Poseidon's Law by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative explores the relationship between a mariner and the sea, personified by Poseidon, who imposes a strict law on sailors: they must never lie or deceive while at sea. The mariner, referred to as the Brass-bound Man, initially adheres to this law, navigating the treacherous waters with honesty and integrity. Poseidon grants him gifts such as keen perception and strength, essential for survival in the unpredictable maritime environment. However, once the mariner returns to land, he abandons these principles. The allure of earthly comforts and the camaraderie found in taverns lead him to indulge in falsehoods and boastfulness. The contrast between his behavior at sea and on land highlights the inherent conflict between the demands of the sea and the moral laxity of human nature. As the story unfolds, the mariner's character remains unchanged despite the passage of time and the evolution of maritime technology. He continues to revel in the tales of his exploits, drinking and boasting among fellow men, while the lessons learned from Poseidon’s law fade into obscurity. The work ultimately reflects on the themes of integrity, the duality of human nature, and the inevitable return to deception when removed from the purifying influence of the sea.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Mythology, Adventure · 412 words
First lines
When the robust and Brass-bound Man commissioned first for sea His fragile raft, Poseidon laughed, and 'Mariner,' said he, 'Behold, a Law immutable I lay on thee and thine, That never shall ye act or tell a falsehood at my shrine.
'Let Zeus adjudge your landward kin, whose votive meal and salt At easy-cheated altars win oblivion for the fault, But you the unhoodwinked wave shall test -- the immediate gulf condemn -- Except ye owe the Fates a jest, be slow to jest with them.
What this Textopian page supports
Poseidon's Law is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Mythology, Adventure, Philosophical, Historical Fiction
- Length: 412 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Poseidon's Law by Rudyard Kipling
- 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 Poseidon's Law?
- How does this poem by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Departure by Rudyard Kipling
- Cruisers by Rudyard Kipling
- The Sea Wife by Rudyard Kipling
- The Merchantmen by Rudyard Kipling
- The Coastwise Lights by Rudyard Kipling
- Arthur Le Bride by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Mythology — The poem references Poseidon, a figure from Greek mythology, and explores themes related to divine law and human behavior.
- Adventure — The narrative involves maritime themes and the challenges faced by a mariner, indicative of adventure.
- Philosophical — The poem presents moral and ethical considerations regarding truth and deception, reflecting philosophical themes.
Tags
Poseidon · law · maritime · mythology · truth · deception · sea · fate · gods · Kipling · adventure · sailing