Many poets have writings that have survived since ancient times, but more still existed that history writes little about. Readers can find volumes written about the favorites of scholars in various libraries throughout the world. Here today is an offering of 3 lesser known, but equally important members of the ancient poet societies and a brief introduction to their contributions within the literary landscape.
Sappho Wedding Hymn (Epithalamion) The Greek poet Sappho is important for her role in changing poetry, as a woman and her perspectives on gender in the ancient world. Sappho was one of the most influential women of her time, known as one of the nine lyrical poets during her lifetime. She wrote of love and sexual passion, even in famed pieces like the Wedding Hymn. Although famous now, while living Sappho spent much time either in persecution or avoidance of the law, but also in prison. Her perspectives are unique for the time period in Ancient Greece. Livius Andronicus Translation of The Odyssey (Odusia) The Roman poet Livius Andronicus is noteworthy and considered the greatest poet of his time, although none but scraps of his poetry remain today. Most of his actual poetry is documented, but not available to read today. We do have evidence of many translations he did of great works, which lends proof to his poet status, our ranking many others modern scholars praise so highly. The most important work being his translation of the Odyssey by Homer. He was the first poet to translate poetry from a language foreign to him into his own Roman language, then translate it into other languages in his lifetime. Qu Yuan The Lament (Li Sao) The Chinese poet Qu Yuan is more important to poetry than many of his contemporaries, but is forgotten in most modern literary history. The Lament is not only a remarkable poetic work, but is easily among China's greatest poems ever written. It is an epic length piece filled with new imagery and similes that had never been used by an Eastern poet. It is also a poem about historical myths intermingled with real political ideas. It maybe one of the first poetic works to promote nationalism or patriotic idealism for a person loving his country. This an many other things make him a distinctive and important poet to remember worldwide.
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