Pick the Name for the Lady of the Green Kirtle
The official Narnia website has opened up an amazing opportunity for fans to submit name ideas for The Lady of the Green Kirtle (view character profile). In The Silver Chair, the Lady is never named. The production team of Mark Gordon, David Magee, and Douglas Gresham will pick the winning name from the submitted entries.
Here is some background from the official entry page:
We are inviting Narnia lovers everywhere to take on a simple challenge – write a name for Lewis’ character that will be used in the forthcoming The Silver Chair movie. Being known only as The Lady of the Green Kirtle doesn’t make for easy dialog. We want to add a name for this character by which other characters can address her in the script. And, we’ve opened the door for anyone to submit a suggested name for this character.
Please visit https://www.narnia.com/us/sweepstakes to see the official rules and enter your pick.
If this is the type of fan engagement that we can expect from the Silver Chair production team we may be in for a real treat over the next few years.
How do you feel about The Lady of the Green Kirtle having a name in the movie? Go back to our homepage and VOTE! (bottom-right corner)
Thanks to ‘narniafan7’ for the tip.
Very interesting news indeed. Hmmmmm….
This is kind of interesting and it's cool that they're involving the fans, but I don't think a name is necessary. "My Lady" seems usable enough in dialogue. Although at this point, I'm just excited that we're hearing from them! I've been starved for news!
For crying out loud, leave it alone! If C.S Lewis didn't see fit to name her, then you certainly shouldn't either, no matter what it does to dialogue.
I feel like the production team could have come up with a name for her themselves, just like with Lilliandil. This seems like they are actively trying to engage the fan base (and get them on board with giving her a name). I don't really care what it ends up being. She'll still always be The Lady of the Green Kirtle to me. But hopefully this will get people engaged.
I like the anonymity of her having only titles, but it's conceivable that they could have a good reason for this. It makes me wonder whether they will have scenes that call for it or if it will just be tossed in there like Liliandil.
Basically anyone that needs to address her in dialogue can call her "lady" or "queen"… we shall see
There is really no point for this. They say it is for dialogue reasons; it's not like there isn't dialogue in the books. And who exactly will be addressing her by her name so often? Certainly not the earthmen or the three travelers. That pretty much leaves the prince who addresses her by title of Queen and Lady most of the book. I actually like the aesthetic of the witch being nameless, too. But all that being said, I'll probably submit an idea just for fun. Also, this is the first hint of news I've heard in awhile, so apart from anything else it's encouraging just to hear anything to confirm something is being done.
Cool that there getting the fans involved, but I don't see why she needs a name.
*jawdrop*
Whoa.
While I'm dancing in the street because we finally have some news… I honestly don't see a need for her having a name, from looking at the book, anyway. Queen and milady and ma'am seem to work just fine.
I wonder if they're planning on expanding the role and putting the LotGK in situations where it seems that such formal language would be out of place? Or maybe they're intending to show her character early on as someone who is NOT in a position of power or influence (perhaps appearing dominated by the Black Knight instead of the other way around), therefore creating a need for a more "normal" name?
It's also possible that they want to give her a name to make her seem more friendly, open and personable. After all, she enchants everyone she meets and makes people trust her, but not giving them a real name might make her seem less trustworthy.
Wow, naming the Lady of the Green Kirtle… what an amazing opportunity. Very exciting, and it's certainly not the worst thing that could happen… unless they name her something horrible. 😛 I like what Tirian said about fan engagement; that's a very uplifting thought.
No ideas for a name right now. But here are some thoughts:
1. Even though I'm sure most of us feel like NOTHING is happening, apparently they are far enough along in the writing process to decide they need a name for LotGK, and to decide to get the fans involved. I'm sure that idea didn't happen overnight. It took them a while to decide to do that.
2. They apparently feel that she needs a name, though I think Lewis clearly intended her to be a mysterious character. The details of her origin and precise motivation are slim in the book. If they are coming up with a name for her… are they also coming up with a backstory? I’m open to the idea.
3. Is her name a crucial plot point in the movie? Maybe it's a big revelation? …
4. … Probably not, because I don't think they would let the fans choose the name if it was super important.
She only appears in a couple scenes in the book. Perhaps she has a more prominent role in the movie. In that case, it might be awkward to write a script where people don't ever address her by name. *shrug* We'll see.
The names I think kinda fit her character:
Lamera
Neidr (which is welsh for snake)
Lady Telern
I like Lamera. It reminds me of Lamia.
Huzzah for the news about the movie! I really like how they are trying to get the fan base involved, and I think it is a positive move on there part.
I agree with most in that a name for LotGK is unnecessary. In some ways, it takes away the intrigue and draw of her character ( I like the mystery of her appearing as a nameless foe of Narnia and Aslan). Still, I think that the directors know this and will do their best not to make the name too integral to the story. They are almost sure to provide some background to her character (whether that is a good thing remains to be seen), but I think that they will end up chiefly referring to her as "my lady" or "queen."
