The Supernatural and Mythological Elements in Romantic Poetry

In a majority of poems from the Romantic era there is a profusion of the use of supernatural and mythological references in reference to the content of the individual pieces. They would come in various states and mean different things, yet they would all serve the same purpose and that would be to help the reader understand and appreciate the sense of awe and creative genius that made this piece what it is. As Wordsworth said, "Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings," and you would not find much more of an appreciated understanding of what is meant unless one reads the poetic geniuses of the likes of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

In the poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" S.T Coleridge shows clearly why he is still revered today as one of the best of all times. This piece is not only powerful with supernatural and mythological elements but has an aura of what is essential in all great work, emotional content. There is such an abundance of information that can readily be given that it is almost impossible to choose what to speak of.

This piece is essentially about crime and punishment. The crime is not just a meager one of a senseless killing, but rather one against nature of and the power of the Creator and it is the power of God that punishes this Mariner. One might think of it as unjust to be punished for killing an Albatross, yet, without the use of this bird, there would not be the richness of text that everyone who read it appreciates. The Albatross was more than just a bird that followed his ship. It was a guide sent by the Almighty, a sign of good luck, a protector of sorts and also a being that was more a part of the crew since it ate their food, was with them for vespers and was even spoken of with the phrase "As if it had a Christian soul," (Rime of the Ancient mariner, Line 65).