Leda and the Swan

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1924

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Poem Analysis

Themes

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Literary Devices

Related Poems

“Leda” by H.D. (1921)

Mythological themes were a popular source of inspiration for many Modernist poets, including Hilda Dolittle (1886-1961), an American poet who published her poems under her initials, H.D. In her poetry, H.D. often drew upon Greek myths just as Yeats did, and in this poem she also reimagines the encounter between Leda and Zeus.

“No Second Troy” by William Butler Yeats (1916)

“No Second Troy” is one of the many love poems inspired by Yeats’s unrequited passion for Maud Gonne and exemplifies how Yeats’s work frequently compared Gonne to Helen of Troy. The poem also speaks to his fascination with Greek mythology and the Trojan War more generally, which makes it an interesting companion piece to “Leda and the Swan.”

“The Tower” by William Butler Yeats (1928)

“The Tower” is the titular poem from one of Yeats’s most acclaimed poetry collections of his later years. In this lengthy and rich poem, Yeats reflects upon his mythological influences—including Helen of Troy and Greek civilization—and his own artistic and personal experiences. “The Tower” is an excellent example of Yeats’s masterful mature style while also exhibiting the continuity of some of his main thematic interests and influences.

Further Literary Resources

“William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)” by the Poetry Foundation

This biographical overview of Yeats’s life and work by the editors of the Poetry Foundation is a useful introduction for the newcomer to Yeats’s work. The page also contains links to some full-text editions of some of his major poetic works.

Official Website: The Yeats Society by the Yeats Society Sligo

This is the official website for the Yeats Society in County Sligo, Ireland. The website features general introductory information on Yeats’s life and work, with PDF files for some of his poems. Readers can also learn more about County Sligo itself, which was an important place for Yeats, and can discover some of the events hosted by the Society in honor of Yeats and his poetry.

“W. B. Yeats and the Ireland of His Time: A Talk Delivered at the Oxford Literary Festival” by Daniel Mulhall at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs (2015)

“W. B. Yeats and the Ireland of His Time” is a public lecture delivered at the 2015 Oxford Literary Festival by Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s ambassador to England. In this thoughtful and insightful speech, Mulhall offers some information about the historical context of Yeats’s writing and Yeats’s complex relationship with the Irish nationalist movement, exploring how his poetry reflects his own attitudes and ideas.

Works: William Butler Yeats by Project Gutenberg

Since Yeats’s work is in the public domain, the Project Gutenberg database offers free files in various formats of his major collections and works. Interested readers can explore his poetry, plays, and some of his prose.

Listen to Poem

Jeremy Irons Reads “Leda and the Swan” by William Butler Yeats

This rich and clear reading of “Leda and the Swan” by acclaimed British actor Jeremy Irons captures the gravitas and pathos of Yeats’s poem. The video features an Italian translation of the poem in the captions.