The Dole of the King's Daughter (Breton)
A tale unfolds in a mystical realm where a king's daughter is burdened by seven sins that weigh heavily on her soul. The imagery of stars, roses, and the stark contrast of life and death permeates the narrative. The daughter, adorned with red roses, symbolizes beauty intertwined with darkness, as her heart conceals the weight of her transgressions. The scene shifts to a slain knight, whose lifeless body lies amidst nature, attracting the attention of ravenous creatures. This juxtaposition of beauty and decay highlights the tragic consequences of the daughter's actions. The presence of blood, both on her hands and staining the lilies, signifies guilt and the irreversible impact of her choices. As the story progresses, two pairs of riders approach from different directions, hinting at impending conflict or resolution. The raven, a harbinger of death, circles above, foreshadowing the fate that awaits the characters. A true lover emerges, marked by his singular sin, contrasting with the daughter's multitude of sins. He prepares a grave, suggesting a shared destiny intertwined with love and loss. The narrative encapsulates themes of guilt, love, and the duality of existence, where beauty coexists with darkness. The absence of moonlight and the stillness of the water evoke a sense of foreboding, emphasizing the weight of the sins that bind the characters. The tale culminates in a poignant reflection on the nature of sin and redemption, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of love and the consequences of one's actions.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic · 329 words
First lines
SEVEN stars in the still water, And seven in the sky; Seven sins on the King's daughter, Deep in her soul to lie.
Red roses are at her feet, (Roses are red in her red-gold hair) And O where her bosom and girdle meet Red roses are hidden there.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dole of the King's Daughter (Breton) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oscar Wilde, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Gothic, Fantasy, Tragedy
- Length: 329 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, death, and the supernatural align with Romantic ideals.
- Gothic — The dark imagery, themes of death, and the presence of sin contribute to a Gothic atmosphere.
- Fantasy — Elements of the supernatural and mythical themes are present, characteristic of fantasy literature.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Fantasy · Romance · Mythology · Breton Folklore · King's Daughter · Royal Family · Love Story · Magic Realism · Coming of Age · Self Discovery · Social Hierarchy