Thorkild's Song by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows a group of sailors longing to return to their home port of Stavanger. They are caught in a windless sea, which heightens their desire to reach the safety and comfort of shore. The sailors express their frustration and yearning through a repetitive chant, emphasizing their collective struggle against the calm waters. The ship, personified, shares in their longing, sensing the familiar scents of the Northland—rain, snow, and the cold nights of winter. This connection between the sailors and their vessel illustrates a deep bond forged through shared experiences at sea. The ship's desire to return to its winter shed mirrors the sailors' own need for rest and refuge after their arduous journey. As they row, the sailors call upon the gods for a strong wind to propel them homeward, showcasing their reliance on divine intervention in the face of nature's indifference. The repetition of their chant underscores the urgency of their situation and their determination to overcome the obstacles before them. The poem captures themes of longing, camaraderie, and the struggle against the elements, reflecting the sailors' resilience and their deep connection to both their ship and their homeland. The imagery of the sea and the personification of the ship serve to enhance the emotional weight of their journey, culminating in a powerful expression of hope for a favorable change in the weather that will allow them to return home.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Nautical Fiction · 283 words
First lines
There's no wind along these seas. _Out oars for Stavanger! _ _Forward all for Stavanger! _ So we must wake the white-ash breeze, _Let fall for Stavanger! _ _A long pull for Stavanger! _
Oh, hear the benches creak and strain! _(A long pull for Stavanger! )_ She thinks she smells the Northland rain! _(A long pull for Stavanger! )_
She thinks she smells the Northland snow, And she's as glad as we to go.
She thinks she smells the Northland rime, And the dear dark nights of winter-time.
What this Textopian page supports
Thorkild's Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Nautical Fiction, Romanticism, Historical Fiction
- Length: 283 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Adventure — The themes of sailing and longing for home suggest an adventurous spirit and exploration.
- Nautical Fiction — The setting and focus on seafaring elements indicate a strong connection to nautical themes.
- Romanticism — The emotional longing and connection to nature reflect romantic themes.
Tags
poetry · Rudyard Kipling · sea · sailing · Stavanger · adventure · nature · longing · homecoming · winter · gale · ocean