Lillian,
Belinda (since she's beautiful and a snake),
Lise,
Maia,
Layla,
Maeve,
Aria,
Evelyn.
And YAY I'm so super excited about the movie..!!
I wish I knew if you're allowed to submit more than one name… it's very hard to pick just one suggestion!
Perhaps the craziest thing to ponder is that one of the names that's sent in by the fanbase will likely become almost synonymous with one of C.S. Lewis's greatest villains someday. That just seems surreal.
Finally found the "Rules" link underneath the submit button… it says one entry per person.
Hekate
…Goddess of Necromancy & Ghosts…..
…Hekate led the ghosts of the dead to the upper world at night. Her passing was heralded by the baying of dogs….
I think this is a cool idea. Im sure it will be a small detail in the movie that are allowing a fan to be apart of. It is exciting that they are far enough along to be able to know what the script needs and to claim things will be in the credits! I AM SO EXCITED!!! A director or cast listing announcement may be soon!!
I do agree with most of the comments about her not having a name in the book, and would prefer it be kept that way, but since we all know you are not going to stay true to the book 🙁 my name suggestion would be a name that is evil, enticing, and seductive: Delilah. Since the name in the Old Testament refers to a woman with that same name who was evil, enticing and a seductress.
@nic: Very good idea!
I was thinking about how often the name "Jadis" was used in LWW and I can only remember the two times when Peter read the note from Maugrim and when Ginnabrik was announcing her presence in Aslan's Camp. They were both in passing and no one (outside of us big fans) really refers to her as Jadis. I guess it automatically establishes more depth to the character, so that adds something but I don't think it's necessary to the script, even if they added a number of scenes with her. I guess it could be a nice touch but I could probably do without.
It sounds like they're trying to win us over by letting the fans give input, which is a nice gesture and at least we know something is happening.
Apparently you can only enter one time per email address. I had two names I came up with and tried a second time and it told me that my email address was already in the system.
Also, I think they need an explanation field, in case your name isn't immediately obvious as to why you chose it, or what it means.
For as much as people aren't happy about this news, I'm thrilled that they haven't gone with Jadis. I find that very telling with the direction they plan to take this character… and makes me a very happy FK. ;)One big fear I can set aside.
The rules for the sweepstakes — the link is underneath the submit button — say that you can only have one entry per person. If you really like the second name you came up with, maybe you can have a friend enter it?
If you'd like to talk about the reasoning behind the names you've chosen, you could always post in the "Name the LotGK" thread that Fantasia_Kitty posted in the Cast and Character Discussion section of NarniaWeb forum. =)
This is interesting news. I am not particularly happy that she will be named; a name is a significant thing in that world and the worlds that Lewis was probably inspired by when creating Narnia, and there is some anonymity by just being called "Lady." I agree, though, with joy that it's not "Jadis."
I hope that the script does not expand the role of the green witch. The book has a good balance and does not take away from our three main characters. Less is more when it comes to the green lady. The only time she is important is when she gets back to her castle. The audience should find her mysterious until that point. After that point she is no longer useful. The scene after that is not about her but about the temptation of Prince Rilian and Jill finding grace.
I hope the movie follows with the book, and the script is not "Hollywoodized". Just tell the story, a great story. No battles, no great escapes. Keep this movie rated PG.
I have a concern in this news. In my opinion the primary lesson learned from making the first three books into movies was/is, "To the degree you change the original story you lose the genius of the author." Lose the genius of CS Lewis and you end up with a product the Disney Studio was eventually willing to pass on. Name a character that CS Lewis chose not to name? What difference does it make to give this character a name? Chances are CS Lewis asked himself the same question and we know the conclusion he came to! Like I said, just a concern.
I concur!
I am not yet happy that they want a name for her. It feels too Hollywood – 'all characters have to be known by their name'.
I am still not happy that Ramandu's daughter had a name, but her father failed to appear in the movie – surely there could have been a 2/3 reduction in the silly scenes and room for more human actors?
The lack of a name for LOTGK is part of what makes her harsh and fearful. This is in the same way that the White Witch (whom Lewis did not name in LWW)remains unsoftened by a personal name.
I don't think I want this evil creature softened by the introduction of a name.
But I may change my mind.
It's news and things are happening. 🙂 Good luck to all who are trying on coming up with a name. 😀
I agree with your lesson. The studios have taken great stories and ruined them. Just tell the story.
On the official page https://www.narnia.com/us/sweepstakes there's another interesting information. It's not about the Name of the Lady, but I could not miss it. Here's the phrase:
Mark Gordon, Producer, David Magee, writer, and Douglas Gresham, C.S. Lewis’ stepson, will make the FINAL choice on which name will appear in the FINAL movie.
