Bard

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 A bard is a poet who writes and recites poems, often about history, legends, and heroic deeds. In ancient times, bards were storytellers, musicians, and historians, preserving culture through spoken word and song.

Features of a Bard:

  1. Poet and Storyteller – Bards composed and recited poetry, usually about heroes, battles, or legends.
  2. Musical Element – Many bards sang or played instruments while performing.
  3. Oral Tradition – Their work was passed down through generations before being written.
  4. Praise and Criticism – Bards praised kings and warriors but also criticized rulers and society.
  5. Connection to Myth and Legend – Many bards told stories about gods, warriors, and magical beings.

Famous Bards in History and Literature:

  • William Shakespeare – Known as the "Bard of Avon" because of his great influence on poetry and drama.
  • Homer – The ancient Greek bard who wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey.
  • Ossian – A legendary Scottish bard whose poems were collected in the 18th century.
  • Welsh and Celtic Bards – In medieval Wales and Ireland, bards were respected poets who sang about history and heroes.

Bards in Modern Culture:

Even today, we use the word "bard" to describe great poets, and modern singer-songwriters (like Bob Dylan) are sometimes called bards for their storytelling through music.


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