Tarrant Moss by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds around a protagonist who reflects on a past event marked by betrayal and violence. The speaker recounts a fateful encounter where he killed a notorious thief, the Reiver of Tarrant Moss, to rescue a woman who ultimately proves unworthy of his devotion. This act of valor, however, leads to a profound sense of regret and loss. The slain Reiver and twenty knights, who also fell in the conflict, are described as eternally preserved in the peat of Tarrant Moss, untouched by time or decay. In contrast, the protagonist grapples with the emotional scars of his actions, lamenting that he relied on love rather than his own strength and judgment. He recognizes that the knights, despite their fate, are fortunate compared to him, as they did not suffer the betrayal he endured. The protagonist's internal struggle is central to the work, highlighting themes of honor, love, and the consequences of misguided loyalty. He receives accolades and wealth for his deed, yet these accolades feel hollow in light of his personal loss. The juxtaposition of his external success against his internal turmoil underscores the complexity of human emotions and the burdens of past choices. Ultimately, the protagonist's reflection serves as a meditation on the nature of love, sacrifice, and the haunting memories of a life altered by a single moment of violence.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Historical Fiction · 277 words
First lines
I closed and drew for my love's sake That now is false to me, And I slew the Reiver of Tarrant Moss And set Dumeny free.
They have gone down, they have gone down, They are standing all arow -- Twenty knights in the peat-water, That never struck a blow!
Their armour shall not dull nor rust, Their flesh shall not decay, For Tarrant Moss holds them in trust, Until the Judgment Day.
Their soul went from them in their youth, Ah God, that mine had gone, Whenas I leaned on my love's truth And not on my sword alone!
What this Textopian page supports
Tarrant Moss is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1930 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Adventure
- Length: 277 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, loss, and idealism are central to the narrative.
- Historical Fiction — The poem references knights and historical elements, suggesting a backdrop of historical significance.
- Tragedy — The themes of loss and regret indicate a tragic narrative arc.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · Tarrant Moss · love · betrayal · knights · honor · sacrifice · myth · legend · valor · loss