The Dragon With Many Heads, And The Dragon With Many Tails.[1]

By Jean de La Fontaine

Fable
     An envoy of the Porte Sublime,      As history says, once on a time,      Before th' imperial German court[2]      Did rather boastfully report,      The troops commanded by his master's firman,      As being a stronger army than the German:      To which replied a Dutch attendant,      'Our prince has more than one dependant      Who keeps an army at his own expense.'      The Turk, a man of sense,      Rejoin'd, 'I am aware      What power your emperor's servants share.      It brings to mind a tale both strange and true,      A thing which once, myself, I chanced to view.      I saw come darting through a hedge,      Which fortified a rocky ledge,      A hydra's hundred heads; and in a trice      My blood was turning into ice.      But less the harm than terror, -      The body came no nearer;      Nor could, unless it had been sunder'd,      To parts at least a hundred.      While musing deeply on this sight,      Another dragon came to light,      Whose single head avails      To lead a hundred tails:      And, seized with juster fright,      I saw him pass the hedge, -      Head, body, tails, - a wedge      Of living and resistless powers. -      The other was your emperor's force; this ours.'

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a fascinating blend of allegory and fable, utilizing vivid imagery and a parable-like structure to convey themes of power, unity, and military strength. The conversation between an envoy of the Ottoman Empire (the Porte Sublime) and a German attendant serves as a platform for the poet to compare the military strength of different nations.

The poem employs a casual tone, making the political commentary more accessible and engaging. The structure of the poem, which alternates between dialogue and narrative, enhances the storytelling aspect, while the use of a fable-like format emphasizes the moral or lesson of the poem.

A stand-out literary device in this poem is the extended metaphor of the two dragons, representing different military forces. The first dragon, with many heads but a single body, symbolizes a divided force that is less effective due to its lack of unity. In contrast, the second dragon, with one head and many tails, represents a unified force that is more formidable due to its cohesive nature. This metaphor drives home the poem's message about the importance of unity in strength, suggesting that a single, well-led force is more potent than an army with many leaders but no common direction.

The tone of the poem also shifts from somewhat boastful at the beginning, as the envoy praises his master's troops, to more sober and reflective as the story of the dragons unfolds. This shift in tone subtly underscores the poem's message about the deceptive nature of appearances and the true measure of strength.

Understanding Fables

A fable is a timeless form of storytelling, typically featuring animals as characters that embody human traits, all while conveying a moral lesson. These short narratives have been used throughout history to impart wisdom, offering insights that remain relevant across generations.

Fables stand out for their simplicity and clarity, often concluding with a lesson that is easy to understand and remember. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Animal Characters: The main characters are often animals that represent human behaviors and characteristics, making the stories both engaging and relatable.
  • Concise Narrative: Fables are brief and focused, with each story centering around a single event or interaction that leads to a moral conclusion.
  • Moral Lesson: The purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson, which is usually stated clearly at the end, offering practical advice or ethical guidance.

From Aesop's ancient tales to modern adaptations, fables continue to be a powerful tool for education and moral reflection, resonating with audiences of all ages.