Not particularly sure how to phrase this, but I've seen occasional reference in my readings of history that some cultures, at least in the Afroeurasian world, had the belief that knowing the true name of something, gave one power over it. I seem to recall an unverified reference that part of the reason Druids didn't write down their knowledge was that doing so would give one the power over certain things; or that by knowing the true name of something one is given power of it. I've also seen reference to this in regards to Christianity, wherein knowing the name of a demon, for instance, can then give one power over it. My questions then are, is this simply limited to a few select cultures, or is/was this a more widespread phenomenon? And what exactly is the nature of these beliefs in the power of names/words? Thanks for the help!