'Evarra And His Gods' by Rudyard Kipling
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~Read here:
This is the story of Evarra -- man --
Maker of Gods in lands beyond the sea.~
Because the city gave him of her gold,
Because the caravans brought turquoises,
Because his life was sheltered by the King,
So that no man should maim him, none should steal,
Or break his rest with babble in the streets
When he was weary after toil, he made
An image of his God in gold and pearl,
With turquoise diadem and human eyes,
A wonder in the sunshine, known afar,
And worshipped by the King; but, drunk with pride,
Because the city bowed to him for God,
He wrote above the shrine:"~Thus Gods are made,
And whoso makes them otherwise shall die.~"
And all the city praised him. . . .Then he died.
~Read here the story of Evarra -- man --
Maker of Gods in lands beyond the sea.~
Because the city had no wealth to give,
Because the caravans were spoiled afar,
Because his life was threatened by the King,
So that all men despised him in the streets,
He hewed the living rock, with sweat and tears,
And reared a God against the morning-gold,
A terror in the sunshine, seen afar,
And worshipped by the King; but, drunk with pride,
Because the city fawned to bring him back,
He carved upon the plinth:"~Thus Gods are made,
And whoso makes them otherwise shall die.~"
And all the people praised him. . . .Then he died.
~Read here the story of Evarra -- man --
Maker of Gods in lands beyond the sea.~
Because he lived among a simple folk,
Because his village was between the hills,
Because he smeared his cheeks with blood of ewes,
He cut an idol from a fallen pine,
Smeared blood upon its cheeks, and wedged a shell
Above its brows for eyes, and gave it hair
Of trailing moss, and plaited straw for crown.
And all the village praised him for this craft,
And brought him butter, honey, milk, and curds.
Wherefore, because the shoutings drove him mad,
He scratched upon that log:"~Thus Gods are made,
And whoso makes them otherwise shall die.~"
And all the people praised him. . . .Then he died.
~Read here the story of Evarra -- man --
Maker of Gods in lands beyond the sea.~
Because his God decreed one clot of blood
Should swerve one hair's-breadth from the pulse's path,
And chafe his brain, Evarra mowed alone,
Rag-wrapped, among the cattle in the fields,
Counting his fingers, jesting with the trees,
And mocking at the mist, until his God
Drove him to labour.Out of dung and horns
Dropped in the mire he made a monstrous God,
Abhorrent, shapeless, crowned with plantain tufts,
And when the cattle lowed at twilight-time,
He dreamed it was the clamour of lost crowds,
And howled among the beasts:"~Thus Gods are made,
And whoso makes them otherwise shall die.~"
Thereat the cattle bellowed. . . .Then he died.
Yet at the last he came to Paradise,
And found his own four Gods, and that he wrote;
And marvelled, being very near to God,
What oaf on earth had made his toil God's law,
Till God said mocking:"Mock not.These be thine."
Then cried Evarra:"I have sinned!" -- "Not so.
If thou hadst written otherwise, thy Gods
Had rested in the mountain and the mine,
And I were poorer by four wondrous Gods,
And thy more wondrous law, Evarra.Thine,
Servant of shouting crowds and lowing kine."
Thereat, with laughing mouth, but tear-wet eyes,
Evarra cast his Gods from Paradise.
~This is the story of Evarra -- man --
Maker of Gods in lands beyond the sea.~
Editor 1 Interpretation
Evarra And His Gods: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagery
Rudyard Kipling's "Evarra and His Gods" is a classic poem that explores the themes of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. The poem tells the story of Evarra, a young man who seeks the favor of his gods by sacrificing his most cherished possession, his horse. The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism and showcases Kipling's mastery of language and poetic form. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and symbols of "Evarra and His Gods" and explore the poem's relevance to contemporary readers.
Background
"Evarra and His Gods" was first published in The Seven Seas, a collection of Kipling's poems, in 1896. The poem is set in India, where Kipling spent his childhood and early adulthood. Kipling was fascinated by Indian culture and mythology, and this is reflected in his writing. "Evarra and His Gods" draws on Indian mythological and religious traditions, specifically the concept of sacrifice and devotion to the gods.
Themes: Faith, Sacrifice, and Redemption
The central theme of "Evarra and His Gods" is faith. Evarra believes that by sacrificing his horse to the gods, he will be able to win their favor and protection. He is willing to give up his most cherished possession in order to fulfill his religious duty. The poem explores the nature of faith and the role it plays in our lives. Is faith blind obedience to tradition and authority, or is it a personal connection with something greater than ourselves? Kipling leaves this question open, allowing readers to come to their own conclusions.
Another theme of the poem is sacrifice. Evarra's sacrifice of his horse is a powerful symbol of devotion and selflessness. The horse represents Evarra's identity and sense of self, and by sacrificing it, he is demonstrating his willingness to give up everything for the sake of his faith. The poem asks us to consider the nature of sacrifice and whether it is always necessary or justified. Is it possible to be too devoted to a cause, or is sacrifice always a noble and heroic act?
The final theme of the poem is redemption. Evarra's sacrifice is not in vain, as the gods ultimately reward him by protecting him from harm. The poem suggests that by sacrificing something of great value, we can gain the favor of the gods and earn our redemption. However, the poem also hints at the idea that redemption may not be permanent or universal. Evarra may have been redeemed in the eyes of his gods, but he is still subject to the whims of fate and the dangers of the world.
