Famous Poems About Kings: Exploring the Majesty and Power

Poetry has long been a medium through which writers express their admiration, critique, or fascination with the concept of kingship. From ancient times to the present day, poets have crafted masterpieces that delve into the complexities of kings and their realms. In this article, we will explore a few famous poems about kings that have left an indelible mark on literary history.

"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley

One of the most renowned poems about kings is "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Published in 1818, this sonnet captures the ephemeral nature of power and the eventual downfall of rulers. It depicts a broken statue of a once-mighty king, highlighting the irony of his hubris and the transient nature of his achievements. The poem's final lines, "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!", serve as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of human accomplishments.

Excerpt from "Ozymandias":

"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

"The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot

While not solely centered around kings, T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" (1922) is a seminal work that features several references to historical rulers. This poem explores the decline of civilization and the fragmented nature of modernity. Eliot includes excerpts from various mythologies and alludes to the legendary fisher king, a figure associated with the Fisher King legend from Arthurian mythology. By incorporating these allusions, Eliot weaves the grandeur and decline of kingship into the broader narrative of the poem.

Excerpt from "The Waste Land":

"A current under sea
Picked his bones in whispers. As he rose and fell
He passed the stages of his age and youth
Entering the whirlpool."
Gentile or Jew
O you who turn the wheel and look to windward,
Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.

"Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Kubla Khan" (1816) is a mesmerizing poem that evokes a dreamlike vision of a powerful ruler. Inspired by Coleridge's opium-induced reverie, the poem describes the mythical palace of Kubla Khan, a Mongol emperor. Coleridge's rich imagery and evocative language transport readers to a realm of enchantment and splendor, emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of kingship.

Excerpt from "Kubla Khan":

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea."

These famous poems about kings showcase the diverse ways in which poets have contemplated the grandeur, downfall, and allure of monarchs throughout history. From Shelley's poignant reflection on transient power in "Ozymandias" to Eliot's incorporation of regal imagery in "The Waste Land" and Coleridge's enchanting portrayal of Kubla Khan, each poem offers unique insights into the complex world of kingship. Through their words, these poets invite readers to ponder the nature of power, the passage of time, and the enduring fascination with those who wear the crown.