Kings in Legends
Kings in Legends - fact Summary
Included in the Book of Images
Rilke’s short poem presents legendary kings as distant, monumental figures who appear like mountains in evening light. Their brilliance, jeweled garments, and slender swords emphasize ceremonial splendor and an almost unreal, symbolic authority. The lines suggest admiration mixed with a sense of separation: these rulers are admired for their radiance but remain remote and objectified by the very ornament that defines them.
Read Complete AnalysesKings in old legends seem Like mountains rising in the evening light. They blind all with their gleam, Their loins encircled are by girdles bright, Their robes are edged with bands Of precious stones—the rarest earth affords— With richly jeweled hands They hold their slender, shining, naked swords.
Translated by Jessie Lamont
Feel free to be first to leave comment.