Category Archives: literature

Dear reader,

Are you a poetry lover or an educator who uses poetry?

I am studying the history of poetry. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me.

In my home education journey, I am still working to get my children more involved with poetry. My oldest agreed to take a class about poetry. She also studied Shakespeare.

Previously, when we tried online school, I helped my two oldest kids write poems for classes. My oldest kid won second place in a poetry competition. They have created their own poems after watching me write many poems of my own.

Previous to attempting to teach my kids the history of poetry, I have to learn more about it myself.

As I researched this topic to create something solid, I learned so much that I didn’t know about the power of poetry, and I’m excited to share.

Eventually, I’ll collect all this information together into an ebook – presentation for my kids to study when they’re ready.

This material is advanced, not for kids. This could be useful to teenagers, young adults, poets, writers, and teachers/ homeschool parents.

Why I study poetry

I see poetry as the king of language.

I study poetry more than for its beauty. I can’t even express why. All I can say is that poetry is in my DNA. I feel certain word combinations deeply. Poetry that resonates with me has the potential to be more than inspirational. It can be life changing.

Studying poetry and its rich history and tradition offers numerous gifts, including:

1. **Cultural Insight**: Poetry provides a window into the values, beliefs, and societal norms of different cultures throughout history.

2. **Language Mastery**: Analyzing poetry enhances language skills, including vocabulary, syntax, and figurative language comprehension.

3. **Emotional Expression**: Poetry explores complex human emotions and experiences in ways that prose often cannot, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.

4. **Historical Context**: Poems reflect historical events, movements, and perspectives, offering unique insights into the past.

5. **Aesthetic Appreciation**: Studying poetry develops an appreciation for the beauty of language, imagery, rhythm, and sound.

6. **Critical Thinking**: Analyzing poetry sharpens critical thinking skills by requiring interpretation, evaluation of themes, and exploration of multiple meanings.

7. **Creativity and Imagination**: Writing and studying poetry encourage creative expression and imaginative thinking.

8. **Personal Growth**: Engaging with poetry promotes self-reflection, mindfulness, and personal growth through introspection and exploration of universal themes.

9. **Literary Tradition**: Understanding the history of poetry connects us to a rich literary tradition spanning millennia, influencing modern literature and culture.

10. **Cross-Cultural Connections**: Poetry transcends borders and languages, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

11. **Psychological Insight**: Poetic expression often delves into the depths of human psychology, offering insights into the human condition and psyche.

12. **Spiritual and Philosophical Exploration**: Many poems explore existential questions, spiritual beliefs, and philosophical inquiries, inviting contemplation and dialogue.

Studying poetry thus enriches our understanding of language, culture, history, and ourselves, making it a valuable pursuit across educational, personal, and professional realms.

**Introduction: Unraveling the Mysteries of Poetry**

Poetry, as an art form, transcends time and culture, serving as a medium of expression, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Delving into its origins leads us into the realms of ancient oral traditions and mythology.

**Section 1: Origins in Oral Tradition**

Poetry emerges from the dawn of human language, intertwining with oral traditions passed down through generations. Before the advent of written language, early societies relied on oral poetry to convey history, myths, rituals, and moral lessons. These poetic narratives were crafted with rhythmic patterns and mnemonic devices, aiding in their memorization and transmission across cultures.

Scholars believe that the origins of poetry are deeply entwined with the development of language itself, evolving from primitive chants and incantations into structured forms that encapsulated the essence of human experience. While the exact beginnings remain obscured by the mists of prehistory, archaeological evidence and comparative linguistic studies offer glimpses into the ancient roots of poetic expression.

**Section 2: Poetry and Mythology**

In the era of early civilizations, poetry and mythology were intricately woven together. Mythological narratives often found their voice in poetic forms, serving as a means to explain natural phenomena, celebrate heroes, and uphold societal values. Examples abound across ancient cultures, from the epic hymns of Sumerian mythology to the lyrical odes of Greek legends.

These mythopoetic traditions not only preserved cultural identity but also provided a medium for exploring existential questions and the mysteries of the human condition. Through poetry, ancient peoples forged connections with their ancestors, gods, and the cosmos, creating narratives that resonated through time and space.

**Conclusion: Poetry as a Gateway to Human History**

The origins of poetry, rooted in oral tradition and mythology, underscore its fundamental role in shaping human consciousness and cultural evolution. While the precise moment of its inception eludes us, poetry’s enduring legacy as a conduit of expression and cultural memory remains indisputable.

As we embark on a journey through the annals of poetic history, we unravel not only the mysteries of our past but also rediscover the timeless power of language and creativity. Poetry, in its myriad forms and voices, continues to inspire, provoke, and illuminate the human experience, inviting us to explore the depths of our collective heritage.

Excerpt from “The Ancient Stream” an ongoing poetry collaboration on Twitter/ X.

Homer. The Illiad and the Odyssey

Homer, believed to be the author of the epic poems “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,” composed these works during a time when writing was not yet prevalent in ancient Greece. Instead, these monumental epics were passed down orally, generation after generation, through skilled storytellers. Historians don’t know much about Homer.

This oral tradition not only preserved the narratives of heroic deeds and mythological tales but probably also added layers of improvisation and embellishment with each retelling.

There was potential for alterations and adaptations over time, as oral transmission is inherently susceptible to changes influenced by cultural shifts and the storyteller’s interpretative lens. Despite these challenges, Homer’s epics endure as masterpieces of ancient literature, showcasing the power of oral tradition in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage.

I wonder what these epics were like when they were transmitted orally.

In modern times, we know all about The Illiad and The Odyssey. We have read translations, watched movies, and documentaries about it. What we can appreciate is the language it was written in, the ancient Greek form of poetry, which largely differed from modern poetry. I don’t think it’s possible to recreate that kind of poetry in English.

Sources for our continued study

Here are some sources and references that we can use for further study on the origins of poetry and its connections to mythology:

1. **Books:**
   – *The Power of Myth* by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers – Explores the role of mythology in human culture and storytelling.
   – *The Poetics* by Aristotle – Classical work on the principles of poetry and drama.
   – *The Epic of Gilgamesh* – An ancient Mesopotamian epic poem, one of the earliest known literary works.
   – *The Odyssey* and *The Iliad* by Homer – Classic examples of epic poetry from ancient Greece.

2. **Articles and Academic Papers:**
   – JSTOR is a database that provides access to various scholarly articles on ancient poetry and mythology.

https://www.jstor.org/

The archaeology of language  https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/abs/archaeology-of-language-originsa-review/4B053CBE2C6D633D3345CE8EE157BB78#

3. **Websites and Online Resources:**
   – Ancient History Encyclopedia  – Provides articles and resources on ancient civilizations and their literary traditions.

https://www.ancient.eu/

   – Theoi Greek Mythology (https://www.theoi.com/) – A comprehensive resource on Greek mythology, including myths often conveyed through poetry.
   – Internet Sacred Text Archive (https://www.sacred-texts.com/) – Offers a collection of texts from ancient and modern religions, including poetic works and mythological narratives.


These sources provide a solid starting point for readers interested in exploring the origins of poetry and its connections to mythology in greater depth. They cover a range of perspectives from academic studies to literary classics, ensuring a well-rounded approach to understanding this foundational aspect of human culture.

Links

Oral traditions and the internet https://g.co/kgs/AZLWcho

Thank you very much for engaging with supporting poetry. Poetry can help support you as well.

I will bring you more poetry history, which will surely impress serious students of this art-craft.

With love,

Eve