Breasal the Fisherman by W.B. Yeats
A narrative poem centered on a mythic fisherman whose humble occupation belies his profound, mystical role in the unfolding of fate. The work portrays him as a timeless figure whose seemingly mundane activities, like casting and retrieving his net, become symbolic acts that bridge the ordinary realm with the mysterious, eternal domain of myth and destiny. The poem begins with an address to this enigmatic character, emphasizing his hidden nature and his ability to elude the immediate grasp of time. His activity of casting out the net is imbued with layered meaning. It suggests not only the act of fishing but also the harvesting of experiences, memories, and destiny from a vast, flowing continuum—represented by the ebb and flow of the tide. The fisherman's actions hint at a power to capture aspects of time that are typically lost or forgotten, as well as to shape history by collecting and preserving intangible, yet vital, elements of human life. There is a recurring tension between admiration and censure. While future generations are destined to recognize the deeper significance of his actions, those alive in his time cast judgment upon him. This duality reflects the inherent conflict between traditional mythic wisdom and the short-sighted moral and practical judgments of contemporary society. The fishermen’s perceived harshness or indifference is contrasted with the enduring value of his symbolic acts, suggesting that society’s temporary disdain often fails to appreciate actions that later gain legendary resonance. Imagery related to the natural world—such as the pale tide, the setting moon, and the silver cords—reinforces the connection between the character’s inner life and the external, cosmic cycles. These images serve to place the fisherman within a broader, almost universal context where the boundaries between human endeavor and the supernatural are blurred. His life is not seen as isolated; rather, it is integrally connected to the natural and cosmic forces that govern change and continuity. The tension between the mortal and the mythic in the character is central. His life is portrayed as simultaneously solitary and part of a grand, unfolding destiny. Although he may seem aloof or even unkind to certain observers, his actions are ultimately directed by a force that transcends conventional morality. The act of casting the net becomes a metaphor for embracing fate and the inevitable flow of time—a recognition that the most profound actions may be misunderstood by those who cannot see beyond immediate appearances. Underlying themes involve the interplay of destiny and free will, as well as the paradox that greatness is often misunderstood in its own time. The work meditates on how society tends to judge and misinterpret powerful, transformative figures whose contributions only reveal their true worth in the hindsight of later eras. By weaving together elements of myth, nature, and human experience, the poem suggests that what is seen as an act of defiance or cruelty by some may, in truth, represent a necessary and transcendent act of creation. Ultimately, the piece presents an enduring meditation on legacy and the way cultural memory transforms personal acts into symbols of timeless wisdom. The fisherman, through his mysterious and ritualistic actions, becomes a vehicle for exploring the complexities of identity, the inevitability of change, and the hope that future generations will uncover deeper meanings hidden in what is often dismissed as mere eccentricity.
By W.B. Yeats · First published 1899 · Genre: Mythological Poetry, Symbolist Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 86 words
First lines
Although you hide in the ebb and flow / Of the pale tide when the moon has set, / The people of coming days will know / About the casting out of my net, / And how you have leaped times out of mind / Over the little silver cords, / And think that you were hard and unkind, / And blame you with many bitter words.
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Breasal the Fisherman is listed on Textopian as a poem by W.B. Yeats, dated 1899 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: W.B. Yeats
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythological Poetry, Symbolist Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Allegorical Poetry, Fantasy Poetry
- Length: 86 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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Genres
- Mythological Poetry — The poem interweaves mythic elements and archetypal figures, creating a sense of timeless legend.
- Symbolist Poetry — The work employs rich symbolic language and imagery, conveying deeper meanings beyond the literal text.
- Narrative Poetry — It tells a story through poetic verse, using a structured narrative to unfold its themes.
- Allegorical Poetry — The text uses allegory to present moral and philosophical reflections through its imagery and characters.
Tags
mythology · folklore · supernatural · symbolism · spiritual · mysticism · allegory · poetic · fantasy · Irish myth · legend · otherworldly