description Leda and the Swan Overview
W.B. Yeats’ “Leda and the Swan” is a 1923 sonnet exploring the Greek myth of Zeus transforming into a swan to seduce Leda. The poem examines this violent encounter as a pivotal moment in history, directly linked to the origins of the Trojan War. It's notable for its modernist lyric style and complex engagement with classical themes.
This work is relevant for students and scholars studying Yeats’ poetry, modernism, or Greek mythology.
help Leda and the Swan FAQ
Who wrote 'Leda and the Swan'?
'Leda and the Swan' is a famous sonnet written by the Irish poet W. B. Yeats in 1923. It draws heavily on classical Greek mythology to address themes of violent historical transitions.
What is the poem 'Leda and the Swan' about?
The poem retells the Greek myth where Zeus, disguised as a swan, assaults the mortal woman Leda. Yeats treats this violent event as a pivotal historical turning point that ultimately spawned the Trojan War.
How does 'Leda and the Swan' connect to the Trojan War?
In the myth and Yeats's poem, Leda becomes pregnant from the assault and later lays eggs that hatch Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Helen's subsequent abduction triggers the Trojan War, making Zeus's assault the violent catalyst for a major era of bloodshed.
What poetic form did Yeats use for 'Leda and the Swan'?
Yeats structured the poem as a modified Shakespearean sonnet, utilizing an ABAB CDCD EFGEFG rhyme scheme. He varied the traditional meter slightly with loose iambs to mimic the violent, beating wings of the swan.
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