The Visit of the Gods

Name: The Visit of the Gods
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem presents a vivid and celebratory encounter with divine beings, emphasizing the joy and transcendence associated with their presence. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for the company of the gods, highlighting the transformative power of their arrival. The imagery evokes a sense of elevation and ecstasy, as the speaker is lifted from earthly concerns to a realm of divine revelry. The narrative unfolds with the speaker welcoming various deities, including Iacchus, Cupid, and Phoebus, who symbolize different aspects of joy, love, and enlightenment. The atmosphere is one of festivity, where the speaker seeks to honor these celestial guests with appropriate hospitality. The invocation of nectar, a symbol of immortality and divine pleasure, underscores the desire to partake in the divine experience and escape the burdens of mortal existence. As the poem progresses, the speaker's longing for divine communion intensifies. The act of drinking nectar becomes a metaphor for inspiration and creative vitality, suggesting that the presence of the gods not only elevates the spirit but also enhances artistic expression. The speaker's plea to be lifted to Olympus reflects a desire for transcendence, merging the mortal with the divine. The work ultimately explores themes of inspiration, the relationship between the mortal and the immortal, and the transformative power of divine influence. The celebratory tone and rich imagery create a sense of wonder, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of creativity and the longing for connection with the divine. The poem concludes with a triumphant affirmation of life and creativity, suggesting that the experience of the gods can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment and joy.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1817 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Mythological Poetry · 276 words

First lines

IMITATED FROM SCHILLER

Never, believe me, Appear the Immortals, Never alone: Scarce had I welcomed the Sorrow-beguiler, Iacchus! but in came Boy Cupid the Smiler; Lo! Phoebus the Glorious descends from his throne! They advance, they float in, the Olympians all! With Divinities fills my Terrestrial hall!

How shall I yield you Due entertainment, Celestial quire? Me rather, bright guests! with your wings of upbuoyance Bear aloft to your homes, to your banquets of joyance, That the roofs of Olympus may echo my lyre! Hah! we mount! on their pinions they waft up my soul! O give me the nectar! O fill me the bowl!

What this Textopian page supports

The Visit of the Gods is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1817 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1817 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Mythological Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Narrative Poetry
Length: 276 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Visit of the Gods by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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 The Visit of the Gods?
How does this poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, divinity, and the sublime reflect the ideals of the Romantic movement.
Mythological Poetry — The poem features gods and mythological references, central to its narrative.
Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of existence and immortality suggests philosophical themes.