
This lyrical epic invites listeners into the shadowy world of Hades, where ancient myth intertwines with Victorian imagination. Through vivid, sweeping verses the poet paints a landscape of dim rivers, twisted groves, and restless spirits, setting a tone that is both haunting and contemplative.
A lone wanderer drifts through the gloom, confronting the silent cries of souls trapped in solitary torment. The verses linger on the weight of destiny, the chains that bind mortals, and the paradox of isolation amid endless company. Yet beneath the darkness glimmers a quiet yearning for renewal, as the narrator seeks meaning in the endless night.
Listeners will be drawn into the rich tapestry of mythic figures—Tantalus, Sisyphus, Persephone—each hinted at in the opening, promising a journey that balances dread with a subtle, hopeful resolve. The poetic language, rich with classical allusions and vivid imagery, makes the experience feel both ancient and freshly alive.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (198K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Paul Murray, Rory OConor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2011-11-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1833–1907
A widely read Welsh poet in the Victorian era, he wrote long narrative poems and verse dramas that brought classical stories and moral questions to a broad audience. He was also active in public life, combining a literary career with work in education and politics.
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