Nor Avalon the grass-green hollow, nor Joyous Isle,
Where one found Lancelot crazed and hid him for a while;
Nor Uladh, when Naoise had thrown a sail upon the wind;
Nor lands that seem too dim to be burdens on the heart:
Land-under-Wave, where out of the moon’s light and the sun’s
Seven old sisters wind the threads of the long-lived ones,
Land-of-the-Tower, where Aengus has thrown the gates apart,
And Wood-of-Wonders, where one kills an ox at dawn,
To find it when night falls laid on a golden bier.
Therein are many queens like Branwen and Guinevere;
And Niamh and Laban and Fand, who could change to an otter or fawn,
And the wood-woman, whose lover was changed to a blue-eyed hawk;
And whether I go in my dreams by woodland, or dun, or shore,
Or on the unpeopled waves with kings to pull at the oar,
I hear the harp-string praise them, or hear their mournful talk.
Because of something told under the famished horn
Of the hunter’s moon, that hung between the night and the day,
To dream of women whose beauty was folded in dismay,
Even in an old story, is a burden not to be borne.
Poem Analysis:
William Butler Yeats' "Under the Moon" is a poem that explores themes of longing, nostalgia, and the burden of unattainable desires. Through vivid imagery and mythical allusions, Yeats creates a dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the speaker's yearning for distant lands and lost loves.
Yearning for Mythical Lands: The poem begins with the speaker expressing his lack of happiness in dreaming about mythical lands such as Brycelinde, Avalon, Joyous Isle, Uladh, Land-under-Wave, Land-of-the-Tower, and Wood-of-Wonders. These mythical places are associated with legends and tales of heroism, love, and magic. However, the speaker finds no solace or joy in imagining these distant realms.
Mythical Figures and Legends: Yeats introduces a cast of mythical figures and legends associated with the various lands mentioned in the poem. These include Lancelot, Naoise, Aengus, Branwen, Guinevere, Niamh, Laban, and Fand. Each of these figures represents different aspects of love, longing, and transformation, adding to the richness of the poem's imagery and symbolism.
The Burden of Unattainable Desires: The speaker reflects on the burden of longing for something that can never be attained. The mention of a story told "under the famished horn / Of the hunter’s moon" suggests a tale of unfulfilled desires and lost love. The beauty of the women in the story is described as "folded in dismay," hinting at the fleeting and ephemeral nature of beauty and happiness.
Dreamlike Imagery and Atmosphere: Throughout the poem, Yeats creates a dreamlike atmosphere through his use of vivid imagery and mythical references. The speaker's dreams take him to woodlands, duns, shores, and unpeopled waves, where he encounters mythical kings, queens, and creatures. The harp-string praises them, adding to the enchanting and otherworldly quality of the poem.
The Power of Myth and Imagination: "Under the Moon" underscores the power of myth and imagination to transport us to distant realms and evoke deep emotions. The speaker's yearning for mythical lands and legendary figures reflects a universal human longing for something beyond the ordinary and mundane.
In conclusion, "Under the Moon" by William Butler Yeats is a poignant exploration of longing, nostalgia, and the elusive nature of happiness. Through its evocative imagery and mythical allusions, the poem invites readers to ponder the complexities of human desire and the enduring power of myth and imagination.