A Song to Mithras
(Hymn of the 30th Legion: circa A.D. 350.)
By Rudyard Kipling
Mithras, God of the Morning, our trumpets waken the Wall!
'Rome is above the Nations, but Thou art over all!'
Now as the names are answered and the guards are marched away,
Mithras, also a soldier, give us strength for the day!
Mithras, God of the Noontide, the heather swims in the heat.
Our helmets scorch our foreheads, our sandals burn our feet.
Now in the ungirt hour — now ere we blink and drowse,
Mithras, also a soldier, keep us true to our vows!
Mithras, God of the Sunset, low on the Western main —
Thou descending immortal, immortal to rise again!
Now when the watch is ended, now when the wine is drawn,
Mithras, also a soldier, keep us pure till the dawn!
Mithras, God of the Midnight, here where the great bull dies,
Look on thy children in darkness. Oh take our sacrifice!
Many roads thou hast fashioned — all of them lead to the Light:
Mithras, also a soldier, teach us to die aright!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling's poem "A Song to Mithras" is a hymn-like tribute to the Roman god Mithras, celebrated here in four distinct verses corresponding to different times of day. The poem reflects Kipling's fascination with military themes and his interest in ancient mythology.
Structure and Form
"A Song to Mithras" consists of four stanzas, each addressing Mithras in a different aspect corresponding to different times of day:
- Morning: Mithras as the God of the Morning
- Noontide: Mithras as the God of the Noontide
- Sunset: Mithras as the God of the Sunset
- Midnight: Mithras as the God of the Midnight
Each stanza follows a similar structure with a plea or invocation to Mithras, addressing him as "God of" the specific time period, and ending with a request or affirmation related to soldiers and their duties.
Themes
- Military Allegiance and Strength: The central theme of the poem revolves around soldiers and their devotion to Mithras, who is invoked as a fellow soldier ("Mithras, also a soldier"). The soldiers seek strength, loyalty, purity, and guidance in their military duties from Mithras, emphasizing their belief in his protection and support.
- Time and Ritual: The poem's organization around different times of day — morning, noontide, sunset, and midnight — reflects a ritualistic or ceremonial aspect. Each time period signifies a different phase of activity or rest for the soldiers, and Mithras is invoked to guide them through these phases with strength and integrity.
- Spiritual and Mythological Imagery: Kipling employs rich mythological imagery associated with Mithras, who was a Persian deity adopted into Roman religion. Mithras is depicted as a transcendent figure, symbolic of light, renewal, and strength. The references to rituals, sacrifices, and the journey towards light ("Many roads thou hast fashioned — all of them lead to the Light") underscore Mithras's role as a divine figure guiding souls towards enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment.
Language and Tone
- Invocation and Devotion: The tone of the poem is reverential and solemn, typical of hymns or prayers. Kipling's use of direct address ("Mithras, God of the Morning," "Mithras, also a soldier") enhances the sense of personal devotion and urgency in the soldiers' pleas for divine assistance.
- Imagery and Symbolism: The poem is replete with vivid imagery that evokes the harsh realities of military life ("helmets scorch our foreheads," "sandals burn our feet"). The symbolism of Mithras as a soldier himself aligns with the Roman military ethos of strength, discipline, and duty.
- Rhythm and Meter: The poem's rhythm is structured and measured, with regular rhyme and meter (often iambic), which enhances its hymnal quality and reinforces its ceremonial tone. This rhythmic structure contributes to the poem's solemnity and reverence.
"A Song to Mithras" by Rudyard Kipling is a poignant tribute to the Roman god Mithras, framed within the context of military devotion and ritual. Through its structured form, rich mythological imagery, and reverential tone, the poem explores themes of strength, loyalty, and spiritual guidance sought by soldiers in their daily lives. Kipling's skillful use of language and symbolism makes "A Song to Mithras" a compelling example of his ability to blend historical myth with poetic expression, offering readers a glimpse into ancient religious practices and human aspirations for divine protection and enlightenment.