Ulisseia (epic poem) facts for kids
Ulisseia ou Lisboa Edificada is a famous long poem from Portugal. It was written by a Portuguese poet named Gabriel Pereira de Castro. This poem was published in 1636 by his brother, Luís Pereira de Castro. It tells an exciting story about the legendary hero Ulysses and how he discovered Portugal.
Contents
What is Ulisseia ou Lisboa Edificada?
This epic poem is a big story told in verse, much like a long song or a play. It's called "epic" because it's very long and tells about brave heroes and important events. The title means "Ulysses or Lisbon Built," which gives you a clue about what it's about!
Who Was Gabriel Pereira de Castro?
Gabriel Pereira de Castro was a Portuguese poet who lived a long time ago. He was known for his writing, and "Ulisseia ou Lisboa Edificada" is one of his most important works. He wrote this poem in a special style that was popular for epic poems back then.
When Was It Published?
The poem was published in the year 1636. This was after Gabriel Pereira de Castro had passed away. His brother, Luís Pereira de Castro, made sure the poem was printed so everyone could read it.
How is the Poem Written?
"Ulisseia ou Lisboa Edificada" is written in a special poetic form called ottava rima. In Portuguese, this is called oitava rima. This means each part of the poem, called a stanza, has eight lines. The lines follow a specific rhyming pattern: the first line rhymes with the third and fifth, the second with the fourth and sixth, and the last two lines rhyme with each other. It's like a musical pattern for words!
Here's an example of how a stanza looks and sounds:
As Armas e o varão que os mal seguros
Campos cortou do Egeu e do Oceano,
Que por perigos e trabalhos duros
Eternizou seu nome soberano:
A grã Lisboa e seus primeiros muros
(De Europa e largo Império Lusitano
Alta cabeça), se eu pudesse tanto,
À Pátria, ao mundo, à Eternidade canto.
This part talks about the hero and the great city of Lisbon, which is the capital of Portugal.
What is the Poem About?
The main story of the poem is about the famous hero Ulysses. You might know him from other Greek myths, like the story of the Trojan Horse. In this poem, Ulysses travels to the land that would become Portugal. The poem tells how he supposedly discovered the area where the great city of Lisbon was later built. It mixes history, myth, and imagination to tell a grand tale about the origins of Portugal.
