Poems about heroism celebrate the noble and courageous actions of individuals who exhibit exceptional bravery, selflessness, and moral fortitude. These poems pay homage to those who go above and beyond, risking their own well-being for the greater good.
Poems about heroism often depict extraordinary feats in the face of adversity, whether on the battlefield, in everyday life, or in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Through powerful language, these poems inspire and uplift, reminding us of the potential for greatness within each of us and the transformative power of acts of heroism.
‘Lochinvar’ is a ballad about a young and courageous knight who saves his beloved, the fair lady Ellen, from marrying another man.
Lochinvar is a true chivalric hero with the courage, determination, and handsomeness of an Arthurian knight. In the poem's context, he fights for the good, motivated only by love. In the end, these characteristics help him reunite and ride off with Ellen despite all the rules that prohibit them from being together.
O young Lochinvar is come out of the west,
Through all the wide Border his steed was the best;
‘Penelope’ contrasts the realities women and men have historically experienced during wars to asks questions about what bravery means.
Heroism, in its traditional sense, has been rooted in masculine ideals of strength, overt bravery, and acts of impertinence in the name of glory. Parker's poem undermines those expectations by choosing to focus on a more subtle form of feminine heroism.
‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a historically important poem that tells of the incredible bravery of the British cavalry during the Battle of Balaclava.
Tennyson presents the Light Brigade as brave figures who rode into danger without hesitation. They knew the risks, yet they still advanced. Their actions are shown as heroic not because they succeeded, but because they showed courage and unity under pressure. Even after the mistake was clear, they did not stop. The poet uses this to remind readers that real heroism often comes from following through in hard situations, even when the odds are against you.
‘On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year’ by Lord Byron reflects on the poet’s passionate life and his desire for an honorable end, filled with themes of glory and heroism.
Heroism is one of the most important ideas in this poem. Byron feels that if he can no longer live a meaningful life, then maybe he can still die in a meaningful way. He wants to be remembered not for his sadness or mistakes, but for ending his life with courage and purpose. The way he talks about ancient heroes and noble deaths shows that he sees heroism as a kind of final redemption.
‘The Man from Snowy River’ by Banjo Paterson is an example of a Bush Ballad. It deals with the Australian ideology of horsemanship.
The poem explores heroism through the protagonist's actions, highlighting qualities of courage, determination, and selflessness. By risking his life for the pursuit of the wild horses, the man embodies the idea of the hero—someone who stands firm in the face of challenges, achieving something extraordinary, not for personal gain, but for the greater good of the community.
There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from Old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses - he was worth a thousand pound,
‘The Triumph of Achilles’ depicts the titular hero as he mourns the loss of his beloved companion Patroclus.
The poem deconstructs the reader's expectations of heroism by showing Achilles at his most vulnerable. Rather than depict him on the battlefield where he resembled a god, he is shown grieving for his companion. This subversion of the expectations of heroism forces the reader to contemplate what a hero is more broadly.
‘Odysseus Decision’ offers a fresh and original depiction of one of literature’s most enigmatic figures, the Greek hero Odysseus.
Rather than portray Odysseus at his most conventionally heroic, Glück's poem instead chooses to contemplate the nature of heroism more broadly. The poem appears to suggest that, at its core, heroism requires an essential selfishness because Odysseus' thoughts are not of his family but rather about continuing to grow his own legacy.
The great man turns his back on the island. Now he will not die in paradise nor hear again the lutes of paradise among the olive trees,
Longfellow’s ‘Paul Revere’s Ride’ (1861) recounts the historic 1775 ride, blending American patriotism with a subtle anti-slavery message.
Paul Revere is shown as a brave and determined figure whose actions helped protect his community. He takes a huge risk by riding through the night to alert people. The poem focuses on his quick thinking and fearless response, turning him into a symbol of what it means to be a hero. His courage and sense of duty are what the poem remembers most, presenting heroism as both noble and necessary in dangerous times.
Whitman’s ‘An Army Corps on the March’ is a moving depiction of soldiers marching forward tirelessly during the Civil War. No matter how exhausted they were, they had a goal to fulfill and a dream to achieve!
Heroism is portrayed in the soldiers’ bravery and dedication as they march towards battle, with Whitman emphasizing their courage and willingness to face danger for their country, showing how their actions embody the spirit of heroism, even amid fear and uncertainty, as they fulfill their duties.
Glittering dimly, toiling under the sun—the dust-cover'd men,
In columns rise and fall to the undulations of the ground,
With artillery interspers'd—the wheels rumble, the horses sweat,
‘After the Titanic’ offers a unique character study into an important historical figure but also explores how people handle disaster.
The poem contrasts heroism with self-preservation. Ismay is condemned for fleeing instead of staying to help, and Mahon presents a complex perspective: was his survival instinct natural, or was he truly a coward? The absence of heroism in his story makes his disgrace even more profound.
‘The Song of Hiawatha’ Introduction by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the first in a series of sections, or cantos, from the long epic poem, ‘The Song of Hiawatha.’
As an archetypal hero, Hiawatha's narrative is replete with acts of valor, wisdom, and sacrifice. His deeds, both grand and small, exemplify the traits of a leader and savior, making his tale an inspiring saga of heroism.
In ‘Glory of Women,’ Siegfried Sassoon attacks the role of women in wartime and makes them complicit in the deaths of the men they claim to “worship”.
Sassoon challenges the idea of heroism in the poem. He shows that medals and talk of glory can’t erase the horrors that soldiers face. His words make readers question whether heroism really means anything in the middle of mud, blood, and broken bodies. The poem leaves us wondering if heroism is just a story people tell to make themselves feel better about war’s true cost.
‘Opportunity’ by Edward Rowland Sill is a narrative poem that describes an imagined or real battle and a unique opportunity that presents itself.
Heroism is showcased by the king’s son, who steps up to lead and win the battle despite being initially unarmed and wounded. This topic is about doing what's right and necessary, even when it's hard. The poem celebrates heroic actions as transformative and impactful, inspiring others to act valiantly.
‘Antarctica’ by Derek Mahon is a poem that takes a look at the events of Captain Oates’ self-sacrifice in Antarctica.
The sacrifice that Oates made has often been seen as an act of heroism. Although the rest of the team ultimately died, he sacrificed himself for others in the hope that it would save them. The hardship of his death, as well as his acceptance of it, shows heroism.
‘The Spires of Oxford’ by Winifred M. Letts is a memorial war poem that explores the loss of innumerable men from Oxford. The poet expresses her hope these men are in Heaven.
The portrayal of the men's readiness to sacrifice their lives showcases their heroism. The poem highlights their courage and valor in the face of war. It praises the selfless acts of these men, viewing them as heroes who faced great dangers to uphold the values they believed in.
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