Heroes

Narrator

Heroes are celebrated figures the narrator admires and aligns with as comrades in a democratic, epic vision.

Narrator

Heroes are celebrated figures the narrator admires and aligns with as comrades in a democratic, epic vision.

With Music Strong I Come

Both known and unknown heroes are celebrated, especially those who have failed or fallen.

The Universal Self

The narrator understands 'the large hearts of heroes,' including the skipper who saves a drifting company.

The Body at Auction

The man's body contains 'the makings of heroes,' linking physicality to greatness.

A Woman Waits for Me

The greater heroes and bards that sleep enveloped in women, awaiting the speaker's touch.

When I Peruse the Conquer’d Fame

Conquered heroes and mighty generals whose fame is perused.

Chapter 7: Visions of the Earth

Referenced as part of the 'records of the earth' and the unnamed figures of past expeditions.

Our Old Feuillage

Heroes are subtly present in the depiction of the scout, the miner, and the 'athletic American matron,' representing the everyday valor and strength of the American people.

The Log at the Wood-Pile

Alluded to in the 'antique European warrior' and those who fought for liberty.

A Song of the Rolling Earth

Mentioned as part of the 'august chorus of heroes' that exists underneath the ostensible sounds of the earth.

Song for All Seas, All Ships

Unnamed heroes on ships, preserved as seed for the race, appearing by ones or twos.

Song for All Seas, All Ships

The unnamed heroes in the ships, the intrepid sailors and sea-captains chosen by the sea.

The Centenarian's Story

The young brigade of Virginia and Maryland who marched steadfastly to their deaths.

The Wound-Dresser

Referenced as 'unsurpass'd heroes' from both sides of the battle.

An Old Man Bending

Unsurpassed heroes on both sides of the conflict, equally brave.

I Saw Old General at Bay

The volunteers who step forth from the ranks, risking their lives cheerfully for the cause.

To the Leaven’d Soil They Trod

Referenced in 'the plains of the poems of heroes' as part of the landscape.

The Return of the Heroes

The returning soldiers are called 'heroes' who now toil in the fields, wielding 'better weapons' of harvest and peace.

The Turn from War

The soldiers and armies who fought in the war, both the proud brigades and the dread following ranks.

The Return of the Heroes

The returning heroes are described as youthful yet veteran soldiers, hardened by campaigns, who melt away into peace.

Song of the Broad-Axe 7

Seen at other toils, wielding better weapons in the fields.

Toil on Heroes

The toiling farmers and workers harvesting the land.

To a Foil’d European Revolutionaire

Mentioned as 'the named and unnamed heroes' who pass to other spheres after suffering in the struggle for liberty.

The Law of Identity and Transformation

Mentioned as subject to the same eternal law as all others, including drunkards and informers.

The Law of Identity and the Goodness of the Universe

Mentioned among those who are well under the present and past law, alongside good-doers.

From Far Dakota’s Canyons

Custer and his officers and men are described as fighting with sternest heroism, yielding up themselves in death.

Pensive on Her Dead Gazing

The fallen young men, referred to as 'immortal heroes,' whose bodies and blood are absorbed by the earth.

True Conquerors

Old farmers, travelers, workmen, sailors, and soldiers are depicted as true conquerors through their endurance.

The Unexpress’d

Referenced as part of the retrospective passions and subjects of past expression.

The Few Drops Known

Referenced as part of the known fragments of history, representing the scant recorded deeds amidst the vast unknown.