Poem Analysis - Pegasus At Wanlockhead

A Humble Request for Help: An Overview

Robert Burns' "Pegasus at Wanlockhead" is a charming and self-deprecating poem. The tone is light and humorous, tinged with a subtle plea for assistance. It begins with a mythological narrative, quickly shifting to a personal request directed towards the local blacksmiths of Wanlockhead. The poem's appeal lies in its blend of classical allusion and grounded, everyday concerns, all delivered with Burns' signature wit.

Burns, Mining, and Wanlockhead

While a precise historical context is difficult to pinpoint for this specific poem, it's crucial to acknowledge Burns' background and the setting. Burns, a Scottish national poet, often wrote about the lives of ordinary people. Wanlockhead was (and still is) a lead mining village. Mining was a hard, demanding job, and the blacksmiths were vital to the industry, providing tools and repairs. Burns' visit to Wanlockhead, and his awareness of their skill, forms the basis for his poem's request.

The Weariness of Inspiration

One of the central themes of the poem is the struggle with creative inspiration. Pegasus, the winged horse of the muses, represents poetic inspiration. When Apollo, god of poetry, finds Pegasus unable to fly through the "frosty hills," it symbolizes the difficulties a poet faces when inspiration flags. The imagery of a "poor, slipshod, giddy Pegasus" clearly depicts inspiration as something that can become tired and ineffective, requiring maintenance and care.

From Mythological Heights to Earthly Needs

The poem also explores the theme of bridging the gap between the elevated world of art and the practical world of labor. Apollo, representing art and poetry, must descend from his mythical realm to seek help from Vulcan, the blacksmith god, and then ultimately from the "Vulcan's Sons of Wanlockhead." This downward trajectory underscores the idea that even the most ethereal of pursuits often rely on the skill and labor of ordinary people. The "frosty calker," a spiked shoe to provide grip on ice, symbolizes the practical solutions needed to overcome creative blocks.

The Poet's Debt and Reciprocity

A final theme is that of reciprocity and the poet's debt to society. Apollo pays Vulcan "with a sonnet," highlighting the poet's ability to repay practical help with artistic creation. Burns extends this principle to the blacksmiths of Wanlockhead, promising to "pay you like my Master." This promise implies that Burns intends to immortalize them in his verse, suggesting that the poet's role is to recognize and celebrate the contributions of those who make life possible. Is Burns truly equating the blacksmiths to a god, or is he simply using flattering language to better receive help?

The Power of a Crippled Pegasus

The image of a crippled Pegasus is a powerful symbol. While usually associated with soaring creativity, here it represents the vulnerability of inspiration. The "frosty hills" are a barrier to overcome, and the need for a "frosty calker" suggests that even divine creatures require practical assistance in a challenging world. The image reinforces the idea that inspiration is not always effortless and may require help from unexpected sources.

A Plea Encoded in Classicism

In conclusion, "Pegasus at Wanlockhead" is more than a simple request for blacksmithing services. It's a witty exploration of the relationship between inspiration and practicality, art and labor, and the poet's responsibility to acknowledge the contributions of others. By blending classical mythology with the realities of a Scottish mining village, Burns creates a charming and insightful poem that speaks to the universal need for support and the enduring power of artistic reciprocity. He immortalizes the miners and craftsmen of Wanlockhead, in a way repaying them for their help, and, in the process, acknowledging their importance.