Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
The poem tells the story of three children who are playing outside and get lost in the woods. They wander deeper into the forest, further and further from home, until they become exhausted and fall asleep. The poem's tone is ominous and foreboding, suggesting that the children may not survive their ordeal.
By Eugene Field · First published 1889 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry · 439 words
First lines
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night Sailed off in a wooden shoe -- Sailed on a river of crystal light, Into a sea of dew. "Where are you going, and what do you wish? " The old moon asked the three. "We have come to fish for the herring fish That live in this beautiful sea; Nets of silver and gold have we! " Said Wynken, Blynken, And Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song, As they rocked in the wooden shoe, And the wind that sped them all night long Ruffled the waves of dew.
What this Textopian page supports
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1889 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: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry, Lullaby, Adventure
- Length: 439 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Wynken, Blynken, and Nod 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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Wynken, Blynken, and Nod?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Intry Mintry by Eugene Field
- Sweet One Darling And The Dream Fairies by Eugene Field
- Croodlin Doo by Eugene Field
- Little Croodlin Doo by Eugene Field
- Cobbler And Stork by Eugene Field
- Two Lullabies by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem is primarily aimed at children, featuring whimsical imagery and themes of imagination and dreams.
- Fantasy — The narrative involves fantastical elements such as sailing in a wooden shoe and fishing for stars, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Lullaby — The soothing tone and themes of sleep and dreams make it suitable as a lullaby for children.
Tags
Poetry · Children's Literature · Fantasy · Imagination · Dreams · Nursery Rhyme · Whimsical · Playful · Humorous · Lyrical · Rhythmic · Language Play