Ariana Jumper: Van der Leeuw and Word 12/4/09

To Van der Leeuw, words help to form images with sound. The word comes from inspiration. Therefore, the word comes from God. The word is also returned to God in the form of praise (Van der Leeuw, 2006, p. 330). Words were first used during work songs. It was not the words themselves, but the rhythm of the words. Through this rhythm, the power of the words was concentrated. This power flowed through the workers and allowed them to complete their jobs. This transfer of energy from the power of the words could also be to another human being or to an appeal to the gods or spirits (Van der Leeuw, 2006, pp. 115-118). The power of words was even feared. Words can be used to create images. The image that a word produces is an idea of the object mentioned, but some people fear that the power of the word and the image can be evoked by just saying the word. Van der Leeuw (2006) states, “among primitives, it is forbidden to mention by name certain powerful animals, such as the lion or tiger. The names of persons are not mentioned when they are engaged in hunting or in battle. It is equally impermissible to mention the name of the king” (p. 118). From this fear, the use of metaphor was born. Creative words were used in place of the taboo words. Van der Leeuw (2006) also states that the poet is the controller of the power of the word. This relationship between the poet and his duty can be seen in comparison to the prophet and his duty. The prophet and the poet set in motion the power of the words they speak. Poetry is seen as the closest man can come to uttering the truth, or in seeing the reality behind the world. A prophet’s words have the same effect (Van der Leeuw, 2006, p. 122).

I do not understand how words can provoke power. To help me understand, I have compared Van der Leeuw’s description of word to modern day examples, such as witches and Harry Potter. Witches in a sense are poets. They use words to create their magic. Through their words, they gain power, making them the controllers of the power of the words that they use. The witches choose their words carefully to evoke the most power as possible. I know this is unrealistic to believe in witches, but if we are to believe in prophets and the power that their words evoke, why not believe in witches?The Harry Potter movies and books provide an example of how people fear the use of some words. In the story, the people refuse to say the word Voldemort because they are scared that his power will be revived and he will come to full power again.