Pheidippides by Robert Browning
Sent from Athens to seek help against Persia, Pheidippides returns after Sparta delays aid until the full moon, reporting an encounter with Pan on Parnes. He hopes Pan's promised release from running will mean marriage and family life; after fighting at Marathon, he runs to Athens, announces victory, and dies.
By Robert Browning · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Mythological Poetry, War Poetry · 2,115 words
First lines
Χαίρετε, νικῶμεν.
First I salute this soil of the blessed, river and rock! / Gods of my birthplace, demons and heroes, honor to all! / Then I name thee, claim thee for our patron, co-equal in praise / -- Ay, with Zeus the Defender, with Her of the egis and spear! / Also, ye of the bow and the buskin, praised be, your peer. / Now, henceforth and forever, -- O latest to whom I upraise / Hand and heart and voice! For Athens, leave pasture and flock! / Present to help, potent to save, Pan -- patron I call!
Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The verse follows a messenger's journey to Sparta, his return through Parnes, and his final run from Marathon to Athens.
- Mythological Poetry — Pan appears to the runner, promises help against Persia, and offers a reward whose meaning the runner misunderstands.
- War Poetry — The Persian threat prompts the appeal for Spartan aid, and the fighting at Marathon leads to the runner's fatal victory announcement.
Tags
military messengers · running · Battle of Marathon · Greek mythology · Athens · Sparta
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Pheidippides is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Browning, dated Date unknown.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Browning
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Mythological Poetry, War Poetry
- Length: 2,115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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