King Arthur

By Walter Crane

Ballad
1.     When good King Arthur ruled this land,     He was a goodly king--     He stole three pecks of barley-meal,     To make a bag pudding. 2.     A bag pudding the Queen did make,     And stuffed it well with plums,     And in it put great lumps of fat     As big as my two thumbs. 3.     The King and Queen did eat thereof,     And noblemen beside,     And what they could not eat that night     The Queen next morning fried.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, at first glance, might seem a simple, rhythmic narrative about King Arthur and his Queen, but it's actually rich with themes of abundance, leadership, and thrift. The poem opens by establishing Arthur as a benevolent ruler, yet humorously depicts him stealing barley-meal, subverting our expectations of kingly behavior. From the outset, the poet uses this playful tone to challenge our perceptions of authority figures.

The poem's structure is straightforward, relying on a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme to tell its story. This lends the poem a sing-song quality, reminiscent of nursery rhymes or folk tales. Within this structure, the poet employs the literary device of synecdoche, representing Arthur's kingdom through the simple act of making and consuming a pudding. The Queen's role in the poem is particularly noteworthy. She's depicted as a provider, preparing the pudding, and then a symbol of resourcefulness, frying the leftovers. The poem subtly suggests that the health of a kingdom may depend as much on the thrift and wisdom of the queen, as on the king's rule. Thus, beneath its lighthearted, rhythmic surface, the poem subtly explores themes of power, gender roles, resourcefulness, and the everyday actions that underpin a kingdom's prosperity.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.