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drpaladin

drpaladin 110,662
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Sticking a finger in a light bulb socket is a less than ideal way to get power 

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Bill W

Bill W 62,259
In Pain

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The word power traces back to the Latin root potis (meaning "able" or "powerful").  Evolving through vulgar Latin (The word power traces back to the Latin word potis (meaning "able" or "powerful").  Evolving through Vulgar Latin ( (potēre - "to be able") and Old French (poeir - "ability/to be able"), it was adopted into Middle English as poer and later power.  If you see the surname Power, it actually has an entirely different origin; it evolved from Old French and Middle English as an ethnic/habitational name for a "native of the Pays de Poix" (a region in France).  

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun power was first used in English around the year 1300, during the Middle English period, most notably in the text St. James the Great..  It was borrowed from Anglo-French and Old French (pouair / povoir) and was originally used to denote "ability," "strength," or "might".  It refers to the ability, capacity, or official authority to do something. It can also refer to physical strength, energy, or an electrical supply.  As a transitive or intransitive verb, "power" dates back to the late 1500s, with its first recorded evidence appearing in 1592, with early instances of the verb initially meaning to "make powerful".  The modern sense of the word meaning "to supply with mechanical or electrical power", or with great speed or force, emerged much later, specifically in 1898.   

Related terms:  The word powerful was first recorded in writing around 1450.  The word "powerless" was first used in English around 1425.  

 

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Bill W

Bill W 62,259
In Pain

Posted

The concept of power in storytelling is foundational because it creates narrative tension,m drives character arcs, and reflects societal structures.  Every story is essentially a dynamic interplay of power—whether it’s physical might, political control, emotional manipulation, or internal willpower.  

Here is how power shapes and drives narrative:  
Establishes the Conflict: Power disparities set the stage. The classic "David vs. Goliath" or underdog narrative relies on an imbalance of power, forcing the protagonist to challenge the status quo, grow, and overcome systemic or physical odds. 
Reveals Character: How a character handles power shows who they truly are. It acts as a stress test for morality, exposing whether they are corrupted by control or motivated to protect the vulnerable. 
Reflects and Shapes Society: Storytellers use narratives to examine and critique real-world power structures. From dystopian warnings like 1984 to fairy tales, narratives highlight who holds control, who is oppressed, and how societies can be changed.  
Drives the Narrative Arc: Characters with agency (the power to make choices that impact the plot) move the story forward. Shifts in the balance of power create the plot's rising action, climax, and resolution.
Engages the Audience: Neuroscience shows that narratives release oxytocin in the brain, fostering deep empathy. When storytellers control the narrative, they possess the power to persuade, mobilize, and shift audience perspectives. 

The concept that power always demands a cost prevents a narrative from feeling hollow. It maintains character stakes, grounds magical or political elements in reality, and forces protagonists to make agonizing choices. This principle drives internal conflict and organically determines the narrative consequences of every action. 
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Bill W

Bill W 62,259
In Pain

Posted

He-man was my son's favorite super hero when he was younger and he'd always go around spouting that phrase - "I have he Power!" 

He Man Power GIF

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drpaladin

drpaladin 110,662
Zorro+

Posted

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1 hour ago, Bill W said:

He-man was my son's favorite super hero when he was younger and he'd always go around spouting that phrase - "I have he Power!" 

He Man Power GIF

There are also the Power Rangers.

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sandrewn

sandrewn 28,868
Checking In

Posted

4 hours ago, drpaladin said:

Sticking a finger in a light bulb socket is a less than ideal way to get power 

I agree, not a very bright idea.

 

:cowboy:

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