The King of Thule
The story revolves around a young nobleman who sets out to find the mythical King of Thule, driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity about the world beyond his own. Along the way, he encounters various people and experiences that shape his understanding of himself and the world. As he journeys deeper into the unknown, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the idea of finding a legendary figure, and begins to question the nature of reality and truth. The narrative is a philosophical exploration of the human condition, delving into themes such as identity, morality, and the search for meaning. The protagonist's journey is marked by moments of introspection and self-discovery, as he grapples with the complexities of his own desires and motivations. Ultimately, the story raises more questions than it answers, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of reality and the human experience.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1794 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Ballad · 178 words
First lines
(* This ballad is also introduced in Faust, where it is sung by Margaret.)
IN Thule lived a monarch,
Still faithful to the grave, To whom his dying mistress
A golden goblet gave.
What this Textopian page supports
The King of Thule is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1794 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1794 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Ballad, Tragedy, Symbolism
- Length: 178 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The King of Thule by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The King of Thule?
- How does this poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is a ballad that expresses deep emotions and personal reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, loss, and nostalgia align with the ideals of Romanticism, emphasizing individual emotion and nature.
- Ballad — The narrative style and structure of the poem fit the traditional ballad form, telling a story through verse.
- Tragedy — The themes of death, loss, and the inevitability of fate contribute to a tragic tone.
Tags
Mythology · Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Romance · Historical Fiction · German Literature · 18th Century Literature · Philosophy · Mystery · Travelogue · Cultural Heritage