfell, of the Comparative Arts & Letters Department at Brigham Young University, helps us introduce this episode of The Odyssey in which Odysseus tricks the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Find other episodes of the Odyssey by searching "Odyssey" in the archive searchbar, and find more of Odds Bodkin's work by visiting www.oddsbodkin.net.

Rumpelstiltskin

It’s hard to talk about names & the troubles that come with them without mentioning the story of Rumplestiltskin. This German fairy tale was collected by the Brothers Grimm in their 1812 edition of Children’s and Household Tales. This version, by Rosie Cutrer, comes from a collection of stories called, "Mr. Bun and Other Stories." Learn more about Rosie Cutrer's work by visiting www.rosiecutrer.com

Your Name (song)

Ozma is a five-piece American rock band from Pasadena, California. The band’s sound is a mix of nostalgic new-wave–influenced power pop and contrapuntal Casiotone-driven melodies sustained by heavy guitar riffs. This song is from the album, Spending Time on the Borderline. Find more about their music by visiting www.ozmaofficial.com

Papito

Drawing from his Cuban-Irish-American heritage, Antonio Sacre shares stories about knowing who you are by knowing where you've been. This story is about language, nicknames, and family. Find more of Antonio Sacre by visiting www.antoniosacre.com