Poetry: Mythology & Folklore

The poems in this Collection illustrate the rich traditions of exploring or creating mythology, folklore, and fables through poetry. The Mythology & Folklore Collection includes selections ranging from "The Epic of Gilgamesh" to modern retellings of classic fairy tales and Greek myths by poets such as Anne Sexton and Louise Glück.

Publication year 1794

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Tags Lyric Poem, Science / Nature, Romanticism / Romantic Period, Mythology, Animals, Education, Education, British Literature, History: World, Classic Fiction


Publication year 1948

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Values/Ideas: Literature

Tags Lyric Poem, Mythology, Religion / Spirituality, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Anthropology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Philosophy, History: World, Fantasy, Classic Fiction


Publication year 1957

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Identity: Femininity

Tags Narrative / Epic Poem, Mythology


Publication year 1842

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Life/Time: Aging

Tags Poetry: Dramatic Poem, Mythology, Education, Education, British Literature, History: World, Fantasy, Victorian Literature / Period, Classic Fiction


Publication year 2018

Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Society: Nation, Society: Politics & Government, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Tags Lyric Poem, Race / Racism, African American Literature, Mythology, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World


Genre Poem, Fiction

Themes Relationships: Siblings

Tags Religion / Spirituality, Classic Fiction, Ancient Greece, Mythology, Philosophy, Philosophy, Classical Period, History: World, Fantasy

“Works and Days” is a didactic poem by Hesiod dating to approximately the eighth century BCE. Hesiod begins the poem with the traditional invocation to the muses, but he deviates slightly from this tradition by including personal information; the poem is an explanation of a dispute between Hesiod and his brother Perses over a family inheritance. The poem’s thematic concerns, which Hesiod explores by arguing how harmful his brother’s actions are not only to himself... Read Works and Days Summary