The Tale of Balen by Algernon Charles Swinburne

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Author Swinburne, Algernon Charles, 1837-1909
Title The Tale of Balen
Note Reading ease score: 76.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Credits Transcribed from the 1896 Chatto & Windus edition by David Price
Summary "The Tale of Balen" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a lyrical narrative poem written in the late 19th century, reflecting the styles and themes common in the Victorian era. It follows the tragic story of Sir Balen, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who becomes embroiled in fate's cruel intricacies and the themes of chivalry, honor, and familial bonds. The poem explores the consequences of actions driven by pride, jealousy, and love, all set against the backdrop of Arthurian legend. In the poem, Balen becomes a highly regarded knight at Camelot but soon finds himself cursed by a mysterious oracle after a chance encounter leads him to inadvertently slay a wronged knight. Encouraged by noble intentions, he embarks on a journey fraught with peril. Along the way, he meets his brother Balan, yet, due to tragic circumstances and misidentifications, the two ultimately face each other in battle, unaware of their familial ties. Their tragic deaths fulfill the ominous prophecy, leaving a legacy that intertwines heroism with sorrow, illustrating the inevitable tragedy of noble knights caught in the web of fate. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject English poetry -- 19th century
Category Text
EBook-No. 2136
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Dec 24, 2008
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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