Hymn to Aristogeiton and Harmodius
Hymn to Aristogeiton and Harmodius - meaning Summary
Martyrdom for Civic Liberty
Poe celebrates the Athenian lovers and tyrant-killers Aristogeiton and Harmodius as civic martyrs whose violent act secured liberty. The speaker vows to emulate them, entwining his sword with myrtle and honoring their deed as both sacrificial libation and public deliverance. The poem locates the heroes among epic shades like Achilles, casting their fame as eternal and sung by posterity. It is exultant, commemorative, and focused on collective freedom.
Read Complete AnalysesWreathed in myrtle, my sword I’ll conceal Like those champions devoted and brave, When they plunged in the tyrant their steel, And to Athens deliverance gave. Beloved heroes! your deathless souls roam In the joy breathing isles of the blest; Where the mighty of old have their home – Where Achilles and Diomed rest. In fresh myrtle my blade I’ll entwine, Like Harmodious, the gallant and good, When he made at the tutelar shrine A libation of Tyranny’s blood. Ye deliverers of Athens from shame! Ye avengers of Liberty’s wrongs! Endless ages shall cherish your fame Embalmed in their echoing songs!
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