Poem Analysis - The Wanderings Of Oisin Book 2

Introduction: A Hero's Twilight

W.B. Yeats' "The Wanderings of Oisin: Book 2" is a melancholic exploration of a legendary hero's transition from the vibrant, immortal world of the Faery to the mortal realm of decay and Christianity. The poem chronicles Oisin's return to Ireland after centuries spent in Tir-na-nOg, a journey that reveals the irreversible passage of time and the fading of ancient Celtic glory. The tone is initially one of bittersweet remembrance, tinged with the wonder of the Faery realm, but gradually descends into disillusionment and sorrow as Oisin confronts the stark realities of a changed world. This tonal shift mirrors Oisin’s own internal struggle between the allure of the immortal past and the inescapable present.

Context: Bridging Worlds

While a deep dive into historical context isn't crucial for understanding this particular excerpt, it's worth noting that Yeats was deeply involved in the Irish Literary Revival. This movement sought to reclaim and celebrate Irish folklore, mythology, and identity. “The Wanderings of Oisin” is a key example of this, drawing heavily on Celtic legends and showcasing Yeats’s desire to create a distinct Irish literary tradition, contrasting it with English dominance. This artistic goal of reviving forgotten Irish lore and mythology is evident in Oisin’s confrontation with St. Patrick at the end of the poem.

Thematic Exploration: The Allure and Loss of Immortality

One central theme is the seductive nature of immortality and its ultimate hollowness. The descriptions of Tir-na-nOg, filled with "faery and man," "wars shadowy, vast, exultant," and lovers kissing on "dim shores far away," evoke a world of perpetual bliss and adventure. The imagery is rich and alluring, suggesting a realm free from the constraints of time and death. However, this immortality comes at a cost: a detachment from the mortal world and its human connections. Oisin's longing for his former companions – "my brothers spring out of their beds at morn… They chase the noontide deer" – reveals a deep-seated yearning for the simple joys and sorrows of earthly life, something the Faery realm cannot provide. Niamh’s tears further highlight the bittersweet reality of this seemingly perfect existence, hinting at a sorrow that even immortality cannot erase.

Thematic Exploration: The Conflict of Faiths

Another prominent theme is the clash between the old pagan beliefs and the rising tide of Christianity in Ireland. Oisin, a figure of Celtic legend, is confronted by St. Patrick, a symbol of the new Christian order. This encounter represents a broader struggle between two worldviews. Oisin's passionate defense of his past and his lament over the "lying clerics" who "murder song" and "flatteries of the weak" underscore his resistance to the encroaching Christian influence. His assertion that "all your croziers, they have left the path / And wander in the storms and clinging snows, / Hopeless for ever" suggests a critique of Christianity's perceived failings and its displacement of the older, more vibrant traditions.

Thematic Exploration: Time and Decay

Finally, the poem grapples with the inescapable nature of time and decay. Oisin's return to Ireland after a hundred years reveals the profound changes that have occurred in his absence. The once familiar landscape is now alien, and the heroic figures of his past are long gone. This is most poignantly captured in the image of the "beech-bough" that triggers Oisin's memory of Finn and the "thin outcry of bats," symbolizing the fading of his former world. The decaying state of Manannan's tower – "stone after stone / Gather sea-slime and fall the seaward way" – further emphasizes the destructive power of time and the inevitable decline of even the most formidable creations.

Symbolism and Imagery: A World of Dreams and Nightmares

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery. The sea, a recurring motif, represents both the boundless possibilities of the Faery realm and the destructive forces of time and change. It is the pathway to Tir-na-nOg, but also the agent of decay that erodes Manannan's tower. The demon Oisin battles in the dark hall symbolizes the persistent, unsubduable aspects of the pagan past, a force that can be temporarily defeated but never fully eradicated. The images of the sea-gods and their creations evoke a sense of ancient power and mystery, highlighting the rich mythology that underpins the poem. The "foam-white seagull" drifting under the roof of the hall is a particularly striking image, representing the ephemeral nature of beauty and the impossibility of recapturing the past. The torches, with their limited reach, can be seen to symbolize limited knowledge.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Loss and Resistance

"The Wanderings of Oisin: Book 2" is a powerful lament for a lost world. It explores the themes of immortality, the clash of faiths, and the relentless passage of time through vivid imagery and symbolic language. Oisin's journey from the Faery realm to a decaying Ireland underscores the tragic nature of change and the enduring power of memory and tradition. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of loss, and Oisin's resistance to the new order makes him a symbol of cultural defiance and the struggle to preserve the past in a rapidly changing world. He is a hero out of time.