The Daughter of Merlin

Name: The Daughter of Merlin
Author: Madison Cawein

The narrative unfolds in a mystical and foreboding landscape, where the protagonist is drawn into a journey through treacherous mountains and dark realms. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of danger and the weight of the past, as the protagonist encounters the remnants of death and decay beneath their feet. The mountains, personified, seem to beckon with both allure and menace, suggesting a path fraught with peril. As the protagonist ascends, they are accompanied by a mysterious figure, whose presence is both enchanting and ominous. This figure embodies a connection to the supernatural, guiding the protagonist through a world where the boundaries between life and death blur. The imagery evokes a sense of struggle against the forces of nature and the unknown, with references to storms, cataracts, and the haunting sounds of the dead. The journey is marked by a series of trials, as the protagonist grapples with their fears and desires. The moon serves as a symbol of guidance, yet also warns of the dangers that lie ahead. The ascent becomes a metaphor for personal growth and the pursuit of enlightenment, as the protagonist seeks to reach a higher state of being. As they approach the summit, the atmosphere shifts, revealing a realm of light and silence, contrasting sharply with the darkness below. This liminal space is filled with a sense of transcendence, where the protagonist can finally confront the essence of their journey. The narrative culminates in an exploration of themes such as mortality, the quest for knowledge, and the interplay between light and darkness, ultimately leading to a profound realization of the interconnectedness of all existence.

By Madison Cawein · First published 1906 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Adventure · 529 words

First lines

For the mountains' hoarse greetings came hollow From stormy wind-chasms and caves; And I heard their wild cataracts wallow; Like monsters, the white of their waves: And that shadow said, "Lo! you must follow! And our path is o'er myriads of graves."

Then I felt that the black earth was porous And rotten with dust and with bones; And I knew that the ground that now bore us Was cadaverous with death as with stones; And I saw burning eyes, heard sonorous And dolorous sighings and groans.

What this Textopian page supports

The Daughter of Merlin is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1906 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Madison Cawein
Date: 1906 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Adventure, Gothic, Romance
Length: 529 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Daughter of Merlin by Madison Cawein
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Daughter of Merlin?
How does this poem by Madison Cawein fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The title and themes suggest a connection to magical elements and mythical figures, particularly Merlin.
Poetry — The excerpt provided is written in verse, showcasing a lyrical and poetic style.
Adventure — The narrative involves a journey through perilous landscapes, indicative of an adventurous quest.
Gothic — The imagery of death, darkness, and the supernatural aligns with Gothic literature themes.