Baelfire / Name Etymology

[cruel_fortuna]

I was re-watching 'Desperate Souls' when I had a thought.
If Rumpelstiltskin becomes the new 'Dark One' - then, is there by default someone who should cancel this person out ( i.e - a person of light? ).

With that in mind, I took notice of the spelling of Rumpelstiltskin's son's name.
Baelfire.
Something seemed familiar, so I quickly consulted my magic mirror.

After some digging - I found what I was looking for.
Beltane - the Irish Summer Festival.

This festival is usually linked with the God - Belenus , who lo & behold is referred to as 'The Shining One'. Also note - another name for the Beltane festival; ( "Fire of Bel" ) - which gives you - Baelfire.

Belenus was also a god of Healing.
Which I theorize means - that when Baelfire ran away from his father - in the time spent away form him, perhaps he may have found some way to reverse the 'curse' that Zoso gave him, without having to kill him.

Either way - I think Bael will be important somewhere down the line.

// But that's my inane / out of nowhere theory for the day.

Hope you enjoyed it.

Regards,

- Fortuna.

[DanielJLewis]

Wow! What a connection! Excellent thoughts and good research.

I'm in the camp that thinks Baelfire isn't a significant character. But I'd be happy to be proved wrong.

[cruel_fortuna]

Thank you.

I hope he ends up having a larger purpose, because it's an excuse to delve even deeper into Rumpelstiltskin's past & see how his actions have consequences.

[ // I'll be honest, if it were up to me, every ep. would just have Emma, Mr.Gold/Rumpelstiltskin, Kathryn/Abigail & MM/Snow in it. ...maybe a little bit of Charming & Regina. Maybe. ]

[obisgirl]

I did a general google name search for Baelfire. The name has many fantasy connotations attached to it. It's the name of a Paranormal Investigation, there's something called the Baelfire Blade, Baelfire jewelry, and even a fanfiction author.

[cruel_fortuna]

I did some more digging & I found some further clarification in regards to the rituals associated with Beltane . In particular, the use of a particular fire ritual - known as the 'Neid Fire' ( Tein'-éigin ) ; also known as the Force Fire. Which details how this fire was/is considered an antidote against bewitching, as well as the plague.

You can find instances of this ritual in the Carmina Gadelica ; which has various instances of Scottish/Gaelic folklore within the next.

( Just thought that was interesting. You can also find more info on the Beltane Fire Festival by visiting their official homepage. Wikipedia also doesn't hurt for external links. )