Mother and Sphinx (Egyptian Folk-Song)
The poem explores the theme of maternal love and protection. The mother's song is a lullaby that warns her child about the dangers of the sphinx, a mythical creature known for posing riddles to humans who fail to answer correctly. The mother advises her child to avoid the sphinx's path and instead follow the safe route guided by the morning star.
By Eugene Field · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Folklore, Fantasy · 438 words
First lines
Grim is the face that looks into the night / Over the stretch of sands; / A sullen rock in a sea of white -- / A ghostly shadow in ghostly light, / Peering and moaning it stands. / _"Oh, is it the king that rides this way -- / Oh, is it the king that rides so free? / I have looked for the king this many a day, / But the years that mock me will not say / Why tarrieth he! "_
What this Textopian page supports
Mother and Sphinx (Egyptian Folk-Song) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Folklore, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Historical Fiction
- Length: 438 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mother and Sphinx (Egyptian Folk-Song) by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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- The Winter And Timur by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Red Flower The Red Flower And Golden Stars by Henry Van Dyke
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Folklore — The title indicates a connection to folk traditions, and the themes reflect cultural storytelling elements.
- Fantasy — The imagery of a 'Dream-horse' and ghostly figures suggests elements of fantasy and the supernatural.
- Children's Literature — The themes of dreams and a child suggest an appeal to a younger audience, characteristic of children's literature.
Tags
Egyptian Folklore · Motherhood · Mythology · Ancient Civilizations · Folk Song · Poetry · Literary Fiction · Historical Fiction · Cultural Heritage · Family Relationships · Symbolism · Allegory