A Sunset Fancy.

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

Wide in the west, a lake
 Of flame that seems to shake
 As if the Midgard snake
 Deep down did breathe:
 An isle of purple glow,
 Where rosy rivers flow
 Down peaks of cloudy snow
 With fire beneath.

 And there the Tower-of-Night,
 With windows all a-light,
 Frowns on a burning height;
 Wherein she sleeps,
 Young through the years of doom,
 Veiled with her hair's gold gloom,
 The pale Valkyrie whom
 Enchantment keeps.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem weaves a rich tapestry of mythic and natural imagery, transporting the reader to an otherworldly landscape brimming with flame, snow, and rosy rivers. The central theme revolves around the concept of an eternal, enchanting force, embodied in the Valkyrie, a figure from Norse mythology. The Valkyrie, traditionally a chooser of the slain, is here portrayed as a young, veiled figure held captive by enchantment, adding a layer of mystery and melancholy to the poem.

The use of color symbolism is prominent, with purple, rose, gold, and white creating a vibrant palette that contrasts sharply with the 'Tower-of-Night.' This contrast serves to heighten the sense of a magical, liminal space, a place outside of ordinary reality. Meanwhile, the structure of the poem, with its balanced stanzas and consistent rhyme scheme, lends a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality to the verse, underscoring the incantatory nature of the narrative. The poem’s tone, while evocative and captivating, carries an undercurrent of foreboding, suggested by the frowning 'Tower-of-Night' and the Valkyrie 'veiled with her hair’s gold gloom.' This combination of awe-inspiring beauty and subtle dread contributes to a compelling poetic atmosphere that lingers in the reader's mind.

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.