David's Daily Diversions

The Pooh

Aidie got a new Winnie-the-Pooh video a couple of days ago. This made me think...

Why is he called "Winnie-the-Pooh" or "Pooh", but never "Winnie"? Does this not strike you as a bit strange? I can't think of anyone else who has ever been known like that.

After all, a lot of people have been known "the" something or other.
No one refers to William the Conqueror as just "Conqueror". I don't think anyone ever called Attila "Hun" - except maybe his wife.

You can't really argue that it's because he's a fictional character. I've never heard Bob just called "Builder" or Thomas just "Tank Engine". What makes Pooh so special?

And what is a "Pooh" anyway? It may be strange, but generally appellations that include "the" seem to always mean there are others outside the immediate context. If he is "the Pooh" this implies that there are other Poohs. After all Uriah wasn't the only Hittite, nor Eric the only redhead, nor even Jack the only ripper.

Clearly I have too much time to think during the summer holidays.