What does it mean – final? Have they already decided that the SC would be the last film in Narnia series???
I think it's too early to make such statements. SC may be a very successful movie, and there's no any reason to "cut" the series right now.
I think they mean final as in the end product. (To clarify that the name will be in the actual film and not just in a special feature or something)
Anyway, if SC was to be the last Narnia movie, there would be a whole article dedicated to why.
I submitted Duessa, the name of the duplicitous villainess in Edmund Spencer's The Faerie Queene, the late 16th century epic poem that Lewis would have been very familiar with as a professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature. She lies about her identity to the nobel knight Redcrosse and drags him into a dungeon. The character (Una) which means "Truth" and Prince Arthur end up facilitating his rescue. Redcrosse is on a quest to free Una's parents from a dragon. Una encounters a lion, who serves as her protector. A lot of interesting parallels to Silver Chair here…
Duessa actually presents herself to Redcrosse as "Fidessa" (faithfulness), so if someone is still looking for a name, that might be a good suggestion.
Good point. But I was really more referring to explaining to those who are deciding on what the name will be, the meaning behind the name I chose. Like one of my names was Kesna, which is just rearranging the letters of the word "snake" but it might not be obvious to them if they just saw the name.
I really like your submission! I did some research into the Faerie Queene, and it does indeed contain motifs similar to those used by Lewis in The Silver Chair. Duessa is, on its own, a subtle name that works well for both a protagonist or an antagonist. I think that Fidessa would also be a good option. The hag used that name, meaning "faithfulness" when she seduced the Red Cross Knight into the Palace of Pride, and I think that it would be what Rilian would call his Lady while still under the enchantment, when her name is, in reality, still Duessa.
Good with it, really. Had fun figuring a name. Heh.
Right, I understand! You never know, though: the filmmakers may browse NarniaWeb forums themselves, so it might be worth a shot. =) Kesna is a cool name! I like it.
Whoa, I love that! I'm pretty sure that Lewis would approve. Great submission!
BRÍDIN: Diminutive form of Irish Gaelic Bríd, meaning "little exalted one."
Lewis actually did call her Jadis in LWW (Maugrim's note), but I do agree that a lack of a name and backstory is a very notable part of the LotGK. The website indicates that the dialogue they are writing is feeling awkward by constantly calling her lady of the green kirtle. I do not want awkward dialogue, so I'm open to her having a name.
Aravis, thank you very much for explanation!
I suppose that "final" may have another meaning here, except "last". But English isn't my native language, so I wasn't absolutely certain in this.
Now, let's wait SC movie and hope to see another films!
Dominae Viridis
it means Lady Green in Latin 🙂
I, as most of us, do not see a need to name the Lady, but, I do love the fact that they seem to be trying to involve us. It does not really matter how they are trying to involve us, but, that they recognize that they should appeal to us as fans. It will be a step in the right direction with this series.
what about Jadah?
Adelaide
Jessamine
Roseclear
I haven't yet decided upon my name submission, but I think it would be a huge plus if it had at least one "R" in it. As LotGR trills them so well, I think it would be a good idea for her to be able to show that when she declares her name, it has a cheer and musicality that hides her true nature. Just a thought…
I haven't yet decided upon my name submission, but I think it would be a huge plus if it had at least one "R" in it. As LotGK trills them so well, I think it would be a good idea for her to be able to show that when she declares her name, it has a cheer and musicality that hides her true nature. Just a thought…
Oops! A thousand pardons for the double post.
Ditto, I agree!
This /does/ seem to indicate that we're not going to get Tilda Swinton playing her as a re-run of Jadis. Which is good news. I was worried that they were going to tie the green mist in VDT to SC and then blame it all on the White Witch, but maybe this is a sign that they're branching out?
I think Ophidia would be a good name, it is Latin for Reptile.
Oooh, I really like Ophidia, Grace! It really seems to suit the LotGK.
It also doesn't hurt that it sounds a bit like Ophelia; Lewis described Rilian as looking a bit like Hamlet in The Silver Chair.
NEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWSSSSSSSS!!!… of a sort. At least it means things are in fact moving forward. I don't know if I like the idea of the LotGK having a name, but it's cool that they're involving fans and I'll probably submit a name at some point.
I think she needs a name. Yes I know some of you aren't happy about it, but giving her a name won't affect whether it's a good or a bad script. Besides, she can still have her original title – ex. Lenora, Lady of the Green Kirtle.
Ehhh… I think they could find ways around it. Rilian could call her "Lady" or "My lady"; Scrubb, Pole, and Puddleglum could just call her "Ma'am".
Leyla
Edrev
Virdis
Velenia
Zelena