Imagery and Symbols
"Evarra and His Gods" is a poem rich in imagery and symbols. Kipling uses vivid language to create a picture of the world of Evarra and his gods. The opening stanza sets the tone for the poem with its evocative description of the setting:
The fetid dusk of the Indian day Came down o'er the city, miles away, On screed and rampart, wall and spire; Graffiti of Gods and Guns and Fire Where the throb of the temple-drums Beat up the same as the sound of bombs; And the dust of the streets and the smell of the kine Was one with the smoke of the joss and the pine.
Here, Kipling creates a vivid picture of the city, with its mix of sacred and profane elements. The imagery of "graffiti of Gods and Guns and Fire" suggests the violent and chaotic nature of the world of Evarra and his gods.
The most powerful symbol in the poem is the horse that Evarra sacrifices. The horse represents Evarra's identity and sense of self, and its sacrifice is a powerful symbol of Evarra's devotion and selflessness. The horse is described in great detail, with Kipling painting a vivid picture of its beauty and strength:
And they brought him a horse, a red-brown steed, Strong-limbed, lean-flanked, heart and breed, With wide nostrils, and eyes afire That seeing his master, knew desire.
The imagery of the horse suggests its importance to Evarra and his culture. The fact that the horse is described as "heart and breed" emphasizes its value as a symbol of power and status.
The gods are also important symbols in the poem. They are described as capricious and unpredictable, with the power to both bless and curse their followers. The imagery of the gods is often violent and destructive, as in the following lines:
The gods of the heathen are cruel gods, They rampage and thunder, they howl and hoot, They make the heart to be heavy and sick, They laugh at the anger of scarlet and wick.
Here, Kipling creates a vivid image of the gods as violent and unpredictable forces in the world, capable of both blessing and cursing their followers.
Contemporary Relevance
"Evarra and His Gods" may have been written over a century ago, but its themes and imagery are still relevant to contemporary readers. The idea of faith and sacrifice is still a powerful force in many cultures around the world. The poem asks us to consider the nature of faith and the role it plays in our lives, and this is a question that is still relevant today.
The idea of sacrifice is also still relevant today. Many people still make sacrifices for their faith or for a cause they believe in. The poem asks us to consider the nature of sacrifice and whether it is always necessary or justified. This is a question that is still debated today, especially in the context of religious or political extremism.
Finally, the idea of redemption is still relevant today. Many people seek redemption for past mistakes or transgressions. The poem suggests that redemption can be earned through sacrifice and devotion, but it also hints at the idea that redemption may not be permanent or universal. This is a question that is still debated today, especially in the context of criminal justice and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Evarra and His Gods" is a masterful poem that explores the themes of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism and showcases Kipling's mastery of language and poetic form. The relevance of the poem to contemporary readers is a testament to its enduring power and significance. As readers, we are left to ponder the nature of faith, sacrifice, and redemption, and to consider the role they play in our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Evarra And His Gods: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English author, poet, and journalist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Evarra And His Gods," which is a masterpiece of poetic expression and storytelling. This poem is a perfect example of Kipling's ability to weave together complex themes and ideas into a compelling narrative that captures the imagination of the reader.
The poem tells the story of Evarra, a young man who lives in a world where gods are an integral part of everyday life. Evarra is a poet, and he uses his gift of words to communicate with the gods and seek their guidance. The poem is set in a time when people believed that the gods controlled every aspect of their lives, from the weather to their fortunes.
The poem begins with Evarra's invocation of the gods, asking them to guide him in his quest for knowledge and understanding. He speaks of the many gods that he worships, each with their own unique powers and abilities. He describes how he communicates with them through his poetry, using his words to create a bridge between the mortal world and the divine.
As the poem progresses, we see Evarra's relationship with the gods evolve. He begins to question their motives and actions, wondering why they allow so much suffering and pain in the world. He becomes disillusioned with the gods, feeling that they are distant and uncaring.
Despite his doubts, Evarra continues to seek the guidance of the gods. He believes that they hold the key to understanding the mysteries of the universe and that they can help him find his place in the world. He continues to write poetry, using his words to explore the nature of the gods and their relationship with humanity.
The poem reaches its climax when Evarra finally confronts the gods. He demands answers to his questions, asking them why they allow so much suffering and pain in the world. The gods respond by telling him that they are not responsible for the actions of mortals, that they have given humanity free will and that it is up to them to make the right choices.
Evarra is not satisfied with this answer, and he continues to challenge the gods. He asks them why they created the world in the first place, why they allow evil to exist, and why they do not intervene to prevent suffering. The gods respond by telling him that they created the world out of love, that they allow evil to exist because it is necessary for the balance of the universe, and that they do intervene when necessary, but only when it is in the best interest of all.
The poem ends with Evarra's acceptance of the gods' answers. He realizes that he cannot fully understand the nature of the gods and that he must trust in their wisdom and guidance. He continues to write poetry, using his words to express his gratitude and reverence for the gods.
The poem "Evarra And His Gods" is a masterpiece of poetic expression and storytelling. It explores complex themes such as the nature of the divine, the relationship between gods and mortals, and the role of suffering in the world. Kipling's use of language is masterful, creating a vivid and immersive world that captures the imagination of the reader.
The poem is also a reflection of Kipling's own beliefs and worldview. Kipling was a deeply spiritual person, and his works often explore themes of faith, morality, and the human condition. "Evarra And His Gods" is a testament to Kipling's belief in the power of the divine and the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from a higher power.
In conclusion, "Evarra And His Gods" is a timeless masterpiece of poetry that continues to captivate and inspire readers to this day. Kipling's use of language and storytelling is unparalleled, creating a world that is both immersive and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to Kipling's skill as a writer and his deep understanding of the human condition.
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